Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are smoky, juicy, just the right amount of spicy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Perfect for any gathering or a cozy family dinner, these tacos stand out with their vibrant avocado salsa and marinated steak. Whether you’re a taco enthusiast or a casual cook, this recipe offers a delightful experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 40 minutes, these tacos are perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of grilled steak and fresh avocado salsa creates a mouthwatering taste sensation.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a casual lunch or serve at parties for an impressive dish.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, these tacos are both delicious and nutritious.
• Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like sour cream or cheese to make them your own.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or grill
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet or grill: Provides even heating, ensuring the steak gets that perfect sear for great flavor.
• Sharp knife: Essential for cutting through ingredients smoothly, especially when handling fresh vegetables and meat.
• Mixing bowl: Helps in marinating the steak efficiently while mixing ingredients for the salsa.

Ingredients

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are smoky, juicy, just the right amount of spicy, and absolutely bursting with flavor.

For the Salsa

• 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)

For the Steak

• 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)
• ½ 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

For Serving

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 6 green onions
• 6 corn tortillas
• ¼ cup finely chopped white onion (for serving)

Servings: 6
Prep Time: PT25M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT40M
Nutrition Facts: Calories: 350 kcal, Protein: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 23 g, Fat: 22 g
Categories: Dinner, Lunch

How to Make Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Step 1: Prepare the Salsa

Start by making the avocado salsa.
1. In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, add avocado oil.
2. Add tomatillos cut side down along with yellow onion halves and garlic cloves. Sear until charred.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Blend tomatillos, onion, garlic, jalapeño, water, cilantro, lime juice, oregano, and salt until smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Next up is marinating your steak for maximum flavor.
1. In a mixing bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, chopped cilantro (reserve some), paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dry oregano.
2. Add skirt steak to the marinade. Ensure each piece is well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 3: Grill the Steak

Now it’s time to grill!
1. Preheat your grill or cast iron skillet over high heat.
2. Grill marinated steak strips for about 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked to desired doneness.
3. Remove from grill and let rest before slicing into thin strips.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

It’s time to put everything together!
1. Warm corn tortillas on a hot skillet until pliable.
2. Place sliced steak on each tortilla.
3. Top generously with avocado salsa.
4. Garnish with reserved cilantro and finely chopped white onion before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa!

How to Serve Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa make for a delightful meal that can be customized in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your taco experience.

Fresh Toppings

• Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime adds a refreshing zing to each bite.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Creaminess balances the spices for a delicious contrast.
• Pickled jalapeños: For those who love extra heat, pickled jalapeños bring a tangy flavor.

Flavorful Salsas

• Pico de gallo: A fresh tomato salsa to complement the grilled flavors of the steak.
• Mango salsa: Sweet and spicy, this salsa adds a tropical twist to your tacos.

Hearty Accompaniments

• Black beans: Serve warm black beans on the side for added protein and fiber.
• Mexican rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices rounds out the meal nicely.

How to Perfect Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Perfecting your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure every bite is delicious.

• Marinate the steak: Allowing the steak to marinate in citrus juice enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Preheat your grill: A hot grill creates perfect sear marks and juicy meat.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and ripe avocados make a noticeable difference in taste.
• Warm the tortillas: Lightly heating corn tortillas makes them pliable and enhances their flavor.
• Slice against the grain: Cutting steak against the grain ensures tender bites that are easy to chew.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Steak Tacos can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement the flavors of the tacos.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime for an irresistible treat.
2. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip seasoned with lime and cilantro makes for a perfect companion.
3. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with cilantro and lime juice adds a zesty side dish.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with your favorite salsa provide a great appetizer or snack.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrients alongside your tacos.
6. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer a hearty addition that’s rich in flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold ingredients: Skipping essential ingredients like lime juice or cilantro can dull the flavor. Make sure to include all ingredients for a vibrant dish.
• Bold cooking time: Overcooking the steak leads to tough meat. Grill it just until medium rare for a juicy bite.
• Bold preparation: Not marinating the steak enough can result in a bland taco. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marination for maximum flavor.
• Bold tortilla choice: Using stale or dry tortillas can ruin your tacos. Opt for fresh corn tortillas and warm them before serving.
• Bold salsa consistency: Not blending the salsa enough can lead to chunky textures. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency while still retaining some chunkiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for the best flavor and quality.

Freezing Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

• Place cooled tacos in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; label with the date.

Reheating Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each taco for about 1-2 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common inquiries regarding Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa:

Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute skirt steak with flap or flank steak without compromising flavor.

What toppings pair well with steak tacos?

You can add toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or sour cream for extra texture and flavor.

How spicy is the avocado salsa?

The salsa’s spiciness depends on how much jalapeño you include. For milder salsa, remove all seeds from the jalapeño.

Can I prepare the salsa ahead of time?

Yes! The avocado salsa can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Just add more lime juice to prevent browning.

Are these tacos suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa make great meal prep options. Just store components separately until serving.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are not only bursting with flavor but also versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences. Feel free to customize your toppings or adjust the spice level. Give them a try; you won’t be disappointed!