Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe

If you’re searching for a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and easy-to-master techniques, look no further than these Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa. Juicy skirt steak marinated in citrus and spices is grilled to tender perfection, then paired with a creamy, zesty avocado salsa that adds a refreshing punch. Wrapped in warm corn tortillas and topped with crisp onions and fresh cilantro, these tacos offer an irresistible mix of smoky, tangy, and fresh elements that will have you coming back for more. Whether it’s a weekend cookout or a casual dinner, this dish feels like a fiesta on a plate and is bound to brighten any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering the distinctive taste and texture that make these tacos unforgettable. From the smoky aroma of grilled steak seasoned with spices to the vibrant, creamy salsa verde loaded with avocado, every component shines on its own and comes together beautifully.

• Avocado oil: Adds richness and helps char the veggies for the salsa, enhancing flavor.
• Tomatillos: The base of the salsa verde, providing tartness and a fresh brightness.
• Yellow onion: Contributes a subtle sweetness when charred and sharp crunch when raw.
• Garlic: Infuses a gentle pungency essential to authentic salsa verde.
• Jalapeño: Offers mild heat adjusted by removing the seeds.
• Fresh cilantro: Brings herbal freshness to both the salsa and steak marinade.
• Lime and orange juice: Provide citrus brightness, tenderize steak, and balance flavors.
• Skirt steak: Juicy and flavorful cut that grills quickly for the perfect texture.
• Spices (paprika, cumin, oregano, onion powder, black pepper): Add warmth and complexity to the steak marinade.
• Green onions: Charred alongside the steak to add a slightly sweet, smoky bite.
• Corn tortillas: The perfect warm, slightly chewy vessel for the taco filling.
• White onion: Used fresh for a crisp, pungent topping to cut through the richness.

How to Make Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Step 1: Prepare the Salsa Verde

Start by heating avocado oil in a pan, then add tomatillos, yellow onion, garlic, and jalapeño. As they gently char, you’ll notice a wonderful aroma building, lending smoky depth to the salsa. After a few minutes, add water and cook until the tomatillos are soft and the liquid has reduced. This concentrated flavor base is then blended with fresh cilantro, lime juice, oregano, salt, and ripe avocado—the creamy avocado transforms this from a simple salsa verde into a luscious, velvety topping with just the right balance of zesty and smooth.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

While the salsa chills, it’s time to give the skirt steak some love. In a bowl, combine the steak with a vibrant mixture of orange and lime juices, chopped cilantro, and a wonderful blend of spices including paprika, cumin, and smoked paprika. Tossing the steak in this marinade and letting it rest for at least an hour allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, ensuring each bite is bursting with layered, zesty goodness.

Step 3: Grill the Steak and Green Onions

Heat your grill or skillet until it’s screaming hot, then add avocado oil to prevent sticking. The skirt steak and green onions go onto the heat, where they develop those classic grill marks and a slightly smoky char that defines the dish. Timing is everything here—about 4 minutes per side for the steak to reach medium-rare, and a few minutes for the green onions to soften and caramelize. After cooking, resting the steak is essential to keep it juicy, so slice it into bite-sized cubes while the onions stay whole and flavorful.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

While the steak rests, warm your corn tortillas over the grill or skillet just enough to make them pliable and slightly toasted. This prevents tearing and adds a subtle toasted aroma that perfectly complements the filling.

Step 5: Assemble Your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Start by layering diced steak onto each warmed tortilla, followed by a generous spoonful of the creamy avocado salsa. A sprinkle of diced white onions and fresh cilantro on top adds crunch and herbal brightness that balances the rich steak and luscious salsa. Add the charred green onions on the side, along with extra salsa and lime wedges for an extra zing. This assembly is where everything comes alive, creating an irresistible combination of texture, flavor, and color that speaks volumes before the first bite.

How to Serve Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like chopped white onion and cilantro bring a delightful crispness and vibrancy that contrasts with the tender steak and creamy salsa. Lime wedges are an absolute must; a quick squeeze brightens each bite, cutting through the richness and lifting the entire flavor profile to new heights.

Side Dishes

These tacos pair wonderfully with light, refreshing sides that keep the meal balanced. Think Mexican street corn, a crisp cabbage slaw with a tangy dressing, or simply a bowl of seasoned black beans. Rice cooked with lime and cilantro also complements the smoky, savory notes of the steak tacos beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa family-style on a large platter, letting everyone build their own with a variety of salsas and garnishes. Alternatively, stack mini tacos for a party appetizer or lay out skewered steak cubes alongside small bowls of salsa and tortillas for a casual taco night buffet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the steak, avocado salsa, and tortillas separately in airtight containers. The salsa will keep its creamy, bright flavor for up to three days, while the steak stays tender and juicy for about two days in the fridge.

Freezing

The steak can be frozen after marinating but before grilling. Lay the pieces flat in a freezer-safe bag, and use within two months for best flavor. Avoid freezing the avocado salsa as the texture may change unfavorable upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the steak in a skillet over medium heat to retain its juiciness and avoid overcooking. Tortillas can be quickly warmed on a dry skillet or in the oven. Serve the avocado salsa cold to preserve its fresh vibrancy and creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for these tacos?

Absolutely! Flank steak or flap steak are great alternatives that also grill well and have excellent flavor. Just adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking.

How spicy are these tacos?

The spice level is mild to moderate, thanks to the jalapeño without seeds, but you can always add extra slices or hot sauce if you like it hotter.

Can I make the avocado salsa without a blender?

While a blender helps achieve a smooth consistency quickly, you can finely chop the ingredients for a chunkier, rustic salsa if you prefer.

What’s the best way to warm corn tortillas?

Warming them on a hot grill or skillet for 10-15 seconds per side is ideal to get them soft and slightly toasted without drying out.

Is there a vegetarian version of Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

You can swap the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned jackfruit for a delicious vegetarian twist that still pairs beautifully with the avocado salsa.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a celebration of bold flavors, simple ingredients, and effortless cooking that comes together in a dish you’ll want to make over and over. From the juicy, spice-kissed steak to the creamy, tangy salsa, every bite feels like a mini street-taco adventure. So go ahead, fire up your grill or skillet, invite some friends or family, and enjoy the unforgettable flavors of this personal favorite.

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