Flank Steak Tacos
Ingredients
Flank Steak Marinade
- 1 Flank Steak
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 Tablespoon Mustard
- 8 cloves of Garlic minced
- 2 Tablespoons Lime juice
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Taco Sauce
- 1/2 cup Sour cream
- 2 Tablespoons Mayonaise
- 1 Tablespoon Taco Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Lime juice
- 2 Tablespoons Cilantro
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste
Tacos Board / Bowl
- Pico or Salsa
- Guacamole
- Coleslaw
- Corn Salad
- Diced Tomatoes onions, jalapeños, alocados
- Shredded cheese
- Tortillas
- Olives
- Cooked Rice for the bowl
Instructions
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Make the marinade: Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and add in the steak.
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Coat the meat evenly in the marinade and let it sit for 1 hour and up to 3 hours.
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To make the creamy taco sauce: mix all ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.
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Prepare the renaming taco board or bowl components.
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To cook the flak steak, preheat an indoor or outdoor grill over medium high heat until hot.
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Add the steak and cook for 4-5 minutes per side.
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Remove the meat from the pan and let it cool slightly.
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Slice the steak into thin slices against the grain.
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Assemble the board by adding the meat, tortillas and all optional components on a large board and assemble the tacos.
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Enjoy.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Flank Steak Tacos Recipe Tips
- Use a marinade that blends acid, oil and umami along with garlic and seasonings. The marinade is the first step to flavor and tenderizing the meat.
- Marinate long enough. A good time is between 2-4 hours to distribute flavor and tenderize the flank steak.
- SUPER HOT surface for cooking is KEY! High heat sear is a must to lock in juices and build flavor.
- Don’t overcook! Flank steak gets tough if cooked beyond medium. Medium rare to medium is ideal.
- Use a meat thermometer if you're unsure how to reach the perfect doneness of the meat. Aim for 135 degrees F at most.
- Cut against the grain! This a KEY and double KEY for tender flank steak.
Variations and How to Serve Flank Steak
- Street style Tacos: You can add some grilled pineapple or Pineapple Salsa or Mango Pico De Gallo and cotija for a sweet and savory twist.
- Chipotle lime flank tacos: Use chipotle in adobo and extra lime zest to the marinade.
- Bowl. Make them similar to these Fajita Bowl and serve over rice or quinoa with beans, corn, and salsa for a taco bowl.
- Sheet pan version: Roast flank steak with peppers and onions similar to Sheet Pan Fajitas.
- Taco Board. Make a large taco board as shown here and assemble your toppings.
- Salad. Make a Taco Salad using flank steak--SO GOOD!!!
What cut of meat is best for steak tacos?
Flank steak is ideal for steak tacos due to its rich flavor and ability to take on marinades. Skirt steak is another great option. Both benefit from high-heat cooking and slicing against the grain.
How do you tenderize flank steak?
A marinade with citrus like lime or orange juice and acid and helps break down fibers. Also, slicing against the grain after cooking improves tenderness.
Should flank steak be cooked rare or well-done?
Aim for medium-rare to medium for flank steak tacos (130–135°F / 54–57°C). Cooking beyond medium can make it tough due to its lean structure.
Can I make flank steak tacos indoors?
Yes. You can use a hot cast iron skillet or broiler. The key is high heat for searing and a good rest before slicing.
How long should I marinate flank steak for tacos?
Minimum time is 30 minutes and best between 2–4 hours. Overnight marinating is fine, but too long like over 12 hours can make the texture mushy due to acid breakdown.
What toppings go best with flank steak tacos?
Classic toppings include cilantro, chopped onion, lime, salsa or pico de gallo, avocado or guacamole, and cotija cheese.
How do I store leftover flank steak tacos?
Store steak and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for 2–3 days. Reheat steak slices gently before assembling.