Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a delightful blend of smoky and juicy flavors, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these tacos are sure to impress. The avocado salsa adds a fresh twist, making each bite a burst of flavor that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: These tacos come together quickly, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of grilled steak and zesty avocado salsa creates a vibrant taste that tantalizes your palate.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a main dish or serve them as appetizers at your next party.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and lean protein, these tacos are not only delicious but also nutritious.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level or toppings to suit your personal taste and dietary needs.

Tools and Preparation

To make the process smooth and enjoyable, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can elevate your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Mixing bowls
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Tongs
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: A great grill is key for achieving the perfect char on your steak, enhancing its flavor.
• Mixing bowls: These are essential for preparing your salsa and marinating the steak without making a mess.
• Knife & Cutting board: Sharp knives make slicing ingredients effortless, while a sturdy cutting board provides a safe workspace.

Ingredients

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

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)
• 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
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil

For Serving:

• 6 green onions
• 6 corn tortillas
• ¼ cup finely chopped white onion

How to Make Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Step 1: Prepare the Avocado Salsa

Start by heating avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Add tomatillos, onion halves, garlic cloves, and jalapeño. Cook until everything is slightly charred.

Step 2: Blend the Salsa

Transfer cooked ingredients to a blender. Add water, cilantro, lime juice, oregano, and salt. Blend until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.

Step 3: Marinate the Steak

In a mixing bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, chopped cilantro (half), paprika, salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and avocado oil. Add skirt steak; let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 4: Grill the Steak

Preheat your grill to medium-high. Remove steak from marinade and place on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until it reaches desired doneness. Let rest before slicing.

Step 5: Prepare Tortillas

Warm corn tortillas on the grill briefly until soft and pliable.

Step 6: Assemble Tacos

Slice grilled steak thinly. Place on tortillas and top with avocado salsa. Garnish with green onions and chopped white onion before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a delightful dish that can be served in various ways. These tacos are perfect for gatherings or casual dinners, providing a burst of flavor and freshness. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your taco experience.

Classic Taco Presentation

• Serve the grilled steak in warm corn tortillas topped with avocado salsa for a traditional approach.
• Add finely chopped white onions and fresh cilantro for an authentic touch.

Taco Bar Setup

• Create a taco bar where guests can customize their own tacos.
• Provide additional toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, and hot sauce to cater to different tastes.

Pair with Refreshing Drinks

• Complement your tacos with light beverages like lime-infused water or classic margaritas.
• Offering refreshing drinks enhances the overall dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Use additional cilantro or fresh mint leaves to garnish each taco.
• This adds a vibrant color and enhances the flavor profile.

Serve with Lime Wedges

• Include lime wedges on the side for guests who enjoy an extra zesty kick.
• The acidity of lime balances the richness of the steak.

Enjoy with Crispy Tortilla Chips

• Offer tortilla chips on the side for added crunch.
• Pair them with a salsa dip or guacamole for extra flavor.

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. These pointers will elevate your tacos and impress your guests.

• Marinate the steak: Allow the skirt steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Preheat the grill: Make sure your grill is hot before placing the steak. A high temperature gives it beautiful grill marks and locks in juices.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cilantro, ripe avocados, and juicy limes make a significant difference in taste. Always choose the best quality produce.
• Keep tortillas warm: Warm corn tortillas before serving to prevent them from cracking. You can wrap them in foil and place them on the grill briefly.
• Rest the meat: After grilling, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
• Customize spice levels: Adjust jalapeño and smoked paprika amounts according to your heat preference for a personalized kick.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa can enhance your meal’s flavor profile. Here are some excellent options that complement this delicious dish.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice provides a sweet and spicy contrast.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add richness and protein, making this meal more filling.
3. Spanish Rice: Flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes and spices is a classic accompaniment that rounds out any taco meal well.
4. Guacamole: Freshly made guacamole offers creamy texture and complements the spicy flavors of tacos perfectly.
5. Chips & Salsa: A crunchy snack option that pairs well before or alongside tacos; choose mild or spicy salsa based on preference.
6. Pickled Red Onions: Tart pickled red onions add tanginess that balances savory tacos wonderfully.
7. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in lime juice brings crispness that brightens up each bite of taco.
8. Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice adds brightness and freshness alongside rich flavors of steak tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes can easily happen while preparing Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa. Here are some common ones to steer clear of:

• Using the Wrong Cut of Meat: Choosing a cut that is too lean will result in dry tacos. Opt for skirt, flap, or flank steak for the best flavor and juiciness.
• Overcooking the Steak: Cooking the steak too long makes it tough. Grill until medium-rare for a tender bite; use a meat thermometer to check.
• Neglecting to Rest the Meat: Cutting into the steak right after grilling lets the juices escape. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing for maximum flavor.
• Skipping Seasoning: Failing to season adequately leads to bland tacos. Use the spice mix provided in the recipe for a flavorful experience.
• Not Preparing the Salsa Ahead: Making salsa at the last minute can result in textures being off. Prepare your avocado salsa while the steak cooks to enhance freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover tacos in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3 days for best taste and texture.

Freezing Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

• Wrap tacos tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing.
• They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat wrapped tacos for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm on a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa.

Can I use other cuts of beef for these tacos?

Yes, you can substitute skirt steak with flank or flap steak. Just ensure they have enough fat for flavor.

How do I make my avocado salsa extra spicy?

For added heat, leave some seeds in your jalapeño or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your salsa mixture.

Can I prepare Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate your steak and prepare your salsa in advance. Just grill and assemble when ready to serve.

What toppings go well with grilled steak tacos?

Consider adding sliced radishes, pickled onions, or crumbled queso fresco as delicious toppings for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa offer a delightful combination of smoky flavors and fresh ingredients. Their versatility makes them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering. Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting spice levels!