Why You’ll Love This Flank Steak Tacos Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, you’re going to love this flank steak tacos recipe. The combination of smoky paprika and spices creates a robust marinade that elevates the steak to a whole new level.
I appreciate how quickly this dish comes together, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Grilling the steak adds a delicious char, and the tender slices practically melt in your mouth.
Plus, serving them in warm tortillas makes for a satisfying experience. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds—trust me, they’re irresistible!
Ingredients of Flank Steak Tacos
When it comes to whipping up a delicious meal, having the right ingredients is key. For these smoky paprika flank steak tacos, you’ll want to gather a few essentials that pack a punch in flavor without taking all day to prepare.
If you’re like me, you might’ve a few of these items already hanging out in your pantry, which is always a bonus. So let’s take a look at what you need to make this delicious dish come to life.
Ingredients for Flank Steak Tacos
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 1/4 teaspoons hot paprika
- 2 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (1 1/2 lb) flank steak, trimmed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 (6 inch) corn tortillas
Now, before you plunge into cooking, let’s chat a little about these ingredients. Flank steak is a fantastic cut of meat; it’s lean, flavorful, and perfect for grilling.
Don’t worry if you’ve never cooked flank steak before. With the right marinade, it practically does all the work for you. The combination of hot paprika, cumin, and the touch of brown sugar creates that delightful balance of savory and slightly sweet that makes your taste buds do a happy dance.
Oh, and those tortillas? Warm them up just right, and they’ll cradle those juicy steak slices like a warm hug. Trust me, you’ll want these tacos on your dinner table more often than not.
How to Make Flank Steak Tacos
Alright, let’s plunge into the delicious world of making flank steak tacos, shall we? First things first—grab your 1 1/2 lb flank steak and get ready to make it sing with flavor.
In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 1/4 teaspoons of hot paprika, 2 1/4 teaspoons of ground cumin, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of dark brown sugar. Add in 1/2 teaspoon of Spanish smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of ground red pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of celery seed, and 3 minced garlic cloves. This spice mix is going to work magic on your steak, so don’t hold back.
Rub it all over the meat, making sure it’s coated evenly. Cover it up and let it chill in the fridge for about 2 hours. Trust me, the longer it marinates, the more flavorful it gets. You can use this time to daydream about how good those tacos are going to be—because they’ll be.
Once you’ve patiently waited (or maybe you snuck a bite or two, I won’t judge), it’s time to fire up the grill. Preheat it to high heat, and while that’s heating up, sprinkle your marinated steak with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. This is like giving it a little pep talk before it hits the grill.
Now, place your steak on a grill rack that you’ve coated with cooking spray (no one wants a sticky situation). Grill it for about 6 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. I usually aim for medium-rare, but hey, you do you.
Once it’s done, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step is essential—let it relax so those juices can redistribute.
Now, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. This will guarantee each bite is tender and easy to enjoy.
While you’re doing that, heat up your 12 (6 inch) corn tortillas according to the package directions. You want them warm and ready to embrace those juicy steak slices.
Finally, assemble your tacos, dividing the steak evenly among the tortillas. You can jazz them up with your favorite toppings—maybe some fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a squeeze of lime.
And just like that, you’ve got a plate full of flank steak tacos that are sure to impress. Who knew whipping up a delicious meal could feel this rewarding?
Flank Steak Tacos Substitutions & Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making those delicious flank steak tacos, let’s explore some exciting substitutions and variations to keep things fresh.
You can swap flank steak for skirt steak or even chicken for a lighter option.
Try using different tortillas, like flour or whole wheat, for a new twist.
For toppings, avocado, pickled onions, or crumbled queso fresco work wonders.
If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some chipotle peppers for extra heat.
And don’t forget about fresh herbs; cilantro or parsley can brighten up the flavors beautifully.
The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your smoky paprika flank steak turns out perfectly, I recommend a few key tips.
First, let the steak marinate for at least two hours; this enhances the flavor. When grilling, make sure your grill is really hot to achieve a nice sear.
I always let the steak rest for about ten minutes after grilling—this helps keep it juicy. Remember to slice against the grain for tender pieces.
Finally, don’t hesitate to customize the spice blend to suit your taste. Enjoy exploring different flavor profiles, and you’ll find a combination that you absolutely love!