Flank steak tacos are a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed twist on classic tacos. With an intensely seasoned flank steak marinated, grilled to juicy perfection, and sliced thin against the grain . These tacos bring bold flavor and texture! Read along for tips and video on creating the perfect taco board as well!
Here’s to a perfect taco night. Flank steak tacos are the TACOS to make, and especially when you make a spread like the one shown above. Whether you’re feeding guests or making dinner for family, this guide breaks down what flank steak tacos are. Also why you’ll love them, how to make them step by step, expert tips, and all the common questions answered in detail.
What Are Flank Steak Tacos?
Flank steak tacos are tacos made using flank steak. Flank steak is a long, lean cut from the abdominal muscles of the cow. This cut can be SUPER tender or super tough depending on how you cook it and slice it. So it’s CRUCIAL to understand how best to cook it.
Flank steak is prized for its hearty beef flavor and, when prepared properly, it’s SUPER tender and pairs especially well with bright taco flavors.
Any flank steak recipe starts with a bold and good marinade. Then you need to cok it really quickly over SUPER high heat, that can be a grill, broil or sear. At that point you’re ready to slice. ALWAYS slice against the gran for extra tender meat.
Now you’re flank steak recipe is ready and all that you need are the taco fixings.
Why You’ll Love Flank Steak Tacos
- It’s SO TASTY! Flank steak has a rich beefy flavor, combined with the tacos fixings–it’s perfection.
- The marinade is so flavorful and creates a juicy, bold taste.
- Ultra tender steak when cooked properly!
- Fast and quick recipe! This recipe is ideal for weeknights or gatherings.
- Customizable toppings, you can keep them classic or add creative flair.
- Great leftovers! The BEST leftovers are right here, use leftover steak on salads like Taco Salad, soups like Taco Soup. Make some Taco Spaghetti, Fajita Bowl, turn them into Philly Cheesesteak Sliders and more!
- Every taste is the perfect balance of acid, spice, freshness creating layers if flavor with every bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Flank steak. The perfect flavorful cut, super lean, quick cooking and extra tender.
- Acid. Use lime or lemon or even orange juice to help tenderize the meat and add brightness.
- Soy sauce + Worcestershire sauce. They both add umami and depth.
- Olive oil or neutral oil. They both carry flavor and help the marinade distribute.
- Garlic. Lots and lots of grated garlic for aroma.
- Seasoning. Salt and black pepper are essential, in addition we have chili powder, oregano, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, taco seasoning, paprika. Optional you can add adobo, chipotle, jalapeño or
- Sweetness. Honey, brown sugar and mustard are added to balance out the flavors.
- Soft corn tortillas. Any tortillas of our choice, use flour tortillas, soft or hard shells.
- Fresh cilantro.
Taco Toppings
This depends on your preferences, but here’s what we used.
- Homemade Salsa
- Queso
- Authentic Guacamole Recipe
- Taco Slaw
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Black beans
- Creamy Taco Sauce
How to Make Flank Steak Tacos
Flank Steak Marinade
- In a bowl, whisk together the garlic, lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire, oil, honey, sugar, spices and mustard.
- Whisk it well until smooth.
- Add in the flank steak and marinade for at least 30 minutes. Ideally it’s best to marinade for 2-4 hours or even overnight.
Cook the Flank Steak
- Prepare your cast iron skillet if using a stovetop, broiler or outdoor grill. .
- You want a medium-high heat. Start by removing the steak from the marinade and dry off any excess moisture.
- When the skillet or surface is really HOT, that’s when you add the flank steak.
- Cook the meat for 3-5 minutes per side, you want this to be a medium rare for tenderness.
- If you’re unsure , use an instant meat thermometer and aim for an internal of 130 degrees F.
- Once ready, let the steak rest before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute, preventing them from spilling out when sliced.
Slice Against the Grain
- Use a cutting board and place the rested meat over it.
- Now hold your knife at a slight angle and slice against the grain, so perpendicular to the muscle fibers.
- This makes each bite tender instead of chewy. This is a critical step, so make sure to follow it.
- Once all your meat is sliced, it’s time to assemble the taco board or each taco.
Assemble a Taco Board
- Start by warming the tortillas, and use a small bowl for every taco topping you like.
- Add the sliced flank steak along the board, arrange small bowls of your favorite toppings and fresh veggies sliced.
- Make a chipotle sauce or creamy taco sauce to go with the tacos.
- Have a salad or two like the Mexican Street Corn Salad.
- Lay out the taco board and each can assemble their own taco!
Assemble the Flank Steak Tacos
- This is completely up to your taste but here’s how we assemble our tacos. Start with a warm tortilla and add in a cool slaw.
- Next add in some sliced flank steak, some Guacamole, Salsa and cilantro.
- Finish off the tacos with fresh cilantro, some fresh onions, tomatoes, jalapeños, taco sauce, cheese or Queso and you’re ready to devour!
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.
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
-
Make the marinade: Mix all ingredients in a large bowl and add in the steak.
-
Coat the meat evenly in the marinade and let it sit for 1 hour and up to 3 hours.
-
To make the creamy taco sauce: mix all ingredients together in a bowl and set aside.
-
Prepare the renaming taco board or bowl components.
-
To cook the flak steak, preheat an indoor or outdoor grill over medium high heat until hot.
-
Add the steak and cook for 4-5 minutes per side.
-
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.
-
Enjoy.
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.
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