Flank Steak Tacos

You may not always reach for flank steak in the grocery store, but there are so many delicious ways to cook this often overlooked cut. As for other benefits? It’s typically less expensive than other types of steak, and it’s incredibly versatile. While it can be tougher than other beef cuts, a marinade works wonders to ensure the beef is tender and packed with flavor.

A flank steak tacos recipe is among the best ways to use this underrated cut. The meat marinates overnight in spices like chili powder, cumin and ground coriander. Cooking the steak requires less than 20 minutes on the grill, meaning you can have these tacos on the table in almost no time at all. Serve them with your favorite taco night side dishes for a twist on Taco Tuesday (or Wednesday, Thursday, Friday … ).

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Ingredients for Flank Steak Tacos

• Steak marinade: In this flank steak tacos recipe, the steak marinates in a combination of chili powder, salt, garlic powder, ground coriander, onion powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper and vegetable oil.
• Beef flank steak: Flank steak is a lean and boneless beef cut from the cow’s abdominal muscle. It is rich and flavorful, but can be a bit tough if not cooked properly. Marinating flank steak overnight helps tenderize it. Other cuts of beef that will also work in this recipe include skirt steak or flat iron steak.
• Corn tortillas: Corn tortillas are ideal for tacos as they are less likely than flour tortillas to absorb liquids, and corn tortillas also hold up well to sturdy fillings like steak. Not sure what to do with the rest of the package? Here are tasty ways to use up leftover tortillas.
• Onion: White onions are most common in Mexican cuisine. They have a slight sweetness and are less sharp in flavor than other types of onions. If you prefer a softer flavor, saute the diced onions in a small amount of oil.
• Toppings: Serve the tacos with fresh chopped cilantro leaves, lime wedges and guacamole.

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the steak

In a shallow dish, combine the marinade seasonings and vegetable oil. Add the steak and turn to coat. Refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours, turning once.

Editor’s Tip: You can grill the flank steak right from the refrigerator. However, for a better sear, let the meat come to room temperature first by setting it on the countertop for about 30 minutes before grilling.

Step 2: Grill the steak

Drain the beef and discard the marinade. Cover and grill the flank steak over medium heat for six to eight minutes on each side or until the meat reaches the desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 140°; medium-well, 145°).

Editor’s Tip: Use an instant-read thermometer to take the guesswork out of knowing when the steak is to your preferred temperature.

Step 3: Slice and serve

Thinly slice the steak across the grain. Serve in tortillas with onion, cilantro, lime wedges and guacamole.

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Flank Steak Taco Variations

• Change the marinade: Try our carne asada marinade for a more citrus-forward flavor.
• Pile on the toppings: In addition to fresh cilantro, limes and guacamole, other tasty taco toppings to consider include fresh salsa or pico de gallo, thinly sliced jalapenos, sauteed bell peppers or crumbled Cotija cheese.

How to Store Flank Steak for Tacos

Store the meat, corn tortillas and any leftover toppings separately in the refrigerator. To retain the most flavor in the steak, store the meat unsliced.

How long does grilled flank steak last?

Leftover grilled flank steak lasts up to four days when stored properly in the refrigerator. For longer storage, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for up to three months; thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How do you reheat the meat for flank steak tacos?

You can reheat the steak from this flank steak taco recipe in the microwave, in the oven or on the stovetop.

Flank Steak Taco Tips

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How do you slice flank steak for tacos?

Flank steak should be sliced against the grain. If you’re unsure what that means, look closely at the steak. You should see many lines running parallel to each other; that’s the grain. Make perpendicular slices across those lines to cut against the grain. Slicing steak this way cuts the muscle fibers into shorter strands, making the meat much easier to chew.

What else can you serve with flank steak tacos?

Serve this flavorful flank steak taco recipe alongside delicious Mexican-inspired side dishes such as cilantro-lime rice, Mexican fiesta salad, esquites or Instant Pot black beans.

How else can you use grilled flank steak?

This grilled flank steak would be a tasty addition to steak burritos, in a taco bowl served over beans and rice, over a fresh salad, or sandwiched with grilled peppers and onions between two slices of hearty bread.