Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are smoky, juicy, and just the right amount of spicy. Perfect for a summer evening or a casual gathering, these tacos are bursting with flavor and sure to impress your family and friends. The combination of tender steak and fresh avocado salsa creates a delightful meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The blend of grilled steak and zesty avocado salsa brings a vibrant taste that excites your palate.
• Quick Preparation: With only 25 minutes of prep time, this recipe fits perfectly into busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy these tacos as a delicious dinner option or serve them at parties for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing fresh vegetables and herbs enhances the nutritional value while delivering bold flavors.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust spice levels or add your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet or grill: This tool ensures even cooking and adds a lovely char to the steak.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes slicing veggies and meat effortless, enhancing safety in the kitchen.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe space for chopping ingredients while keeping your counters clean.

Ingredients

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

For the Avocado 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 Filling

• 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

For Serving

• 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 Avocado Salsa

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, add the avocado oil.
2. Add tomatillos, yellow onion, garlic cloves, jalapeño halves, water, cilantro, lime juice, oregano, and salt.
3. Cook for about 10 minutes until tomatillos soften. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before blending into a smooth salsa.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

1. In a mixing bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, chopped cilantro from one half-cup measurement, paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and oregano.
2. Add skirt steak to the marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes.

Step 3: Grill the Steak

1. Preheat your grill or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness.
3. Once cooked to your preference, remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

1. Warm corn tortillas on the grill briefly until pliable.
2. Slice grilled steak against the grain into thin strips.
3. To assemble each taco, layer sliced steak on a tortilla followed by a generous scoop of avocado salsa.
4. Top with green onions and finely chopped white onion before serving.

Enjoy these Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa as part of your next meal! They’re sure to be a hit at any occasion!

How to Serve Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy these flavorful tacos.

Taco Bar

• Set up a taco bar with all the toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, and additional lime wedges for guests to customize their tacos.

Fresh Salad

• Serve the tacos alongside a fresh salad, such as a simple mixed greens salad, to balance the rich flavors and add some crunch.

Grilled Corn

• Pair with grilled corn on the cob brushed with lime and chili powder for a sweet and spicy complement to your meal.

Rice and Beans

• Offer a side of seasoned rice and black beans for a hearty addition that complements the spices in the tacos.

Chips and Salsa

• Include tortilla chips served with extra avocado salsa or your favorite salsa for an enjoyable appetizer before diving into the main dish.

Pickled Vegetables

• Add a small bowl of pickled vegetables as a tangy side that brings brightness and contrast to the savory steak tacos.

How to Perfect Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

To ensure your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose quality meat: Select high-quality skirt steak or flank steak for tenderness and flavor. This will make your tacos truly delicious.
• Marinate properly: Allow the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This enhances the flavor profile and tenderizes the meat.
• Preheat your grill: Make sure your grill is hot before cooking. A well-heated grill gives you those perfect sear marks and locks in juices.
• Don’t overcook: Grill the steak until medium-rare (about 130°F). Overcooking can lead to tough meat, so keep an eye on it.
• Rest the meat: After grilling, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps retain moisture when slicing.
• Fresh toppings: Use fresh ingredients for your avocado salsa. Ripe avocados, juicy tomatillos, and fresh cilantro elevate the overall taste.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Enhancing your meal with delicious side dishes can elevate your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa experience. Here are some great options:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds flavor and pairs well with tacos.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide richness that complements the flavors of the steak.
3. Guacamole: A classic dip made from ripe avocados adds creaminess and extra flavor when served alongside.
4. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and freshness that balances the richness of the grilled steak.
5. Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers grilled lightly can offer a smoky contrast to your meal.
6. Corn Salad: Sweet corn mixed with lime juice, cilantro, and diced peppers makes for a refreshing side dish.
7. Chips & Guacamole: Crunchy tortilla chips paired with smooth guacamole serve as an excellent appetizer before meals.
8. Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy cabbage slaw tossed in lime vinaigrette provides texture and tanginess, enhancing each bite of taco.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa can be a delightful meal, but common mistakes can detract from your experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the steak beforehand can lead to bland flavor. Always allow time for the marinade to enhance the meat’s taste.
• Overcooking the Steak: Cooking steak too long can make it tough and dry. Aim for medium-rare to keep it juicy and tender.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or low-quality ingredients can ruin your salsa. Always choose fresh produce for the best flavor.
• Not Letting the Salsa Rest: Skipping the resting time for your salsa means missing out on the flavors melding together. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes before serving.
• Using Corn Tortillas Incorrectly: Not warming corn tortillas can result in a tough texture. Heat them in a skillet or directly over flame for a better experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked steak and salsa separately in airtight containers.
• The steak will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Salsa should be consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

• Freeze cooked steak in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
• It’s best used within 3 months of freezing, though it may last longer.

Reheating Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat wrapped tacos for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover them; heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm tortillas in a pan over medium heat, adding sliced steak as needed until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of steak is best for Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

Flank steak or skirt steak works well due to their tenderness and ability to absorb marinades effectively.

Can I make my own salsa for Grilled Steak Tacos?

Absolutely! Homemade salsa enhances freshness. Just blend tomatillos, onion, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and seasonings.

How do I customize my Grilled Steak Tacos?

Feel free to add toppings like cheese, sour cream, or different salsas according to your preferences.

What sides pair well with Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

Consider serving with rice, beans, or a fresh salad to complement your meal.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily modify ingredients based on personal tastes or dietary preferences. Enjoy crafting this flavorful dish that brings excitement to any meal!