Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are smoky, juicy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings, these tacos bring a delightful twist to your table. The combination of seasoned steak and fresh avocado salsa creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy family meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with Flavor: Each taco is loaded with the perfect balance of spices and freshness.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and short cooking times, these tacos come together quickly.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the toppings to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for weeknight dinners, parties, or meal prep.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and healthy fats from the avocado.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa, having the right tools is essential. These help streamline your cooking process and ensure delicious results.

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: Provides even heat for perfectly seared steak.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for slicing meat and vegetables.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients, especially the avocado salsa.

Ingredients

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

For the 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

• 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 Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine juice of orange, juice of lime, paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and dry oregano. Mix well.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place skirt steak into a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over the steak ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Step 3: Make the Avocado Salsa

In a blender or food processor, add tomatillos, yellow onion halves, garlic cloves, jalapeño, water, cilantro, lime juice, oregano, and kosher salt. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 4: Grill the Steak

Preheat your grill or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil to coat the surface. Remove steak from marinade and grill for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Adjust time based on thickness.

Step 5: Prepare Tortillas

While grilling steak, warm corn tortillas on another section of the grill or in a pan until soft and pliable.

Step 6: Assemble Tacos

Once grilled steak has rested for a few minutes after cooking, slice it against the grain into thin pieces. Place slices on warm tortillas and top with avocado salsa. Garnish with green onions and white onion before serving. Enjoy your delicious grilled steak tacos!

How to Serve Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa make for a delightful meal that can be served in various ways. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your taco experience.

Classic Taco Platter

• Serve the tacos on a large platter with the avocado salsa on the side for guests to add as they please.

Taco Bar Setup

• Create a taco bar with all the fixings: chopped onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and various hot sauces for customization.

Family-Style Serving

• Arrange the grilled steak and avocado salsa in bowls on the table, allowing everyone to build their own tacos at their leisure.

Pairing with Drinks

• Complement your tacos with refreshing beverages like homemade lemonade or classic margaritas to enhance the dining experience.

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: Use fresh skirt steak or flank steak for optimal flavor and tenderness.

• Marinate Well: Allow the meat to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb flavors from the spices and juices.

• Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before cooking; this helps achieve those perfect grill marks and locks in juices.

• Watch Cooking Time: Cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Overcooking can lead to dry meat.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

These side dishes pair wonderfully with Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa, adding even more flavor to your meal.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice offers a sweet and spicy complement to tacos.

2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty side that balances perfectly with the freshness of your tacos.

3. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime adds brightness and crunch alongside your main dish.

4. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime gives a zesty touch that pairs well with beef tacos.

5. Chips and Guacamole: Crunchy tortilla chips served alongside creamy guacamole make for a delicious appetizer before indulging in tacos.

6. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini adds color and nutrition while complementing smoky flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa, avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your dish. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping marination: Marinating the steak enhances flavor. Don’t rush this step; allow at least 30 minutes for the best taste.
• Overcooking the steak: Cooking steak too long can lead to toughness. Aim for medium-rare to keep it juicy and tender.
• Neglecting fresh ingredients: Using stale or low-quality produce dulls flavors. Always opt for fresh tomatillos, avocados, and herbs.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can make your tacos bland. Be generous with spices and adjust according to your taste.
• Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas can ruin the taco experience. Warm them up before serving to enhance texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
• Remove excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat the oven 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 on high for about 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and cook for about 1-2 minutes on each side until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cut of beef for Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

Skirt steak is ideal due to its flavor and tenderness when grilled. Flank steak is a good substitute if needed.

Can I make the avocado salsa ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the avocado salsa a few hours in advance. Just add a bit more lime juice before serving to keep it fresh.

How spicy are these tacos?

The spiciness level depends on how much jalapeño you include. Removing the seeds makes them milder, while keeping them adds more heat.

What toppings go well with Grilled Steak Tacos?

Try adding diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, or sour cream for extra flavor and texture.

Can I use other proteins instead of beef?

Absolutely! Chicken or shrimp can be delicious alternatives that pair well with avocado salsa.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are not only smoky and juicy but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting spice levels to suit your preferences. Enjoy this hearty dish at dinner or any festive gathering!