Why You’ll Love these Grilled Flank Steak Tacos
When you’re craving a meal with bold flavors and minimal fuss, these grilled flank steak tacos should be at the top of your list.
The marinade paste, with its perfect blend of chili powder, cumin, and garlic, infuses the meat with mouthwatering flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
I love how the tender, juicy slices of medium-rare flank steak pair with melty cheese and crisp lettuce.
The contrast of warm tortillas against cool sour cream creates a delightful temperature play in every bite.
And the best part? They’re customizable—add more salsa if you like it spicy, or extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.
What Ingredients are in Grilled Flank Steak Tacos?
These grilled flank steak tacos bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table with a surprisingly simple ingredient list. The magic happens when the aromatic spice paste meets the juicy flank steak, creating a marinade that transforms an ordinary cut of meat into something truly spectacular.
And while the ingredient list might look a bit long at first glance, you’ll find most of these items are pantry staples you probably already have on hand.
- 1½-2 pounds flank steak (about ¾ inch thick)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons cracked black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Kosher salt (for seasoning)
- 8 flour tortillas (8 inches)
- 2 cups grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 2 cups chunky salsa
- 1 cup sour cream
When shopping for your flank steak, look for a piece with good marbling throughout, as this will yield the most tender results.
Can’t find flank steak? Skirt steak makes an excellent substitute and works wonderfully with this marinade.
For the tortillas, while the recipe calls for flour, you could certainly swap in corn tortillas if you prefer their more authentic flavor and slightly chewier texture.
And don’t be afraid to play around with the cheese options—while cheddar and Monterey Jack are specified, a Mexican blend or even a pepper jack would add a delightful twist to these already mouthwatering tacos.
How to Make these Grilled Flank Steak Tacos
The magic of these tacos begins with a flavorful paste that transforms ordinary flank steak into something extraordinary. Start by whisking together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 1 tablespoon each of chili powder and ground cumin, 2 teaspoons of cracked black peppercorns, and 1 teaspoon each of granulated garlic and dried oregano in a bowl. This aromatic mixture becomes your marinade magic.
Trim any excess fat from your 1½-2 pound flank steak, then generously coat both sides with the spice paste. Slide the coated steak into a large zip-lock bag, press out any air (trapped air is the enemy of good marination, trust me), seal it tightly, and let it rest in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours. This marination time isn’t just a suggestion—it’s what allows those flavors to penetrate deep into the meat.
When you’re ready to cook, remove your steak from the refrigerator and let it stand at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Why? Cold meat on a hot grill is a recipe for uneven cooking.
Season the steak with kosher salt just before grilling, then cook it over direct medium heat for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for medium-rare. The most critical step comes next—let that beautiful piece of meat rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
While your steak is resting, wrap your 8 flour tortillas in two foil packets and toss them on the grill for about 2 minutes, turning once, until they’re warm and pliable. For a truly indulgent experience after your meal, treat yourself to a steaming cup made with a luxury hot chocolate maker that delivers rich, velvety goodness.
For a time-saving alternative, consider using a premium multifunctional cooker to prepare components of this meal in advance while maintaining perfect texture and flavor.
Now comes the fun part: assembly! Place those juicy steak strips in the center of each tortilla, then pile on 2 cups of grated cheese, 4 cups of shredded romaine lettuce, and 2 cups of chunky salsa. Finish with a dollop of sour cream from your 1-cup supply. Fold the sides up, and you’re ready to partake in taco perfection that rivals any restaurant offering.
Grilled Flank Steak Tacos Substitutions and Variations
Flexibility makes these grilled flank steak tacos a true weeknight hero in your recipe arsenal.
Don’t have flank steak? Skirt steak or sirloin work beautifully too. I’m a big fan of swapping flour tortillas for corn if you’re going for authenticity, or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
The cheese possibilities are endless—try cotija for a salty kick or pepper jack for extra heat.
Need a dairy-free version? Avocado slices provide that creamy texture without the sour cream. You can even transform leftover steak into breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs the next morning.
What to Serve with Grilled Flank Steak Tacos
Three perfect side dishes can turn your grilled flank steak tacos from a simple meal into a memorable fiesta.
I always recommend starting with classic Mexican rice, vibrant with tomatoes and spices. Its fluffy texture soaks up all those delicious steak juices that might escape your tortilla.
Next, consider a zesty black bean and corn salad. The combination of lime juice, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño complements the robust flavors in the tacos.
Finally, don’t forget some creamy guacamole. That buttery avocado goodness cuts through the richness of the steak. Perfect balance, don’t you think?
Final Thoughts
Mastering these grilled flank steak tacos will transform your weeknight dinner routine into something truly special.
The combination of that smoky, spice-rubbed steak with fresh toppings creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s hard to beat. Trust me, once you’ve tried these, store-bought taco seasoning will never satisfy again.
The beauty lies in their versatility—swap cheeses, add avocado, or drizzle with hot sauce to make them your own. They’re perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners. For a delicious alternative, try serving your tacos on fried corn tortillas like tostadas for added crunch and texture.
And the marinade? That’s your secret weapon for consistently tender, flavorful meat. Worth every minute of prep time.
For something completely different yet equally crowd-pleasing, try a Sushi Bake that offers all the flavors of traditional sushi in a warm, shareable casserole format.
