Name: Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 16 ounces skirt steak; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 1 pound tomatillos; ½ yellow onion; 2 cloves garlic; 1 jalapeño; ¼ cup water; ¼ cup fresh cilantro; Juice of 1 lime; ½ teaspoon dry oregano; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 ripe avocado; Juice of 1 orange; Juice of 1 large lime; 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

Grilled steak tacos with avocado salsa are more than just a meal; they’re a vibrant celebration of flavor and texture, a perfect antidote to a busy weeknight or a showstopper for your next gathering. There’s something undeniably irresistible about perfectly charred, juicy steak nestled inside warm tortillas, and when you pair it with a bright, creamy avocado salsa, you’ve got pure magic. This dish hits all the right notes: the smoky char of the grill, the tender chew of the steak, the cooling richness of ripe avocado, and a zesty kick that awakens your palate. It’s the kind of meal that has everyone asking for seconds, a testament to its satisfying simplicity and its incredible taste. Get ready to elevate your taco game with these unforgettable grilled steak tacos with avocado salsa.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons avocado oil

1 pound tomatillos (husks peeled and rinsed well)

½ yellow onion (sliced in half)

2 cloves garlic (skins peeled)

1 jalapeño (sliced in half, seeds removed for mild heat)

¼ cup water

¼ cup fresh cilantro

Juice of 1 lime (around 2 tablespoons, plus more to taste)

½ teaspoon dry oregano

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)

1 ripe avocado

16 ounces skirt steak (cut into 6-inch sections, substitute flap steak or flank steak)

Juice of 1 orange (around ¼ cup)

Juice of 1 large lime (around 2 tablespoons)

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (divided in half)

12-16 small corn tortillas

Cooking Instructions:

Prepare the Charred Tomatillo Salsa

This salsa is the heart of our taco, bringin extractg a bright, tangy, and slightly smoky flavor. We’ll start by charring the tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeño. This process not only softens them but also adds a wonderful depth of flavor.

Charring the Vegetables: Heat a dry cast-iron skillet or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the peeled tomatillos, the halved yellow onion, the unpeeled garlic cloves, and the halved jalapeño (seeds removed if you prefer less heat). Cook, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and have developed nice charred spots. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes for the tomatillos and onion, and the garlic will be soft and fragrant. The garlic skins will easily slip off once they’ve softened.

Blending the Salsa: Once charred, carefully remove the vegetables from the skillet. Squeeze the softened garlic out of its skins. Place the charred tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeño into a blender. Add the ¼ cup water, ¼ cup fresh cilantro, the juice of 1 lime, ½ teaspoon dry oregano, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Blend until the salsa is mostly smooth but still has a little texture. If you prefer a smoother salsa, you can blend it longer. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or lime juice if needed. For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage. Set this vibrant salsa aside.

Marinate and Grill the Steak

A flavorful marinade is key to tender, juicy steak. The combination of orange and lime juice tenderizes the meat, while the other ingredients add savory notes.

Marinating the Steak: In a medium bowl, combine the juice of 1 orange (about ¼ cup) and the juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons). Add half of the finely chopped fresh cilantro (about ¼ cup), ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and a good grind of black pepper. Add your skirt steak sections to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. For skirt steak, a shorter marinating time is often best to prevent the meat from becoming mushy. If you’re using flank steak, you can marinate for a bit longer, up to 4 hours.

Grilling the Steak: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly brush the grill grates with some of the avocado oil to prevent sticking. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the marinade. Place the steak on the hot grill. For skirt steak, which is quite thin, grill for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness. For a thicker cut like flank steak, you may need 5-7 minutes per side. The key is to get a good sear on the outside.

Resting and Slicing the Steak: Once grilled, remove the steak from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. After resting, thinly slice the steak against the grain. This slicing technique is vital for tenderizing the meat, especially with cuts like skirt steak.

Assemble the Tacos

Now for the fun part – assembling these delicious tacos!

Prepare the Avocado Salsa: While the steak is resting, prepare your avocado salsa. Mash the ripe avocado in a small bowl with the remaining ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice (start with about 1 teaspoon) and a pinch of salt. Gently mix until just combined. You want to maintain some texture in the avocado.

Warm the Tortillas: Warm your corn tortillas. You can do this on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until they are pliable, or briefly on the grill. Warmer tortillas are much easier to fold and less likely to crack.

Build Your Tacos: To assemble, place a generous portion of the sliced grilled steak onto each warm tortilla. Top with a spoonful of the charred tomatillo salsa and a dollop of the creamy avocado salsa. Garnish with a little extra fresh cilantro if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors! These tacos are best enjoyed right after they are made.

The combination of the smoky, tangy tomatillo salsa, the perfectly grilled steak, and the creamy, fresh avocado salsa creates a truly sensational taco experience. The bright citrus notes in the marinade cut through the richness of the steak, making every bite incredibly satisfying. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spice level of the jalapeño, and remember that tasting and adjusting seasonings throughout the process is key to a perfect dish. Enjoy your homemade grilled steak tacos!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a recipe for Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite or a star at your next gathering! This dish truly shines because of its incredible balance of flavors and textures. The smoky, perfectly grilled steak pairs beautifully with the bright, creamy avocado salsa, while the warm tortillas tie everything together. It’s a relatively simple preparation that delivers a restaurant-quality taste, making it a fantastic option for anyone looking to elevate their home cooking.

I love serving these tacos with a side of Mexican rice and some refried beans for a complete meal. For variations, feel free to swap the steak for grilled chicken or shrimp, or add some crum extractbled cotija cheese or pickled red onions for an extra layer of flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different chili powders in your steak marinade to find your perfect spice level. I truly encourage you to give these Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I grill the steak ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can grill the steak a day in advance, let it cool completely, and then slice or dice it. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently in a skillet or briefly on the grill before assembling your tacos.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can achieve a similar smoky flavor by pan-searing the steak in a cast-iron skillet over high heat until well-seared and cooked to your desired doneness. Alternatively, you can broil the steak in the oven.

How long does the avocado salsa last?

Avocado salsa is best enjoyed fresh, as avocados tend to brown over time. I recommend making it just before serving or within a few hours. If you need to make it slightly ahead, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salsa to minimize air exposure and prevent browning.

Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Juicy grilled skirt steak served in warm tortillas with a vibrant, fresh avocado salsa.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
20 Minutes

Total Time
35 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

16 ounces skirt steak
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 pound tomatillos
½ yellow onion
2 cloves garlic
1 jalapeño
¼ cup water
¼ cup fresh cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
½ teaspoon dry oregano
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 ripe avocado
Juice of 1 orange
Juice of 1 large lime
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Step 1
For the salsa: Grill the tomatillos, half onion, garlic, and jalapeño over medium-high heat until charred, about 5-7 minutes per side. Let cool slightly.
Step 2
Peel the garlic and remove the charred skins from the tomatillos and jalapeño. In a blender, combine the grilled vegetables with ¼ cup water, ¼ cup fresh cilantro, juice of 1 lime, ½ teaspoon dry oregano, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Blend until smooth.
Step 3
Mash the ripe avocado in a bowl. Stir in the blended salsa, juice of 1 orange, juice of 1 large lime, and the remaining ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro. Season with additional salt to taste. Set aside.
Step 4
Pat the skirt steak dry and rub with 2 tablespoons avocado oil and a pinch of kosher salt. Grill over medium-high heat until desired doneness, about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Step 5
Let the steak rest for 10 minutes, then thinly slice against the grain.
Step 6
Warm tortillas and fill with sliced steak and avocado salsa.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.

Grilled Steak Tacos Avocado Salsa-Easy Recipe

Ingredients: