Why You’ll Love This Steak Tacos Recipe
When you take your first bite of these steak tacos, you’ll immediately understand why they’re a favorite in my kitchen. The tender, juicy steak combined with the vibrant flavors of the chili paste marinade creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Each taco bursts with freshness from the toppings, making them a perfect balance of savory and tangy. I love how easy they’re to prepare—ideal for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends.
Plus, they’re customizable! You can switch up the toppings to suit your mood. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Ingredients of Steak Tacos
When it comes to making steak tacos, having the right ingredients is essential for achieving that mouthwatering flavor. Trust me, it makes a world of difference. You want to gather everything before you start, so you don’t find yourself running around the kitchen at the last minute.
Plus, it’s a great excuse to hit up your local grocery store and maybe even discover a new favorite snack along the way. So, let’s explore what you need to whip up these delicious steak tacos.
Here’s your shopping list:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons cracked black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2-2 lbs flank steaks, about 3/4 inches thick
- Kosher salt
- 8 flour tortillas (8 inches)
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese or 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 2 cups prepared chunky salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
Now, before you dash off to the store, let’s chat about a few things. First, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can certainly swap out the cheese for something like crumbled queso fresco or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
And don’t shy away from the toppings—add some diced avocado or fresh cilantro if you’re looking to elevate your taco game.
Oh, and don’t forget the importance of letting that steak marinate. It’s like giving your meat a little spa day before it hits the grill. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later.
How to Make Steak Tacos
Making steak tacos is as much about the journey as it’s about the destination. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and immerse ourselves in the deliciousness.
First things first, gather your ingredients. You’ll need 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 2 teaspoons of cracked black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon of granulated garlic, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Mix these together in a bowl to create a flavorful paste. It’s like creating your own little flavor potion. Seriously, the smell alone will have you dreaming of tacos.
Now, grab your flank steak, which should weigh about 1 1/2 to 2 lbs and be roughly 3/4 inches thick. Trim any surface fat off the steak. Then, slather that glorious paste all over both sides of the meat. Think of it as a generous massage for your steak; it deserves it.
Once it’s all coated, place that beauty in a large zip-lock plastic bag, press out the air, seal it tight, and pop it in the fridge for 4 to 6 hours. This is the marinating time where the steak really gets to soak up all those flavors. If you’re like me, this is the time when you might start pacing around the kitchen, counting down the minutes like a kid waiting for dessert.
After the steak has had its spa day, take it out and let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is essential because it helps the steak cook evenly on the grill. Season it with kosher salt before tossing it on the grill over direct medium heat. Grill it for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for that perfect medium-rare.
Once it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes; this is where patience pays off. Cut the steak across the grain into thin strips, and now the fun begins. Warm your flour tortillas by wrapping them in foil and grilling them for about 2 minutes.
Now, assemble your tacos with the steak, 2 cups of grated cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack), 4 cups of shredded romaine lettuce, and a generous spoonful of chunky salsa. Top it off with 1 cup of sour cream. Fold those tortillas up, and voilà! Dinner is served. Just try not to get too much salsa on your shirt. Trust me, it happens to the best of us.
Steak Tacos Substitutions & Variations
After you’ve mastered the art of making steak tacos, you might find yourself wanting to mix things up a bit.
Try swapping flank steak for skirt steak or even chicken for a lighter option. If you’re feeling adventurous, marinate your meat in a different sauce like teriyaki or chimichurri.
For tortillas, corn tortillas add a nice texture, while lettuce wraps are a great low-carb choice.
You can also experiment with toppings—think avocado slices, pickled onions, or jalapeños for extra kick.
Each variation can give your tacos a unique twist that keeps things exciting at the dinner table!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your steak tacos turn out perfectly, I recommend prepping all your ingredients ahead of time. It saves you stress and makes the cooking process smoother.
Don’t skip letting the steak rest after grilling; this helps retain juices for a tender bite. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more chili paste to the marinade.
Also, warm your tortillas on the grill just before serving for added flavor. Finally, don’t hesitate to get creative with toppings—avocado slices or pickled jalapeños can elevate your tacos even further.
Enjoy the deliciousness!