Spice things up with these mouthwatering Mexican steak tacos—rich, juicy, and full of bold flavor. Whether you grill or sear the steak, every bite is a delicious celebration of smoky spices and tender meat. Pair with your favorite toppings and a squeeze of lime, and you’ve got a fiesta on your plate.
Ingredients List
– 1 lb flank steak
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 8 corn tortillas
– 1 cup salsa roja
– Lime wedges for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Steak
Season the flank steak with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spices into the meat well.
Cook the Steak
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust time for preferred doneness.
Rest and Slice
Remove the steak from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
Warm the Tortillas
In a separate skillet, warm each corn tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until soft and pliable.
Assemble the Tacos
Place slices of steak on each tortilla, drizzle with salsa roja, and garnish with lime wedges.
Ways to Improve It
1. Marinate the steak overnight in lime juice, garlic, and cilantro for extra flavor.
2. Add some sliced avocados or guacamole for creaminess.
3. Top with pickled red onions for a tangy twist.
4. Sprinkle some crumbled cotija cheese for a salty touch.
5. Serve with freshly chopped cilantro to enhance freshness.
Side Dishes to Serve With
These Mexican steak tacos are perfectly complemented by a side of Mexican rice or black beans for a complete meal. You could also serve them alongside a simple green salad or grilled corn on the cob to add some more veggies to your plate.
Substitutions
1. Use skirt steak instead of flank steak if preferred.
2. Substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a richer flavor.
3. Swap salsa roja with salsa verde if you like a tomatillo-based sauce.
4. Use flour tortillas if you prefer them over corn tortillas.
Recipe Variations
1. Add grilled bell peppers and onions to make fajita-style tacos.
2. Spice it up by adding some chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers.
3. Make it more filling by adding black beans inside the tacos.
4. For a different flavor profile, try adding chipotle sauce instead of salsa roja.
5. Create a surf-and-turf version by adding grilled shrimp along with the steak.
