These grilled flank steak tacos layer smoky, lime-marinated steak with crisp purple cabbage, creamy avocado, and bright mango salsa. If you’re searching for a recipe, these grilled flank steak tacos truly stand out. They are colorful, satisfying, and easy to customize, making them a practical option for summer dinners or casual gatherings.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Flank or skirt steak: Creates a savory, protein-rich taco filling.
- Avocado oil and lime: Add moisture, brightness, and help the steak brown.
- Chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic, and onion: Build smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly in grilled flank steak tacos.
- Tortillas and cabbage: Form the base and add a crisp texture.
- Avocado and mango salsa: Add creaminess, sweetness, acidity, and healthy fats.
- Cilantro and lime wedges: Give the finished tacos a fresh, citrusy finish.
- Yogurt, lime, and garlic powder: Create an optional cool, creamy sauce.
Alternative Ingredients
- Flank steak: Substitute skirt steak, flat iron steak, or thin sirloin.
- Avocado oil: Use another neutral, high-heat cooking oil.
- Corn tortillas: Substitute flour tortillas or crunchy taco shells.
- Dairy-free yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt if dairy is suitable for you.
- Purple cabbage: Green cabbage or a bagged coleslaw blend also works.
Nutritional Benefits
- Supports Muscle Repair: Steak provides high-quality protein for recovery, making grilled tacos with flank steak a nutritious choice.
- Provides Iron and Zinc: Beef contributes minerals involved in energy and immune function.
- Supports Digestion: Cabbage, avocado, and mango contribute dietary fiber.
- Provides Healthy Fats: Avocado and avocado oil supply monounsaturated fats.
- Rich in Plant Nutrients: Cabbage, mango, cilantro, lime, and spices add antioxidants. These ingredients come together in grilled flank steak tacos for a healthful meal.
Expert Tips
Avoid Over-Marinating: Limit marinating to eight hours so the lime does not soften the steak too much.
Use High Heat: Preheat the grill to 450°F to 500°F for better browning for your steak.
Create a Cool Zone: Leave part of the grill cooler in case the oil causes flare-ups.
Check the Temperature: A thermometer is more reliable than cooking by time alone.
Slice Against the Grain: Cutting across the visible muscle fibers keeps the steak tender, which is ideal for steak tacos.
FAQs
Yes. Cook the steak in a hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, turning once, until it reaches your desired doneness.
Flank steak can become chewy when it is overcooked or sliced with the grain. Let it rest before cutting it thinly across the muscle fibers.
Marinate it for at least 30 minutes and up to eight hours. Longer marinating can give the surface a soft or mushy texture because of the lime juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these grilled flank steak tacos with black beans, cilantro-lime rice, grilled corn, or a simple cucumber salad. For a casual meal, arrange the toppings separately and let everyone build their own grilled steak tacos.
Storage Suggestions
Refrigerate the steak, cabbage, salsa, and sauce in separate airtight containers for up to three to four days. To ensure freshness in your grilled flank steak tacos, reheat the steak gently and slice the avocado just before serving for the best texture.
You’ll also enjoy:
Grilled Flank Steak Tacos
Ingredients
Steak
- 1 1/2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Tacos
- 8-10 small corn or flour tortillas hard or soft
- 2 cups shredded purple cabbage
- 1 avocado sliced
- 1-1 1/2 cups homemade mango salsa
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Optional Creamy Lime Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain dairy-free yogurt or Greek-style yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1-2 tbsp water to thin
Instructions
- Whisk together the avocado oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.2 tbsp avocado oil, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Place the steak in a shallow dish or resealable bag, pour the marinade over it, and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to eight hours.1 1/2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- While the steak marinates, make the optional sauce by whisking together the yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches a drizzleable consistency, then refrigerate until needed.1/2 cup plain dairy-free yogurt or Greek-style yogurt, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt
- Heat the grill to medium-high, approximately 450°F to 500°F. Clean the grates.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and let the excess marinade drip from the steak before placing it on the grill over direct heat. Discard the used marinade.
- Cook for approximately 4 to 6 minutes per side for flank steak, depending on its thickness. (cook to 125°F to 130°F for medium rare)
- Transfer the steak to a clean cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Identify the direction of the grain, then slice the steak thinly across it.
- Warm the tortillas briefly on the grill, then fill them with cabbage, sliced steak, avocado, mango salsa, cilantro, and creamy lime sauce if using. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Marinating Time: Marinate the steak for 30 minutes to eight hours.
- Cooking Temperature:
- Carryover Cooking: Remove the steak a few degrees before your target temperature.
- Tender Slices: Always cut the steak thinly against the grain.
- Keep Shells Crisp: Add the salsa immediately before serving.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
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