Go Back
Three Mexican Steak Tacos on a white plate topped with fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, and a lime wedge in the background.
Reda

Mexican Steak Tacos

Juicy charred steak with warm corn tortillas, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for the ultimate street-style taco night.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

For the Steak
  • 1.5 lb flank steak or skirt steak trimmed
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano Mexican oregano if available
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For Serving
  • 12 small corn tortillas warmed
  • 0.5 cup white onion finely diced
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • 2 limes cut into wedges
  • 0.5 cup salsa verde or salsa roja store-bought or homemade

Equipment

  • Cast iron skillet or grill pan
  • Tongs
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Prep the Steak
  1. Pat the steak completely dry with paper towels. Mix 1 teaspoon salt, cumin, garlic powder, and oregano in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend all over both sides of the steak, pressing it in so it adheres. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes while you prep the toppings.
Cook the Steak
  1. Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking, about 4 minutes. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Lay the steak in the pan and do not move it. Sear until deeply browned and charred in spots, 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature 130 degrees F). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
  2. Find the direction of the grain (the long muscle fibers running through the meat). Slice thinly across the grain at a 45-degree angle. This is crucial - cutting with the grain makes steak tough and chewy. Season the sliced meat with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Assemble and Serve
  1. While the steak rests, warm the tortillas directly over a gas flame for 15 seconds per side until charred and pliable, or in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Stack and wrap in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
  2. Layer 2 to 3 slices of steak onto each warm tortilla. Top with diced onion, a generous pinch of cilantro, and a drizzle of salsa. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Notes

For the most authentic flavor, seek out skirt steak if your butcher has it - it has more fat and deeper beef flavor than flank. The steak can be seasoned up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated uncovered; this dry-brining actually improves the texture. If cooking outdoors, these are spectacular over charcoal - just 2 to 3 minutes per side over very high heat.