These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are the perfect blend of smoky, juicy steak and vibrant avocado salsa. Ideal for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, these tacos bring a burst of flavor to any occasion. The combination of grilled meat with fresh salsa makes them stand out, ensuring that each bite is packed with deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, you can whip these tacos up in under an hour.
- Flavor Explosion: The marinade infuses the steak with rich flavors while the avocado salsa adds freshness and creaminess.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for taco nights, summer barbecues, or casual get-togethers; they fit any occasion seamlessly.
- Healthier Choice: Made with fresh ingredients, these tacos are a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal without heavy sauces.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or grill
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet or grill: Provides even heat distribution, ensuring perfectly cooked steak with a nice char.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients for the marinade and salsa effectively.
- Knife and cutting board: Necessary for chopping vegetables and slicing the steak into perfect bite-sized pieces.
Ingredients
These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are smoky, juicy, just the right amount of spicy and absolutely bursting with flavour.
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)
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
– ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
– ½ teaspoon ground cumin
– ½ teaspoon dry oregano
– 2 tablespoons avocado oil
– 6 green onions
– 6 corn tortillas
– ¼ cup finely chopped white onion (for serving)
How to Make Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by mixing together avocado oil, juice of orange, juice of lime, paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dry oregano, and half of your chopped cilantro in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place the skirt steak in a shallow dish or plastic bag. Pour the marinade over it. Make sure the steak is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to an hour in the fridge.
Step 3: Make the Avocado Salsa
While the steak marinates, prepare your avocado salsa. In a blender or food processor, combine tomatillos, yellow onion, garlic cloves, jalapeño, water, cilantro, lime juice, oregano, and salt. Blend until smooth but still slightly chunky.
Step 4: Grill the Steak
Preheat your grill or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from marinade and discard the excess. Grill each section for about three to four minutes per side until desired doneness is achieved.
Step 5: Prepare Tortillas
Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about one minute on each side until soft and pliable.
Step 6: Assemble Tacos
Slice grilled steak against the grain into strips. Place some steak on each tortilla and top it with fresh avocado salsa and finely chopped white onion.
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa!
How to Serve Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are not just a meal; they’re an experience. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that will elevate your taco night.
Traditional Mexican Style
- Lime wedges: Serve fresh lime wedges for an extra zing that enhances the flavors.
- Radishes: Add sliced radishes for a crunchy and peppery contrast to the tacos.
- Salsa verde: Offer salsa verde for those who want an additional layer of flavor.
Family Style
- Taco bar: Set up a taco bar with all toppings separated, allowing everyone to customize their tacos to their liking.
- Grilled vegetables: Serve grilled peppers and onions alongside for a wholesome addition.
- Rice and beans: Pair with Spanish rice and black beans for a complete meal.
On-the-Go
- Wraps: For a portable option, wrap the tacos in foil for easy eating during picnics or road trips.
- Taco bowls: Create taco bowls by serving the steak and toppings over rice instead of in tortillas.
How to Perfect Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
To achieve the ultimate flavor and texture in your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa, follow these expert tips.
- Bold marination: Marinate the steak overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
- High heat grilling: Cook on high heat to achieve nice grill marks and seal in juices.
- Resting time: Let the steak rest after grilling. This helps retain moisture for a juicier bite.
- Fresh ingredients: Use ripe avocados and fresh herbs for the best-tasting salsa.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Complement your Grilled Steak Tacos with some delightful side dishes that enhance your meal. Here are some tasty options to consider.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Char-grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime—a perfect match!
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty side that pairs well with tacos.
- Chips and Guacamole: Crunchy tortilla chips served with creamy guacamole make for an irresistible appetizer.
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds brightness to your meal.
- Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomato sauce and spices provides a filling complement to your tacos.
- Cabbage Slaw: A light cabbage slaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the steak.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Grilling steak tacos can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin the experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Not letting the steak rest: Allowing the steak to rest after cooking ensures juices redistribute. Skipping this step leads to dry meat.
- Overcooking the steak: Cooking the steak too long results in toughness. Use a meat thermometer and aim for medium-rare for juicy tacos.
- Ignoring seasoning: Underseasoning can make your tacos bland. Generously season your steak and salsa to enhance flavor.
- Skipping fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients elevate the dish. Always use ripe avocados and fresh herbs for the best taste.
- Using stale tortillas: Old or stale tortillas can ruin your tacos. Use fresh corn tortillas for a soft, flavorful base.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep salsa separate from the tacos to maintain freshness.
Freezing Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
- Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- For best quality, avoid freezing the avocado salsa as it may brown and change texture.
Reheating Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second increments until warm, but avoid overheating as it can make tortillas tough.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos one at a time, cooking for about 2 minutes per side until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa spicier?
You can add more jalapeños or include spicy peppers in your avocado salsa. Adjust according to your heat preference!
Can I use different cuts of beef for these tacos?
Absolutely! While skirt steak is preferred, flap or flank steaks work well too. Just adjust cooking times based on thickness.
What toppings pair well with Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa?
Consider adding diced tomatoes, crumbled cheese, or sour cream for extra flavor and texture. Customize as you like!
How do I store leftover avocado salsa?
Keep leftover avocado salsa in an airtight container in the fridge. To prevent browning, add an extra splash of lime juice before sealing.
Final Thoughts
These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or spice levels to suit your taste. Enjoy them at summer gatherings or as a quick weeknight meal; they are sure to impress!
Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 tacos 1x
Description
Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion from family dinners to summer barbecues. These tacos are a delightful combination of smoky, juicy steak topped with a creamy and vibrant avocado salsa that bursts with flavor in every bite. The marinade infuses the meat with rich spices while the fresh ingredients create a light yet satisfying meal. With easy preparation steps and customizable toppings, these tacos are not only delicious but also adaptable to your taste. Whip them up in under an hour and enjoy a flavor-packed culinary experience that will leave everyone asking for more.
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)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dry oregano
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 6 green onions
- 6 corn tortillas
- ¼ cup finely chopped white onion (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by mixing avocado oil, orange juice, lime juice, paprika, salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, oregano, and half of the chopped cilantro in a bowl.
- Marinate skirt steak for at least 15 minutes or up to an hour.
- For the avocado salsa, blend tomatillos, onion, garlic, jalapeño, water, cilantro, lime juice, oregano, and salt until slightly chunky.
- Grill the marinated steak over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side until desired doneness is achieved.
- Warm corn tortillas on the grill for about 1 minute on each side.
- Slice grilled steak against the grain and assemble tacos with steak strips topped with avocado salsa and chopped onions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Marinate overnight for deeper flavor. Use fresh ingredients for best results. Customize spice levels by adjusting jalapeño in your salsa.