These grilled steak tacos are simply amazing! Packed with juicy steak and topped with a fresh avocado salsa, they bring a burst of flavor in every bite. 🌮💖
Honestly, who can resist creamy avocado on tacos? I love to whip these up for gatherings. They’re quick and always a hit with friends and family! You absolutely need to try this!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Steak: Flank steak and skirt steak are perfect for grilling, offering great flavor. If you’re on a budget, you can substitute with sirloin or even chicken for a lighter option. Both are versatile and work well in tacos.
Olive Oil: This helps with marinade sticking and cooking. You can use vegetable oil or avocado oil if that’s what you have on hand. They both do the job well!
Spices: The cumin and smoked paprika really enhance the flavor of the steak. You can swap the paprika for regular paprika or even chili powder for added heat.
Avocados: Ripe avocados are best for creamy salsa. If they’re not in season or too pricey, you can use diced mango for a fruity twist, or simply omit and add more tomato.
How Can I Perfectly Grill the Steak?
Grilling steak can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can achieve juicy results! Start by making sure your grill is nice and hot. A hot grill gives the steak those beautiful sear marks and locks in the juices.
- Rub the marinade on the steak and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors penetrate.
- Place the steak on the grill and avoid pressing it down; this keeps the juices inside. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Resting the steak for 5 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, making it more flavorful.
Grilled Steak Tacos With Fresh Avocado Salsa
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Tacos:
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
For The Fresh Avocado Salsa:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. So, grab your ingredients and get ready for about 25 minutes of fun in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This flavorful marinade will enhance the taste of the steak!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Rub the marinade all over the steak to cover it well. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for a more intense flavor.
3. Make the Avocado Salsa:
While your steak is marinating, prepare the fresh avocado salsa. In a medium bowl, gently mix together the diced avocados, tomato, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside and let those flavors mingle.
4. Grill the Steak:
Preheat your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on how you like it cooked. Aim for a nice medium-rare!
5. Rest and Slice:
Once the steak is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to keep it juicy. After resting, slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.
6. Warm Your Tortillas:
While the steak is resting, warm the tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet until they’re pliable and a bit charred. This adds extra flavor!
7. Assemble the Tacos:
Now comes the fun part! Take a warm tortilla, place some sliced steak on top, add a generous spoonful of avocado salsa, and sprinkle with extra cilantro. A little squeeze of lime juice adds a zesty kick!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your tacos immediately while they’re warm and enjoy every flavorful bite of these grilled steak tacos with fresh avocado salsa! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend gathering!
FAQ for Grilled Steak Tacos With Fresh Avocado Salsa
Can I Use a Different Cut of Steak?
Absolutely! While flank or skirt steak are ideal for their flavor and tenderness, you can also use sirloin or ribeye. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the cut.
How Do I Make These Tacos Spicier?
If you like heat, add more jalapeño to the salsa or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the marinade. You can also top the tacos with hot sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare the Avocado Salsa in Advance?
It’s best to make the avocado salsa just before serving to keep the avocados fresh and vibrant. If you need to prepare it ahead, add a little extra lime juice to prevent browning.
How Should I Store Leftover Tacos or Ingredients?
Store any leftover steak and avocado salsa in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the steak gently on the stove or in the microwave, and use the salsa cold as a topping!