Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a must-try for taco lovers! With smoky flavors, juicy steak, and a refreshing avocado salsa, this dish is perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual dinner or a lively summer party. The combination of tender steak and zesty toppings makes these tacos not only delicious but also visually appealing. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this flavorful recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of grilled steak and fresh avocado salsa creates a taste sensation that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Quick and Easy: With only 40 minutes from prep to plate, these tacos are perfect for a busy weeknight or last-minute gathering.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño, making it suitable for everyone’s palate.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious vegetables and lean protein, these tacos provide a guilt-free indulgence.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a summer BBQ, these tacos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything on hand will make the process efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or grill
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet or grill: Essential for achieving that perfect char on your steak while infusing excellent flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Needed for combining ingredients like the avocado salsa, ensuring all flavors meld together beautifully.
• Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for slicing the steak and vegetables with ease.
• Cutting board: Keeps your workspace organized and helps in safe food preparation.

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

Begin by making the avocado salsa. In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. In a cast iron skillet over medium heat, add the avocado oil.
2. Add tomatillos, yellow onion halves, garlic cloves, jalapeño slices, and water.
3. Cook until tomatillos soften (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat.
4. Mix in fresh cilantro, lime juice, oregano, and salt.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

While preparing the salsa, marinate your skirt steak:
1. Squeeze orange juice and lime juice over the meat in another mixing bowl.
2. Add half of the chopped cilantro along with paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and dry oregano.
3. Let it 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 medium-high heat.
2. Brush both sides of the marinated steak with avocado oil before grilling.
3. Grill for about 3–4 minutes per side or until desired doneness is achieved.
4. Remove from grill and let rest before slicing.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Finally, assemble your delicious tacos:
1. Warm corn tortillas on the grill briefly until pliable.
2. Layer sliced steak onto each tortilla.
3. Top generously with avocado salsa and additional toppings like green onions or white onions.

Enjoy your 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 that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or having a casual dinner, these tacos can be served alongside different accompaniments to enhance their flavors.

With Fresh Lime Wedges

• Squeeze fresh lime over the tacos just before taking a bite for an extra zesty kick.

Paired with Sour Cream

• Add a dollop of sour cream on top for a creamy contrast to the spicy salsa.

Topped with Crumbled Cotija Cheese

• Sprinkle some crumbled Cotija cheese on your tacos for added richness and flavor.

Accompanied by Pickled Red Onions

• Serve with pickled red onions to give your tacos a tangy crunch.

Served with Extra Avocado Salsa

• Offer additional avocado salsa on the side for those who want more of that fresh taste.

How to Perfect Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Perfecting your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa involves a few simple techniques that elevate the dish. Here are some tips to help you achieve taco perfection.

• Marinate the steak: Letting the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes enhances its flavor and tenderness.

• Preheat your grill: A hot grill sears the meat quickly, locking in juices and creating those lovely grill marks.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro, ripe avocados, and juicy limes make a significant difference in taste.

• Warm the tortillas: Heating corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop makes them more pliable and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Steak Tacos can create a complete meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement this delicious dish.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote)
   This grilled corn on the cob is slathered in mayo, cheese, and chili powder, making it a deliciously messy side dish.

2. Refried Beans
   Creamy refried beans provide a hearty balance to the lightness of tacos, perfect for scooping up!

3. Chips and Salsa
   Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for an excellent appetizer before diving into tacos.

4. Cilantro Lime Rice
   This fragrant rice dish adds freshness and pairs well with the flavors of the tacos.

5. Guacamole
   Creamy guacamole not only complements the tacos but also serves as a great dip for chips.

6. Pico de Gallo
   A fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and crunch, enhancing every bite of your tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are perfect, avoid these common mistakes.

• Not marinating the steak long enough: A short marination can lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes to let the spices penetrate the meat.
• Overcooking the steak: Cooking too long will make the steak tough. Use a meat thermometer and cook to medium-rare for the best texture.
• Skipping fresh ingredients: Using stale or canned ingredients can lessen flavor. Always opt for fresh produce, especially cilantro and lime juice.
• Forgetting to warm the tortillas: Cold tortillas can break easily and ruin your tacos. Warm them on a skillet for a few seconds before serving.
• Ignoring personal spice levels: Not adjusting heat levels can lead to an unbalanced dish. Always taste and tweak jalapeño and spices according to your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

• Wrap individual tacos in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

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. Heat in 30-second intervals until hot, usually around 1-2 minutes total.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Warm tacos for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other types of steak?

Yes! Flank steak or flap steak works well as alternatives if skirt steak is unavailable.

How do I make avocado salsa?

Simply combine diced avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Adjust seasoning as needed!

What toppings pair well with these tacos?

You can add sour cream, cheese, or pickled onions for extra flavor and texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the salsa and marinate the steak in advance. Just grill them fresh before serving.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are not only flavorful but also versatile. You can customize them with different toppings or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite in your household!