These Easy Flank Steak Tacos are full of flavor, thanks to the juicy beef and a tasty garlicky cilantro sauce that will make your taste buds dance! Perfect for any taco night.
Honestly, these tacos are so simple to make, even I can whip them up on a busy weeknight! I love piling on the sauce and a bit of avocado. What’s not to love? 🌮😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is lean and full of flavor, perfect for quick cooking. If flank steak isn’t available, skirt steak or sirloin can be good substitutes, both bringing similar taste and texture to the tacos.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives the sauce its vibrant flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be a great alternative. It will change the flavor a bit but will still be delicious!
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a hearty punch to the sauce. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can stand in, but use about 1/8 teaspoon as it’s more concentrated.
Tortillas: I prefer flour tortillas for their softness, but corn tortillas are gluten-free and hold up well too. You can also use store-bought or homemade tortillas based on what you have.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Steak?
The key to a juicy flank steak lies in how you cook it! Here are some tips to nail it:
- Let the steak rest outside the fridge for 15-20 minutes to reach room temperature before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
- Use medium-high heat for a good sear. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side without moving it to develop that tasty crust.
- Let the steak rest after cooking for 5-10 minutes. This keeps the juices from running out when you slice it!
- Always slice against the grain: it makes the steak more tender and easier to chew.
Easy Flank Steak Tacos With Garlicky Cilantro Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds flank steak
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking steak)
- 6-8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, plus extra for garnish
- Salt, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total: around 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking and assembling the tacos. It’s quick, simple, and perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by seasoning the flank steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This adds flavor. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to help it cook evenly.
2. Make the Garlicky Cilantro Sauce:
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped cilantro, minced garlic, jalapeño (if you want some spice), lime juice, olive oil, honey, red chili flakes, and a dash of salt. Combine everything well, and let the sauce sit for a few minutes so the flavors can blend together.
3. Cook the Steak:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the flank steak and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. If you prefer it more done, let it cook a bit longer, checking the doneness as you go.
4. Rest the Steak:
Once cooked to your liking, carefully remove the steak from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the steak more tender.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the steak rests, place the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm them for about 30 seconds on each side until they are lightly charred and flexible. This will make them easier to fold.
6. Slice the Steak:
Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the rested flank steak against the grain. Slicing against the grain helps keep the meat tender and easy to chew.
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Take a warm tortilla, add a few slices of steak on top, and drizzle generously with the garlicky cilantro sauce. Feel free to add more sauce according to your taste!
8. Serve:
If you like, sprinkle some extra red chili flakes over the tacos for an added kick. Enjoy these delicious tacos right away!
These tacos are sure to be a hit! Enjoy the rich flavors of the flank steak paired with the bright, zesty cilantro sauce. Happy eating!
FAQ for Easy Flank Steak Tacos With Garlicky Cilantro Sauce
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak is recommended for its flavor and tenderness, you can substitute it with skirt steak or sirloin. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the cut.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Cilantro?
No problem! If you’re not a cilantro fan, you can use fresh parsley instead. It provides a different but still delightful flavor to the sauce. Another option is to omit the herbs entirely and focus on the garlic for a different flavor profile.
Can I Prepare the Sauce in Advance?
Yes! You can make the garlicky cilantro sauce up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier when you’re ready to assemble the tacos!
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
If you have any leftovers, store the sliced steak and sauce separately from the tortillas in airtight containers. The steak will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the steak gently before serving with freshly warmed tortillas.
