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Marinated Flank Steak for Tacos

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Marinated Flank Steak for Tacos is mouthwatering, easy, and going to absolutely knock your socks off! It’s for sure gonna be your new favorite way to have tacos!

 

Main image for Marinated Flank Steak for Tacos

 

Tender, juicy flank steak is marinated in a zesty mix (that’s absolutely delicious!) 

Then it’s tucked into warm tortillas and topped with a fresh, vibrant pico verde. 

Sounds like taco heaven, right? Probably because it is!

The combo of lime juice, tequila, and spices in the marinade makes every bite of this steak – oh la la! There’s no better way to describe it! 

Despite its gourmet taste, this flank steak taco recipe is surprisingly easy to make! So it’s perfect for any day of the week!

And you can serve these tacos at a fancy dinner party or a casual family meal. They’re always a hit!

Plus it’s packed with lean protein and fresh veggies! Hearty and healthy! Yum!

And these flank steak tacos are totally customizable too! Tortillas or your favorite taco toppings. You pick what you want!

 

All ingredients laid out on counter for marinated flank steak for tacos

 

What Ingredients Are in Marinated Flank Steak for Tacos

Flank steak tacos with pico de gallo have great flavor and use simple ingredients! 

Here’s what you’ll need to grab from the grocery store:

  • Flank Steak: Perfect for marinating and grilling.
  • Olive Oil: You’ll need this for the marinade.
  • Tequila and Triple Sec: Makes the meat’s flavor better.
  • Limes: You’ll use both the zest and juice.
  • Garlic and Chili Powder: For a punch of flavor and a hint of heat.
  • Tomatillos, Scallions, Jalapeño, and Cucumber: Fresh and crunchy veggies for the pico verde.
  • Capers, Garlic, Parsley, and Cilantro: You need these for the salsa.
  • Corn or Flour Tortillas: Both work great so pick your favorite.

Pro Tips: 

  • For the best flavor, choose fresh limes and hand-squeeze them to get the most juice.
  • Don’t skimp on marinating time. Overnight is best for a tender flavorful steak.

 

steak marinade in a bowl ready to use

 

How to Make Marinated Flank Steak for Tacos

These easy steak tacos are an easy recipe to make!

The full recipe card is below, but here’s what you need to know:

  1. Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl.
  2. Place the steak in a large ziplock bag, pour in the marinade, and let it sit in the fridge.
  3. Prepare the pico verde in a large bowl.
  4. Sear the steak in a hot pan.
  5. Slice the steak, and it’s ready to go!

Pro Tips: 

  • Letting the steak rest after cooking is crucial for juicy, tender meat. 
  • Cover the steak loosely with aluminum foil for about 5 minutes before slicing.
  • Cook the steak over medium-high heat to get a nice sear on the outside while keeping it tender on the inside.
  • Warm tortillas are more pliable and taste better.
  • You can warm the tortillas in a dry skillet, on a grill, or even directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side.

 

flank steak in a zipper bag with marinade

 

Why Do You Marinate a Flank Steak?

Marinating a flank steak makes so-so steak tacos the best steak tacos ever! 

This lean cut of beef benefits greatly from some time soaking in a blend of acids (like lime juice), oil, and spices. 

The marinade helps tenderize the muscle fibers. Which means a more tender steak.

It also puts a whole bunch of moisture and taste in.

So every bite is juicy and packed with flavor.

 

marinated flank steak in skillet ready to cook

 

How Long Do You Need to Marinate a Flank Steak?

For the best results, you’ll want to marinate your flank steak for at least 4 hours. This will break it down enough to make it pretty tender.

But if you can plan ahead, letting it marinate overnight is even better. 

This gives the acids and flavors time to work their magic. You’ll love your new tender and tasty steak.

How to Cook Flank Steak

Cooking flank steak is a breeze. 

After marinating, heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it’s sizzling. 

Pat the steak dry, place steak in the pan, letting it sear without moving it for 4-5 minutes on each side. 

Use an instant-read thermometer to check for the perfect internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare.

Then letting the steak rest after cooking is key to locking in those juices.

 

Cooked flank steak in skillet

 

How to Serve Flank Steak Tacos

Easy flank steak tacos are all about the assembly. 

Slice your rested steak into thin strips. Then grab a warm tortilla (corn or flour, your call).

Lay down some of the steak on the bottom of the tortilla. 

Spoon over your all the yummy cucumber pico de gallo.

And then, why not throw on some favorite toppings? 

Cotija cheese, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, or even a dollop of sour cream. Those are all great options!

And don’t forget a wedge of lime on the side for that extra zest!

 

Rested and sliced flank steak on cutting board

 

How to Store Leftover Flank Steak Tacos

Got leftovers? No problem! Storing leftover steak is easy! 

Plus it means you can enjoy these delicious tacos for another meal. 

First, store the steak and pico verde separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. 

That’s important. They’ll each cause the other to go bad faster.

The steak will keep for up to three days. 

And the pico verde should be enjoyed within a day or two for the best taste. 

When you’re ready for round two, simply reheat the steak gently in a skillet.

You can also warm them back up in the microwave. 

Just be careful not to overcook the steak. It’ll get tough the longer it cooks.

Then assemble the tacos with some fresh tortillas.

 

sliced flank steak inside a flour tortilla

 

What to Serve with Flank Steak Tacos

These juicy flank steak tacos are pretty stellar on their own! YUMMY! 

But pairing them with the right sides and condiments can turn a great meal into an unforgettable one. 

The pico verde is a must in my book! 

But you can totally add other sides like Corn and Black Bean Salsa, a simple Guacamole with Vinegar, or a Mexican Rice and Beans.

For those who love a little extra heat, having a couple of hot sauces on the table is a great idea.

Green Burrito Sauce and Peppadew Cheese Spread are both big crowd pleasers over here.

And don’t forget the lime wedges!

 

9 tacos laid out on counter with cucumber pico de gallo on top

 

Are Flank Steak Tacos Healthy?

Absolutely! Flank steak is a lean cut of beef. So it’s a great choice for a protein-packed, low-fat meal. 

The pico verde is loaded with fresh vegetables. You can take that to mean vitamins, minerals, and fiber. 

And by choosing whole grain or corn tortillas, you can even make this meal gluten-free! 

Like any dish you want to watch the balance and portion control.

But these tacos tick many boxes for a healthy and satisfying meal!

 

3 tacos laid out with cucumber pico de gallo on top

 

Can You Make Flank Steak Tacos Ahead of Time?

Yes, and it’s a great way to save time! 

You can do the flank steak marinade ahead of time, letting it sit in the fridge overnight. 

The pico verde can also be prepared a day in advance.

If you’re planning a gathering, having all this ready to go makes assembling the tacos quick and easy.

Which means you get more time to enjoy with your guests!

 

 

Side Dishes to Serve with Flank Steak Tacos…

 

Making Marinated Flank Steak for Tacos is perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or the next taco Tuesday! Enjoy!

 

3 tacos laid out with cucumber pico de gallo on top

Marinade for Flank Steak

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This is the best Marinated Flank Steak for Tacos! It’s an easy, flavorful recipe! Perfect for any occasion, these tacos are a hit!

Instructions

  1. Whisk all marinade ingredients together in a small bowl.
  2. Place steak in a large zipper bag and pour marinade into it. Seal bag and massage marinade around the meat to coat it.
  3. Let marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours up to overnight.
  4. In a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high flame, melt about one Tablespoon of butter.
  5. Remove steak from marinade and pat dry with a clean paper towel.
  6. Place in a skillet and brown on one side, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then flip it and insert meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat.
  7. Cook until the steak reaches an internal temperature of 130°F.
  8. Remove to a cutting board and let rest, tented with foil, for at least five minutes.
  9. While resting, heat a new skillet to high. Once hot, quickly char each tortilla on both sides to heat up and give a little flavor. Do not leave on skillet very long as this should be a quick flash.
  10. Cut on the bias into strips and serve with charred tortillas and cucumber pico de gallo.

Notes

  • Marinade time is not included in the timing of this recipe.
  • Sometimes, with a particularly thick steak, I'll flip it back onto its original side before it's cooked through so it cooks evenly on both sides.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 447Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 119mgSodium: 240mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 41g

Catalina

Wednesday 20th of March 2024

I tried your Marinated Flank Steak for Tacos recipe for our taco night, and it was a game-changer. The marinade made the steak so flavorful and tender, it practically melted in our mouths.

Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Desserts

Monday 18th of March 2024

Always a huge hit at our house! Can't wait to make this!

Sandra

Monday 18th of March 2024

This made a really good dinner last night! It was so easy to make and we all loved it!

Beth

Monday 18th of March 2024

I love how tender and juicy this is without being shredded. I like to chew a little. I'm making this again.

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