Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a delightful way to enjoy a smoky, juicy meal that boasts just the right amount of spice. Perfect for summer barbecues, casual dinners, or festive gatherings, these tacos shine with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. The combination of grilled steak and creamy avocado salsa makes for an unforgettable dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 25 minutes, you can whip up these tacos in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices and fresh ingredients guarantees a mouthwatering taste.
• Versatile Dish: Great for dinner, lunch, or even as party food—these tacos fit any occasion.
• Health-Conscious: Packed with lean protein and healthy fats from the avocado, this recipe is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spice level or add your favorite toppings for a personal touch.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or grill pan
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet or grill pan: Ideal for achieving that perfect char on your steak, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing your salsa and marinating the steak without mess.
• Tongs: Great for flipping the steak during cooking while keeping your hands safe from heat.

Ingredients

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

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

Start by making the avocado salsa. In a blender, combine tomatillos, yellow onion, garlic cloves, jalapeño, water, cilantro, lime juice, oregano, and salt. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

In a mixing bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, chopped cilantro (reserve half), paprika, salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Add the skirt steak to this marinade. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 3: Grill the Steak

Preheat your cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add avocado oil. Remove steak from marinade and place it on the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until desired doneness is achieved.

Step 4: Prepare Tortillas

While the steak is grilling, warm corn tortillas in another skillet over low heat until pliable.

Step 5: Assemble Tacos

Once cooked to perfection, remove steak from heat. Allow it to rest briefly before slicing it against the grain into thin strips. To assemble each taco: place some sliced steak on a tortilla topped with avocado salsa. Garnish with chopped green onions and white onion as desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa!

How to Serve Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a delicious and exciting meal perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your taco experience.

Fresh Lime Wedges

• Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor that brightens up the tacos.

Crumbled Cotija Cheese

• Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the tacos for a creamy, salty contrast that complements the steak and salsa.

Pickled Jalapeños

• Add pickled jalapeños for an extra kick of heat and tanginess that pairs well with the flavors of the dish.

Sliced Radishes

• Include sliced radishes for a crunchy texture and refreshing flavor that balances the richness of the steak.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

• Offer a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to add creaminess and coolness, which helps mellow out any spice.

Fresh Cilantro Sprigs

• Garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs to enhance the presentation and add an aromatic touch to each bite.

How to Perfect Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

To achieve the best results with your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose quality meat: Opt for high-quality skirt, flap, or flank steak for tender and juicy tacos.
• Marinate properly: Let your steak marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors from the marinade.
• Preheat your grill: Ensure your grill is hot before cooking; this creates beautiful grill marks and seals in juices.
• Rest the meat: Allow your grilled steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing; this helps retain moisture.
• Use fresh ingredients: Always use fresh tomatillos, avocados, and herbs for maximum flavor in your salsa.
• Warm tortillas: Lightly warm corn tortillas on the grill or in a pan to make them soft and pliable for easier assembly.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Pairing side dishes with Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa can elevate your meal. Here are some delightful options:

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
   A flavorful mix of grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, lime juice, chili powder, and cheese.

2. Black Bean Salad
   A refreshing salad made from black beans, corn, peppers, onion, and cilantro dressed in lime vinaigrette.

3. Cilantro Lime Rice
   Fluffy rice flavored with lime juice and fresh cilantro adds a zesty complement to your tacos.

4. Guacamole
   Creamy avocado dip mixed with lime juice, garlic, onion, and cilantro offers a perfect pairing alongside tacos.

5. Chips and Salsa
   Crunchy tortilla chips served with homemade salsa provide a great appetizer before diving into main dishes.

6. Grilled Vegetables
   A colorful assortment of grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and onions adds healthy variety to your meal.

7. Pico de Gallo
   A fresh tomato salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, lime juice, and cilantro enhances each bite of taco.

8. Roasted Sweet Potatoes
   Sweet potatoes roasted until crispy offer a sweet contrast that complements savory tacos beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes while making Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa is key to achieving the best flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls.

• Overcooking the steak: Cooking steak too long can lead to tough meat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the desired doneness.
• Skipping marination: Neglecting to marinate the steak can result in bland flavor. Allow at least 30 minutes for the marinade to enhance taste.
• Not prepping ingredients ahead: Failing to prepare ingredients before cooking can lead to chaos in the kitchen. Measure out everything in advance for a smoother cooking process.
• Ignoring tortilla quality: Using low-quality tortillas can affect the overall taste. Choose fresh, good-quality corn tortillas for the best experience.
• Forgetting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings can leave your dish flat. Always taste as you go and tweak flavors according to preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat wrapped tacos for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add tacos, and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa.

Can I use different types of steak?

Yes! You can substitute skirt steak with flap steak or flank steak for similar results.

What toppings go well with these tacos?

Popular toppings include diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, or crumbled cheese for added flavor and texture.

Can I make the avocado salsa ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the salsa a few hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

How do I customize my grilled steak tacos?

Feel free to add your favorite toppings like sour cream, hot sauce, or pickled onions for personal taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa offer a smoky, juicy meal that is versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting spices to suit your palate. Don’t hesitate—try this delicious taco recipe today!