Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are smoky, juicy, and just the right amount of spicy. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe shines with its vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. The combination of grilled steak and creamy avocado salsa creates a delightful dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The smoky grilled steak pairs perfectly with zesty avocado salsa, creating a taste explosion.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it for dinner, lunch, or even at your next barbecue; it fits any occasion!
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and herbs, you’ll enjoy every bite guilt-free.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste; you can make it as mild or as hot as you like.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking these delicious tacos, gather your tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or grill pan
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Tongs
• Cooking spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet or grill pan: Ideal for achieving that perfect char on the steak while maintaining juiciness.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes slicing ingredients quick and easy, ensuring even pieces for cooking.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining the ingredients for your avocado salsa without making a mess.

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)

For the Steak Marinade

• ½ teaspoon dry oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• 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)

Seasonings for the Steak

• 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 Your Ingredients

Start by prepping all your ingredients. Wash and chop the tomatillos, jalapeño, cilantro, and onion. Slice the skirt steak into manageable sections.

Step 2: Make the Avocado Salsa

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine tomatillos, yellow onion halves, garlic cloves, jalapeño halves, water, cilantro, lime juice, oregano, and kosher salt.
2. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 3: Marinate the Steak

In another bowl:
1. Mix orange juice, lime juice, chopped cilantro, paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and oregano.
2. Add skirt steak pieces and marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 4: Grill the Steak

Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
– Once hot:
– Drizzle with avocado oil.
– Grill each piece of steak for about 3-4 minutes per side until cooked to your preference.

Step 5: Warm Corn Tortillas

While the steak rests:
– Warm corn tortillas on a dry skillet until pliable.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

To serve:
1. Slice grilled steak into strips.
2. Place steak on warm tortillas.
3. Top generously with avocado salsa and sprinkle with chopped white onion.
4. Enjoy these Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa!

How to Serve Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience.

Taco Bar

• Create a taco bar with all the toppings laid out for guests to customize their tacos according to their taste preferences.

Fresh Lime Wedges

• Serve lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick that complements the smoky flavors of the steak and salsa.

Pickled Red Onions

• Add pickled red onions for a tangy crunch that balances the richness of the grilled steak.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

• Offer sour cream or Greek yogurt as a creamy contrast to the spicy jalapeño in the salsa.

Shredded Cheese

• Provide shredded cheese, such as cotija or cheddar, for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Fresh Cilantro Sprigs

• Garnish each taco with fresh cilantro sprigs for added freshness and visual appeal.

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How to Perfect Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

To ensure your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Meat: Select high-quality skirt steak or flank steak for tenderness and flavor.
• Marinate Overnight: Let the steak marinate overnight to enhance its taste and juiciness before grilling.
• Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to high heat before cooking the steak for optimal searing.
• Rest Your Meat: Allow the cooked steak to rest for at least five minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy.
• Warm Tortillas: Lightly warm your corn tortillas on the grill to make them pliable and enhance their flavor.
• Adjust Spice Level: Customize the spice level of your avocado salsa by adding more or fewer jalapeños according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Pairing side dishes with Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Mexican Street Corn: Charred corn on the cob topped with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice adds sweetness and texture.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty side that complements the tacos beautifully.
3. Cilantro-Lime Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with cilantro and lime enhances freshness while balancing the dish’s flavors.
4. Chips and Guacamole: Crispy tortilla chips served with guacamole create a perfect appetizer or snack before enjoying your tacos.
5. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and a lime vinaigrette adds color and nutrition.
6. Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and acidity that pairs wonderfully with steak tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring the marinade time: Not allowing the steak to marinate long enough can result in less flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes to let the spices soak in.
• Overcooking the steak: Cooking the steak too long can lead to toughness. Use a meat thermometer and aim for medium-rare for tenderness.
• Skipping fresh ingredients: Using stale or canned salsa instead of fresh avocado salsa will compromise taste. Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Serving cold tortillas: Cold tortillas can ruin the experience. Warm them up on a skillet before serving for a better texture.
• Not balancing flavors: Overlooking lime juice or salt can lead to bland tacos. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store grilled steak tacos in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep avocado salsa separate to prevent browning; it lasts about 1-2 days.

Freezing Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

• Freeze cooked steak in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Do not freeze avocado salsa; it does not thaw well.

Reheating Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover. Heat for 30 seconds at a time until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Warm each taco for about 1-2 minutes per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of meat in Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

Yes, you can substitute skirt steak with flap or flank steak, or even chicken or pork if preferred.

How do I ripen avocados quickly?

To ripen avocados faster, place them in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana at room temperature.

What else can I add to my tacos?

Feel free to customize by adding toppings like cheese, sour cream, or additional vegetables according to your taste.

How spicy are these Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

The spice level depends on how much jalapeño you include. For milder tacos, remove all seeds from the jalapeño.

Can I prepare the avocado salsa ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the avocado salsa up to one day in advance, but store it in an airtight container to minimize browning.

Final Thoughts

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are not just delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them with different proteins and toppings. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for any occasion!