Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a delicious choice for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering. The combination of smoky grilled steak and fresh avocado salsa creates a flavor explosion that will delight your taste buds. Perfect for taco lovers, these tacos are not only easy to make but also packed with nutrition and vibrant colors that make them visually appealing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: Each bite is filled with the delicious flavors of grilled steak and zesty avocado salsa.
• Versatile Dish: Suitable for lunch, dinner, or even gatherings. They can be served with various toppings to suit everyone’s taste.
• Quick and Easy: With only 40 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, these tacos are a nutritious choice without sacrificing taste.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level by adding more jalapeños or serve with your favorite salsas.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these flavorful tacos, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the steak, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients, ensuring efficiency in food prep.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes slicing through meats and vegetables easier and safer.

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 Tacos

• 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

For Serving

• 6 green onions
• 6 corn tortillas
• ¼ cup finely chopped white onion

How to Make Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Step 1: Prepare the Salsa

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the tomatillos, yellow onion, garlic cloves, and jalapeño to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to char. Remove from heat.

Step 2: Blend the Salsa

In a blender or food processor, combine the cooked vegetables with water, cilantro, lime juice, oregano, and kosher salt. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Set aside.

Step 3: Marinate the Steak

In a bowl, mix together orange juice, lime juice, cilantro, paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dry oregano, and avocado oil. Add skirt steak sections to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 4: Grill the Steak

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated steak for about 3-4 minutes per side until it reaches your desired doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain.

Step 5: Prepare Tortillas

While the steak is resting, warm corn tortillas on the grill or in a skillet until soft and pliable.

Step 6: Assemble Tacos

Slice the grilled steak into thin strips. Place some steak on each tortilla and top generously with avocado salsa. Add sliced green onions and chopped white onion as desired.

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 a delightful dish perfect for gatherings or family dinners. They can be served in various ways to enhance flavor and presentation.

Classic Presentation

• Use fresh corn tortillas for serving the tacos, as they add an authentic touch.
• Garnish with lime wedges on the side, allowing guests to squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos for added zest.

Topping Bar

• Set up a toppings bar with options like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, and jalapeños, letting everyone customize their tacos.
• Include sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast to the spicy flavors.

Family Style

• Present the tacos on a large platter, surrounded by Avocado Salsa in a bowl, allowing guests to serve themselves.
• Offer a side of chopped onions and cilantro, which can enhance the flavor when added to each taco.

On-the-Go Option

• Prepare tacos ahead of time and wrap them in foil, making it easy to enjoy grilled steak tacos at picnics or tailgates.
• Consider packaging them with individual salsa cups to keep everything fresh and flavorful.

How to Perfect Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose quality steak: Opt for fresh skirt steak or flank steak for a tender bite that absorbs flavors well.
• Marinate overnight: Allow the steak to marinate for several hours or overnight; this enhances its taste and tenderness.
• Use high heat: Grill on high heat for a short time to achieve that perfect char while keeping the inside juicy.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill: Grill in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lower the temperature and result in steaming instead of grilling.
• Let it rest: Allow the grilled steak to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing; this keeps all those delicious juices locked in.
• Serve immediately: Enjoy your tacos fresh off the grill while they are warm and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options.

1. Mexican Rice: A flavorful rice dish seasoned with spices that adds heartiness to your meal.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy beans provide a deliciously rich texture that balances out the spiciness of the tacos.
3. Street Corn Salad: This vibrant salad features corn, cilantro, lime, and cheese, offering a refreshing crunch alongside your tacos.
4. Guacamole: A classic dip made from ripe avocados that brings creaminess and pairs perfectly with both tacos and tortilla chips.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for an excellent appetizer before diving into the main course.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred veggies like bell peppers and zucchini add color and healthy nutrients to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Avoid these to ensure your tacos turn out perfect every time.

• Ignoring the meat’s temperature: Cooking steak straight from the fridge can lead to uneven cooking. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling for a juicier result.

• Overcooking the steak: This is a critical mistake! Overcooked steak becomes tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; medium-rare is around 135°F.

• Skipping the marinade: A good marinade enhances flavor and tenderness. Don’t skip this step! Let your skirt steak marinate for at least an hour, or even overnight if you have time.

• Using old tortillas: Fresh tortillas make all the difference in texture and flavor. Check your tortillas’ expiration date and opt for fresh ones for the best results.

• Neglecting seasoning: Seasoning your ingredients is key! Be sure to generously season both the steak and avocado salsa with salt and spices to elevate their flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Grilled Steak Tacos can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the avocado salsa separate from the tacos to maintain freshness.

Freezing Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

• You can freeze the cooked steak separately from the toppings.
• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring as much air as possible is removed.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in increments of 30 seconds until warm, but be careful not to overcook.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Warm each taco for about 2-3 minutes on each side until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other cuts of meat for Grilled Steak Tacos?

Yes, you can use other cuts like flank steak or flap steak if skirt steak isn’t available. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What toppings go well with Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

In addition to avocado salsa, consider adding diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh lime juice for extra flavor.

How can I customize my avocado salsa?

Feel free to add ingredients like diced mango, corn, or jalapeños for added sweetness or heat based on your preference!

What’s the best way to serve Grilled Steak Tacos?

Serve them warm alongside lime wedges and extra cilantro. This adds freshness and enhances the meal experience!

Can I prepare Grilled Steak Tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can grill the steak and prepare the salsa beforehand. Just assemble them right before serving for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are not only delicious but also quite versatile. Customize them with your favorite toppings or adjust spices according to your preference. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos are sure to impress! Try making them today!