If you are looking for a vibrant and satisfying meal that will instantly brighten up your dinner table, you have to try this Skirt Steak Tacos with Avocado and Cilantro Recipe. This dish combines tender, flavorful skirt steak with the creamy freshness of avocado and the zesty bite of cilantro, all wrapped up in warm, toasty tortillas. It’s a fiesta of textures and tastes that comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends. Every bite offers that perfect blend of smoky, spicy, and fresh elements that make tacos a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the spice blend that brings the steak to life to the fresh toppings that add brightness and contrast. With just a handful of components, you’ll have a taco that feels gourmet without any fuss.
- Paprika: Adds a sweet, smoky foundation that enhances the beef’s natural flavor.
- Cumin: Brings warm earthiness that’s classic in Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle punch of savory depth without overpowering.
- Chili powder: Provides a gentle heat that rounds out the spice mix.
- Sea salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Dried oregano: Introduces a herbaceous note that balances the spices.
- Onion powder: Offers mild sweetness and complexity in the seasoning blend.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a touch of sharpness and heat.
- Skirt steak (1 pound): The star of the dish, known for its rich flavor and tender texture when grilled properly.
- Olive oil: Helps the spices adhere to the steak and ensures a perfect sear.
- Avocado (diced): Provides creamy balance and cooling freshness.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings vibrant herbal brightness and color.
- Tortillas (8 small): The cozy wrap that holds everything together and crisps slightly when heated.
- Optional toppings: Sliced jalapeños for heat, crumbled queso fresco for richness, or fresh lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.
How to Make Skirt Steak Tacos with Avocado and Cilantro Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Grill
Begin by heating your grill to medium-high, around 375 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan will work beautifully. This high heat is crucial to getting that perfect sear which locks in juices and flavors.
Step 2: Mix Your Signature Spice Rub
In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, sea salt, dried oregano, onion powder, and black pepper. This vibrant blend creates the distinctive flavor profile that makes this Skirt Steak Tacos with Avocado and Cilantro Recipe so unforgettable.
Step 3: Season and Oil the Steak
Brush the skirt steak with olive oil on both sides to help the spices stick and to promote that delightful crust as it cooks. Sprinkle your spice mixture evenly over the steak and gently pat it in. This method ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the steak on the grill and cook it for 4 to 5 minutes per side. Aim for a medium doneness, which means an internal temperature of about 135 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The steak will remain juicy and tender, ideal for slicing thinly later.
Step 5: Rest and Slice the Steak
Once grilled, remove the steak and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat even more succulent. Afterward, slice the steak thinly and then chop into bite-sized chunks just right for tacos.
Step 6: Toast Your Tortillas
Warm your tortillas on the grill, over the stove, or in a pan until they’re lightly crisped and perfectly pliable. Toasting adds a wonderful texture contrast and enhances their flavor.
Step 7: Assemble Your Tacos
Fill each tortilla with the tender steak pieces, then top with diced avocado and freshly chopped cilantro. Feel free to add optional toppings like sliced jalapeños for heat, queso fresco for creaminess, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Each addition brings another layer of deliciousness to this Skirt Steak Tacos with Avocado and Cilantro Recipe.
How to Serve Skirt Steak Tacos with Avocado and Cilantro Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your tacos to the next level, think fresh and bright garnishes. A handful of sliced jalapeños adds a playful kick, while crumbled queso fresco introduces creamy, tangy contrast. Don’t forget a wedge of lime; a squeeze just before eating brightens every element on the plate.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Mexican sides. Consider serving with Mexican street corn, a simple black bean salad, or a crisp cabbage slaw. These sides add complementary textures and flavors that round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the ingredients separately for a DIY taco bar, letting everyone customize their own. You can also serve the steak on crispy tostadas instead of tortillas, or even with a bed of fresh greens for a taco salad experience. These options keep your Skirt Steak Tacos with Avocado and Cilantro Recipe feeling fresh and exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover steak or taco fixings, store them in airtight containers in the fridge. The steak will stay juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or next-day dinners.
Freezing
While the steak itself freezes well, it’s best to freeze only the cooked meat without avocado or tortillas. Wrap the steak tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Avocado and tortillas don’t freeze well as they can change texture.
Reheating
Reheat the steak gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Warm tortillas separately to keep their texture, and add fresh avocado and cilantro toppings when ready to serve for that fresh burst of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While skirt steak is ideal for its flavor and texture, flank or hanger steak can work as well. Just adjust cooking times slightly to avoid overcooking and losing tenderness.
How spicy are these tacos?
The tacos have a mild to moderate spice level thanks to the chili powder and optional jalapeños. You can easily adjust the heat by increasing or omitting the jalapeños and chili powder.
Is it necessary to rest the steak after grilling?
Yes, resting is important. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy rather than dry. Ten minutes is a perfect amount of time.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Definitely. Simply swap out the flour tortillas for corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free, and keep all other ingredients the same.
What can I use instead of fresh cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try fresh parsley or green onions instead. They provide freshness and color without the distinct cilantro flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Skirt Steak Tacos with Avocado and Cilantro Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward techniques can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family meal or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. I encourage you to dive in, gather your ingredients, and give this delicious taco recipe a go — your taste buds will thank you!
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Skirt Steak Tacos with Avocado and Cilantro Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Skirt Steak Tacos are a flavorful and satisfying meal featuring perfectly grilled skirt steak seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices. Served with fresh avocado, cilantro, and optional toppings like jalapeños and queso fresco, these tacos come together quickly and make a delicious dinner for four.
Ingredients
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound skirt steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 8 small tortillas
Optional Toppings
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crumbled queso fresco
- Sliced fresh limes
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill to medium-high heat, around 375°F, or preheat a grill pan to medium-high to prepare for cooking the steak.
- Prepare the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, sea salt, dried oregano, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Mix well until all spices are evenly blended.
- Season the Steak: Brush both sides of the skirt steak with olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly on both sides and gently pat it into the meat to ensure it adheres well.
- Grill the Steak: Place the seasoned steak on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, aiming for medium doneness with an internal temperature between 135°F and 145°F using an instant-read thermometer.
- Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for a tender and juicy steak.
- Toast the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas on the grill, over a gas stove, or in a frying pan until they are toasty and slightly crisped.
- Slice the Steak: Thinly slice the rested steak and then dice the slices into bite-sized chunks suitable for tacos.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place the steak chunks into the warmed tortillas. Top with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and optional toppings such as sliced jalapeños, crumbled queso fresco, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Notes
- Resting the steak after grilling is essential for retaining its juices and achieving maximum flavor.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to determine perfect doneness without overcooking the steak.
- Feel free to substitute corn tortillas for the flour tortillas if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeños based on your desired spice level.
- For a smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill if available.
