Tacos are a beloved dish with endless variations, but there’s something truly special about the combination of juicy grilled steak and creamy guacamole tucked into warm tortillas. This recipe for Grilled Steak Tacos with Guacamole is a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to weekend gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Steak:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or skirt steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Guacamole:
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced tomato
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Lime wedges, for garnish
- Additional toppings such as shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, or chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Grilled Steak:
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Place the flank steak or skirt steak in a shallow dish and coat it evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or marinate for up to 4 hours for maximum taste infusion.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and discard any excess. Grill the steak for 4-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). Once grilled, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before thinly slicing it against the grain for maximum tenderness.
2. Making the Guacamole:
- In a medium bowl, mash the ripe avocados to your desired consistency using a fork.
- Add the diced red onion, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocado. Stir until well combined.
- Taste the guacamole and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper to suit your taste preferences.
3. Assembling the Tacos:
- Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a skillet for a few seconds on each side until they are softened and heated through.
- Place a generous amount of sliced grilled steak onto each tortilla.
- Top the steak with a hearty spoonful of guacamole, spreading it evenly.
- Serve the grilled steak tacos with lime wedges on the side for a burst of citrus freshness. Feel free to add additional toppings such as shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, or chopped cilantro according to your liking.
- Enjoy these mouthwatering tacos immediately while they’re still warm and full of flavor!
Tips and Variations:
- Marinate Overnight: For even more flavor, marinate the steak overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the marinade to penetrate the meat deeply, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
- Customize Toppings: Get creative with your taco toppings! Try adding sliced radishes, pickled onions, diced jalapenos, or crumbled cotija cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- Grill Vegetables: Consider grilling some vegetables alongside the steak to add even more depth to your tacos. Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are all delicious options.
- Use Different Cuts of Meat: While flank steak and skirt steak are traditional choices for steak tacos, you can use other cuts of beef such as ribeye or sirloin if desired.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced serrano peppers to the guacamole for an extra kick.
How to Store:
- Steak: Store any leftover grilled steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave before using in tacos or other dishes.
- Guacamole: Guacamole is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole before sealing the container.
- Tortillas: Store leftover tortillas in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds or warm them in a skillet.
FAQs :
- Can I use a different type of meat for these tacos?
- Absolutely! While flank steak and skirt steak are traditional choices, you can use chicken, pork, shrimp, or even tofu as a delicious alternative.
- Can I make the guacamole ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the guacamole a few hours in advance. Just be sure to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning, and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Can I freeze leftover grilled steak?
- Yes, you can freeze cooked steak for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer bag with the air squeezed out. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Are corn tortillas gluten-free?
- Yes, corn tortillas are typically gluten-free. However, always check the packaging to be sure, as some brands may add wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients.
