Grilled Steak Tacos
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
These grilled steak tacos are perfect for summer entertaining! Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Mexican carne asado, the steak is marinated in citrus juice and spices and then grilled until charred and smoky on the outside and perfectly pink and tender on the inside. Pile on charred veggies, refreshing mango, creamy avocado, and crumbly feta and you’ve got yourself the ultimate BBQ taco recipe!
Smokiness and vibrant freshness come together in these carne asada–inspired tacos, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. I cook the steak alongside the veggies until everything is sizzling, charred, and full of flavor, which sets the stage for the best kind of taco night.
I finish them with juicy mango, creamy avocado, a little feta, and a drizzle of the reduced marinade for extra punch. They’re bold, colorful, and made for warm summer evenings when dinner is meant to be fun, relaxed, and eaten with your hands.
Ingredients needed
The charred flavors of the juicy steak and grilled veggies meld together with fresh and vibrant toppings! This is what you need:
- The steak: Marinated in orange juice, fresh lime juice, olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, ground cumin, ground coriander, sea salt, and garlic. Use flat iron, skirt steak, or flank steak.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, corn, radishes, and any other veggies you’d like!
- Toppings: Load your tacos up with mango, avocado and feta cheese for a refreshing element.
- Corn tortillas: Warmed up by the BBQ. You could use flour tortillas in a pinch.
- Cooking oil: To toss the veggies before adding them to the grill.
How to grill flank steak for tacos
For delicious grilled steak soft tacos, the first thing to think about is having the right cut of meat. Flank steak is super flavorful – it’s a tougher cut that needs to be prepared right, which is simple to do. You can also use flat iron steak and skirt steak – both are less lean than flank, but still tender and flavorful, also making excellent carne asada steak tacos. This is how to prepare it:
- First, let it soak up an easy-to-make marinade. The citrus juice will tenderize the meat while adding flavor.
- When it comes time to grill it, make sure the grill is very hot! This will let the outside char and develop a smoky flavor while the inside stays pink and tender. Keep an eye on the cooking time as the best steak tacos are not overcooked!
- When slicing, cut against the grain. This shortens the muscle strands that run in a particular direction, making a more tender bite.
What is carne asada?
Carne asada is a popular dish in Mexico and other Latin American cuisines. ‘Carne asada’ means ‘grilled meat’ in Spanish. The meat used for carne asada is usually flank or skirt steak, and it’s typically marinated in citrus juices, garlic, and various spices before hitting the grill to soak up a smoky flavor, with char on the outside and a pink, tender inside.
What to serve with grilled steak tacos
These grilled steak tacos are the ultimate BBQ dinner, perfect for summer nights. Pair the tacos with other grilled sides or Mexican-inspired bites!
Make a side of taco rice, Mexican fries, or sweet potato nachos.
While the grill is on, make a grilled corn salad or chili lime grilled corn on the cob.
Don’t forget a summery cocktail: a grapefruit margarita or a mezcal margarita is perfectly refreshing!
Recipe FAQs
How long should I let the grilled steak rest?
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to be redistributed.
What other veggies or toppings can I add?
Our top picks would include summer veggies like asparagus, broccoli, tomatoes, red onions, or mushrooms. Sprinkle on some jalapenos and cilantro or spoon on some salsa or pico de gallo and serve beside a lime wedge.
Can I make this if I don’t have a grill?
Yes, simply use a grill pan or cast iron skillet.
Grilled Steak Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
The Steak
- 1 cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons EACH: olive oil, brown sugar, and soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon EACH: ground cumin, ground coriander, and sea salt
- 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 1 lb flat iron steak, skirt steak, or flank steak
- Optional: 2 extra teaspoons of brown sugar
The Tacos
- 2 medium bell peppers (sliced)
- 1 small zucchini (sliced)
- 1 ear corn
- 1 bunch radishes (cut in half)
- Any or all other summer veggies. Asparagus, peas, broccoli, tomatoes …
- Cooking oil (for the veggies)
- 1 medium mango (diced)
- 1 medium avocado (sliced)
- ¼ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 12 small corn tortillas
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, cumin, coriander, garlic, and sea salt. Place the steak in a baking dish and pour in the marinade. Place it in your fridge and let it marinate for 3-24 hours.1 cup orange juice, ¼ cup lime juice, 2 tablespoons EACH: olive oil, brown sugar, and soy sauce, 1 teaspoon EACH: ground cumin, ground coriander, and sea salt, 4 cloves garlic, 1 lb flat iron steak, skirt steak, or flank steak
- Preheat the grill to high. Make sure it is very very hot. Take the steak out of the marinade and place it on a plate and pour the marinade into a small pan. If you're using it, sprinkle the optional brown sugar over the steak. This will help it to char better.Optional: 2 extra teaspoons of brown sugar
- Place the steak on the BBQ and grill for 3-4 minutes per side. Take the steak off and set it aside to rest. Slice thinly across the grain.
- Toss the veggies in oil and BBQ until tender. Warm the tortillas on the grill.2 medium bell peppers, 1 small zucchini, 1 ear corn, 1 bunch radishes, Any or all other summer veggies. Asparagus, peas, broccoli, tomatoes …
- While the veggies are grilling, bring the reserved marinade to a boil and boil rapidly until reduced to a thin syrup.
- Pile the veggies and steak onto the tortillas, top with mango, avocado, feta, and a little drizzle of the reduced marinade.1 medium mango, 1 medium avocado, ¼ cup feta cheese, 12 small corn tortillas
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
My family loved this!
Aw, I’m so happy to hear that! Steak tacos are always a win, and I love that the whole family enjoyed them. Thanks so much for sharing your note! 🌮✨
Used 2 lb new York strip, doubled marinade and let that reduce for 30 minutes. Excellent amazing no leftovers perfection. I’ll definitely try the brown sugar crust next time.
That sauce drizzle and mango topping *chefs kiss*
Kristen,
What a beautiful post. These grilled steak tacos look so delicious. I say time to fire up that barbecue ? ?. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much!!!
Thank you so much! They are my fav summer tacos!
Thank you so much! I hope you love them as much as we do!!