Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal: Flank Steak Tacos! These vibrant, flavorful tacos are incredibly easy to prepare, featuring tender flank steak marinated to perfection and served with an array of fresh, colorful toppings. Whether you’re planning a quick family dinner, hosting a casual gathering, or simply craving an explosion of Mexican-inspired flavors, these tacos are guaranteed to hit the spot. Our recipe focuses on maximizing taste with minimal effort, ensuring a delicious and satisfying experience every time. Get ready to elevate your taco night!
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Why You’ll Love These Flavor-Packed Flank Steak Tacos
There’s a reason flank steak tacos have become a beloved staple in many households. This recipe takes all the best elements of traditional steak tacos and elevates them with a simple yet powerful marinade, making them not just delicious but also a smart choice for any occasion:
- Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The homemade marinade is the secret weapon here. It deeply infuses the flank steak with a savory, tangy, and subtly spicy flavor that transforms a simple cut of beef into an extraordinary culinary experience. Each bite is bursting with zesty citrus and aromatic garlic.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Who says incredible flavor takes hours? These tacos can be prepped, cooked, and served in under 30 minutes (after marinating), making them an ideal solution for those hectic weekday evenings when you need a quick, satisfying, and wholesome meal.
- Budget-Friendly Delicacy: Flank steak is known for being a more economical cut of beef, allowing you to create restaurant-quality tacos without breaking the bank. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy premium flavors at a fraction of the cost, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or managing your grocery budget.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Customizable: Tacos are inherently social food! Set out a variety of toppings and let everyone build their own perfect taco. This interactive dining experience is fantastic for families with picky eaters or when entertaining guests, as it caters to diverse preferences.
Whether you’re seeking a speedy dinner solution or aiming to impress at your next gathering, these flank steak tacos are undoubtedly the perfect choice. They combine ease, economy, and exceptional taste into one harmonious dish.
Essential Ingredients for Your Flank Steak Tacos
Crafting these succulent flank steak tacos starts with selecting the right ingredients. Below is an overview of what you’ll need, with detailed measurements available in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this page.
š Ingredient Deep Dive & Notes
- Flank Steak: The star of the show! When choosing your flank steak, look for a piece with good marbling ā those thin streaks of fat running through the meat. This marbling contributes significantly to keeping the steak moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful during cooking.
- Large Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for this marinade. Its pungent, aromatic qualities provide a deep, foundational flavor that dried garlic simply cannot replicate. Opt for freshly minced cloves for the best results.
- Fresh Orange Juice: This provides a crucial sweet and tangy element to the marinade. While freshly squeezed orange juice offers the brightest, most authentic flavor, a high-quality bottled version can be used in a pinch if convenience is a priority.
- Fresh Lime Juice: A powerful tenderizer and flavor enhancer, lime juice adds a vibrant, zesty punch that beautifully complements the orange. Again, fresh is best for maximum impact, but bottled lime juice is an acceptable substitute.
- White Vinegar: Beyond its tangy flavor, white vinegar plays a vital role in tenderizing the flank steak. Its acidity helps to break down muscle fibers, ensuring a more tender and juicy bite after cooking.
- Olive Oil: This versatile oil serves multiple purposes in the marinade. It helps distribute the flavors, adds a rich undertone, and most importantly, aids in preventing the steak from sticking to your grill or pan while cooking, ensuring a beautiful sear.
- Fresh Cilantro: Bringing a distinctive fresh, herbaceous note, cilantro is a hallmark of Mexican cuisine. If you’re among those who find cilantro’s flavor unappealing, fresh parsley makes a good alternative, or you can simply omit it entirely.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning, salt not only enhances the overall taste of the steak but also works synergistically with the acidic components of the marinade to further tenderize the meat. Adjust to your personal preference.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper offers a robust, spicy kick that’s far superior to pre-ground varieties. However, use what you have on hand; the goal is to add a layer of subtle heat.
- Chili Powder: This spice adds a warm, earthy heat and a beautiful color to the marinade. The amount can be easily adjusted to match your desired level of spice ā add more for a bolder kick, less for a milder flavor.
- Corn or Flour Tortillas: The vessel for your delicious filling! Traditionalists often prefer corn tortillas for their authentic flavor and texture, but soft flour tortillas are equally popular and offer a different mouthfeel. Choose whichever you enjoy most.
- Shredded Monterey Cheese: A mild, melty cheese that complements the robust steak flavor without overpowering it. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like sharp Cheddar, a Mexican blend, or even crumbly Cotija for a more authentic touch.
- Fresh Toppings: This is where you can truly make these tacos your own! Get creative with a spread of toppings such as homemade pico de gallo, creamy avocado slices or guacamole, cool sour cream or Mexican crema, thinly sliced red onion for a bite, fresh lime wedges for an extra squeeze of zest, crumbled feta, pickled jalapeƱos, or a vibrant salsa verde. The possibilities are endless!
Before You Begin: Essential Kitchen Tools
Having the right equipment can make all the difference in preparing these delicious flank steak tacos smoothly. Here are the fundamental tools you’ll need:
- Skillet or Grill Pan: Perfect for achieving that beautiful char and tender interior, whether you’re cooking indoors or on an outdoor grill. A heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet or a ribbed grill pan works wonderfully.
- Gallon Storage Bag: Ideal for marinating your flank steak, ensuring every inch of meat is coated in the flavorful mixture. Alternatively, a large, non-reactive bowl with a lid will also work.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Essential for safely and efficiently slicing your flank steak against the grain for maximum tenderness, as well as preparing your fresh toppings.
For more of my favorite kitchen essentials and culinary aids, be sure to check out my Amazon storefront!
Step by Step: Crafting Your Flank Steak Tacos
Creating these sensational flank steak tacos is a straightforward process. This section provides an overview of the steps; for comprehensive, detailed instructions and measurements, please refer to the recipe card found at the end of this article.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large, resealable gallon-sized bag or a spacious mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Whisk them together thoroughly until well incorporated. This ensures an even distribution of flavors that will penetrate the steak.
- Marinate the Steak: Add the flank steak to the prepared marinade. If using a bag, seal it, pressing out as much air as possible, then gently massage the marinade into the beef to ensure every surface is coated. If using a bowl, turn the steak a few times to coat, then cover. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours and up to 12 hours for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- Cook the Steak: Remove the marinated steak from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Heat your grilling pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the flank steak on the cooking surface. Cook for approximately 5-6 minutes per side. For best results, avoid moving the steak too much to achieve beautiful grill marks and a good sear.
- Rest the Steak: This step is crucial for juicy results! Once cooked, transfer the steak to a clean cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing them from escaping when you slice it.
- Slice and Assemble: After resting, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Cutting against the grain is vital for tenderness, as it shortens the muscle fibers. Then, warm your corn or flour tortillas according to package directions. Fill each warm tortilla with the thinly sliced, flavorful steak, and pile on your favorite fresh toppings. Finish with a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of zest.
Your Questions Answered: Flank Steak Taco FAQs
Cutting flank steak correctly is key to tenderness. First, identify the “grain” of the meatāthese are the long, visible lines of muscle fibers running across the steak. To ensure maximum tenderness in every bite, you’ll want to slice *against* this grain. Make thin cuts, ideally at a slight diagonal, no more than Ā¼-inch thick. This method shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak easier to chew and more enjoyable.
Absolutely, flank steak can become wonderfully tender, especially when prepared using the right techniques. The primary methods for tenderizing flank steak are proper marinating and correct slicing. The acidic components in our marinade (like citrus juices and vinegar) work to break down the steak’s muscle fibers, while olive oil helps retain moisture. Combined with cooking to the right temperature and then slicing against the grain, you’ll achieve a remarkably tender and juicy result.
Yes, while marinating is essential for flavor and tenderness, there is indeed a point where too much of a good thing can become detrimental. Ideally, you should marinate your flank steak for 4 to 12 hours. Marinating beyond 24 hours, particularly with acidic marinades, can cause the muscle fibers to break down excessively, potentially leading to a mushy or mealy texture rather than the desired tender bite. Stick within the recommended timeframe for the best results.
Warm tortillas are crucial for delicious tacos! You have several options:
- Skillet: Place tortillas in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 15-30 seconds per side, until soft and pliable with slight charring.
- Microwave: Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
- Oven: Wrap tortillas tightly in aluminum foil and bake at 350Ā°F (175Ā°C) for 10-15 minutes.
- Open Flame: Briefly char tortillas directly over a gas burner or grill grate for a smoky flavor, flipping with tongs.
For optimal safety and flavor, flank steak should reach an internal temperature of 145Ā°F (63Ā°C) for medium-rare, followed by a 3-minute rest. If you prefer a more well-done steak, you can cook it a little longer, but be cautious not to overcook, as flank steak can become tough if cooked past medium-well. A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Amira’s Expert Tips for Perfect Flank Steak Tacos
- The Importance of Resting: To unlock the full juiciness and flavor of your steak, always allow it to rest after cooking. This vital step lets the internal temperatures equalize and the muscle fibers relax, redistributing the precious juices evenly throughout the meat. Skipping this step means all that delicious moisture will escape onto your cutting board, leaving you with dry steak.
- Pat Dry Before Grilling (Mostly): While the marinade is full of flavor, ensure you allow any excessive liquid marinade to drip off the steak before placing it on the hot grill or pan. Too much liquid will steam the steak rather than sear it, preventing that coveted crispy exterior and beautiful char. A quick shake or light dab with a paper towel is usually sufficient, leaving enough marinade to flavor the meat without inhibiting the sear.
- Master the Grill Marks: If you’re using a grill pan and aiming for those appealing, professional-looking grill marks, patience is key. Place the steak on the hot surface and resist the urge to move it constantly. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes on one side to develop a deep sear, then flip it once, and only once, halfway through the cooking process.
- Warm Your Tortillas: This simple step is often overlooked but dramatically impacts the overall taco experience. Warm tortillas become soft, pliable, and much more enjoyable to eat. They won’t crack or tear when folded and will better complement the tender steak and fresh toppings. Use a dry skillet, microwave, or oven for warming.
- Slice Against the Grain: As mentioned in the FAQs, this technique is paramount for flank steak. Visualizing the muscle fibers and cutting perpendicularly across them ensures a tender chew. Failure to do so can result in a chewy, less pleasant texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the steak, ensure there’s enough space between pieces if you’re cooking more than one. Overcrowding will lower the pan’s temperature and cause the steak to steam instead of sear, preventing that delicious crust. Cook in batches if necessary.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Having leftovers of these amazing flank steak tacos is a treat! Hereās how to store and reheat them to maintain their deliciousness:
- Storage: Store any leftover cooked and sliced flank steak in a separate airtight container or a tightly sealed plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep toppings and tortillas separate to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing: You can easily freeze the cooked and sliced flank steak. Place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw the steak overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat the steak, place it in a skillet with a small amount of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Cook quickly, tossing occasionally, until it is warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating, which can dry out the meat. You can also gently warm it in the oven.
Effortless Meal Prep: Make Ahead Tips
To significantly save time and streamline your meal preparation, consider marinating the flank steak the night before or up to 12 hours in advance. This not only allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat for an enhanced taste but also means your steak is perfectly tender and ready to cook whenever you are. On the day of, all that’s left is to cook the steak and assemble your tacos, making these an excellent option for stress-free weeknight dinners or quick entertaining.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Flank Steak Tacos
While these flank steak tacos are incredibly satisfying and can easily stand alone as a complete meal, pairing them with complementary side dishes can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some fantastic suggestions:
- Rice Cooker Mexican Rice: A classic pairing, this savory rice dish provides a comforting and flavorful accompaniment. It’s easy to prepare and complements the taco flavors beautifully.
- No Tomato Guacamole: Creamy, rich guacamole is always a winning side with tacos. Our no-tomato version is especially fresh and pairs wonderfully with crispy tortilla chips.
- Fresh Black Bean and Corn Salad: A light, refreshing salad with a hint of sweetness and spice can cut through the richness of the steak, offering a balanced contrast.
- Simple Green Salad with Cilantro-Lime Dressing: For a healthier, crisp option, a basic green salad with a zesty, bright dressing will refresh the palate.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet, smoky grilled corn, perhaps with a sprinkle of chili powder and cotija cheese (elote style), is a fantastic seasonal side.
- Agua Fresca or Margaritas: For beverages, a refreshing fruit-infused agua fresca or a classic margarita perfectly complements the vibrant flavors of the tacos.
Adaptable Recipe ā Unleash Your Culinary Creativity!
This flank steak taco recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily customize it to suit different tastes, dietary preferences, or ingredients you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Vegetarian Transformation: For a hearty and flavorful meat-free alternative, swap out the flank steak for thick-cut portobello mushrooms. Marinate the mushroom caps in the exact same zesty marinade to ensure consistent and delicious flavors. Grill or sautƩ them until tender.
- Alternative Beef Cuts: If flank steak isn’t available or you’re looking for another economical option, London broil (which typically refers to a cooking method but often uses top round or flank steak itself) or skirt steak are excellent substitutes. Skirt steak is particularly similar in texture and takes well to marinades.
- Lighter Protein Options: For a lighter meal, consider replacing the flank steak with white fish like tilapia, cod, or mahi-mahi. Adjust the cooking time significantly, as fish cooks much faster than beef. Shrimp also works beautifully with this marinade for quick and zesty shrimp tacos!
- Boost with Vegetables: Incorporate more vegetables by grilling or sautƩing colorful bell peppers and onions alongside your steak. Their sweetness and tender-crisp texture add another layer of flavor and nutrition to your tacos.
- Spice it Up: Craving more heat? Enhance the marinade by adding a finely diced jalapeƱo or serrano pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a generous dash of red pepper flakes. You can also serve with a fiery hot sauce on the side.
- Cheese Exploration: Beyond Monterey Jack, experiment with various cheeses. Crumbly queso fresco offers a fresh, tangy contrast, while Cotija cheese provides a salty, harder texture. A sharp cheddar or a spicy habanero jack can also introduce new dimensions.
- Different Herbs: If cilantro isn’t your favorite, consider using fresh parsley, oregano, or a mix of both in the marinade or as a garnish for a different aromatic profile.
- Wrap Variations: Beyond corn and flour, explore other taco shell options like crispy hard-shell tacos, lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative, or even larger burrito-style tortillas if you like a more substantial wrap.
Other Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed these Flank Steak Tacos, you might also want to try some of these other fantastic recipes from my kitchen:
- These Air Fryer Shrimp Tacos offer another incredibly easy and delicious taco experience, perfect for simplifying your weeknight dinners.
- Looking to switch things up with a coastal twist? Our Baja Fish Tacos are the ultimate light and refreshing summer meal.
- For a clever dinner idea that you can prep ahead to save time after a busy workday, this Taco Stuffed Peppers recipe is a must-try.
- When Taco Tuesday calls for something a little different and fun, our Tater Tot Casserole is an easy and satisfying dish.
- For an impressive appetizer or a unique dinner, these Flank Steak Pinwheels are cheesy, tender, and packed with flavor, featuring marinated flank steak rolled around a delicious filling of melty cheese and spinach.
- Quick and satisfying Steak Bites with Garlic Butter are the perfect answer for a speedy yet indulgent dinner tonight. Juicy steak bites seared to golden brown perfection in a rich, flavorful, garlicky butter sauce.
While I often prepare steak tacos on the stove for midweek convenience, this recipe is equally spectacular cooked on an outdoor grill, imparting a wonderful smoky char. This recipe also scales up effortlessly, making it perfect for entertaining. Simply lay out all the components on a table and allow everyone to customize their own tacos ā a fun and interactive dining experience!
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Let me know what kind of tacos you usually serve, or if you tried this recipe, please consider leaving a āāāāā rating and comment below! Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you for cooking with me!
Flank Steak Tacos
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Main Course
Mexican/American
Halal
10 minutes
10 minutes
5 Servings
228 kcal
Amira
Ingredients
- 1 Ā½ flank steak
- For the marinade:
- 3 Large garlic cloves
- Juice of one orange (about Ā½ cup)
- Juice of two limes (about Ā¼ cup)
- 2 Tablespoons white vinegar
- ā cup olive oil
- 1 cup cilantro (chopped, about half of a big bunch – 25g)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Ā½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
For serving:
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Shredded Monterey cheese
- Pico de Gallo
- Sliced red onions
- Avocado slices
Instructions
- Add all the marinade ingredients into a gallon-sized zip-top bag or a large bowl and mix them well until combined.
- Add the flank steak to the marinade, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Massage the marinade into the beef. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for 4 to 12 hours for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- Before cooking, take the marinated steak out of the refrigerator and let it rest on your counter for 15-20 minutes to come closer to room temperature.
- Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 5-6 minutes on each side until it reaches your desired doneness (internal temperature of 145Ā°F for medium-rare).
- Remove the cooked steak from the heat and place it on a clean plate. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes. This step is crucial for juicy, tender meat.
- Transfer the rested flank steak to a cutting board and thinly slice it against the grain. This ensures maximum tenderness.
- Prepare your flank steak tacos:
- Warm up your corn or flour tortillas until soft and pliable. Fill each tortilla with the thinly sliced flank steak, then top with your favorite taco garnishes like shredded Monterey cheese, pico de gallo, sliced red onions, and avocado slices. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a bright finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 228kcal
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Carbohydrates: 1g
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Protein: 15g
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Fat: 18g
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Saturated Fat: 3g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 12g
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Cholesterol: 41mg
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Sodium: 510mg
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Potassium: 266mg
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Fiber: 0.3g
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Sugar: 0.1g
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Vitamin A: 339IU
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Vitamin C: 1mg
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Calcium: 23mg
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Iron: 1mg
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