Tacos are a classic favorite, and these flank steak tacos are sure to be a hit with your family.
Perfect for a weeknight meal, these tacos are packed with flavor from the marinated flank steak and a variety of fresh toppings.
Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or having friends over for dinner, these tacos will be sure to please everyone!
What are Flank Steak Tacos
Flank steak tacos are a delicious Mexican dish that combine marinated and grilled flank steak with a variety of toppings. The steak is typically marinated in a combination of spices, chiles, and citrus juices. This gives the meat a unique flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, or guacamole. Flank steak tacos are a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal, or to serve at a dinner party.
Flank steak tacos have a long and rich history in Mexican cuisine. It is believed that the original recipe was created by Mexican ranchers to make the most of their limited resources. The combination of marinated flank steak, freshly prepared toppings, and homemade tortillas has been a staple of Mexican cooking for centuries. Today, flank steak tacos remain a popular dish around the world and are enjoyed in a variety of different cultures.
Preparing the Flank Steak
Selecting the best cut of meat
When it comes to selecting the right cut of meat for flank steak tacos, you want to make sure you get a lean piece of flank steak. Look for a piece that is well-marbled with fat, but not too fatty. This will ensure that the steak will stay juicy and flavorful while grilling. You should also look for a piece that has even thickness throughout so that it cooks evenly.
Marinating tips
Marinating your flank steak is the key to flavorful and tender tacos. Before you begin marinating, decide what flavors you would like to incorporate into your dish. The most popular marinades for flank steak tacos include citrus juices, spices, garlic, and chiles. Once you have decided on a marinade, combine all of the ingredients in a bowl or resealable plastic bag and marinate the steak for at least three hours, or overnight.
Grilling or searing the steak to perfection
Grilling or searing the steak to perfection is essential for creating flavorful tacos. If you are using a grill, preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Place the flank steak on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes per side, flipping once halfway through. For a seared steak, heat a cast iron skillet over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Sear the steak for 4 minutes per side, flipping once halfway through.
Making the Tacos
Choosing the right tortillas
Choosing the right tortillas is essential to creating delicious flank steak tacos. For the best flavor and texture, look for fresh or homemade corn tortillas. They should be soft and pliable with a slight char from grilling or frying. If you don’t have access to fresh tortillas, use store-bought ones that are labeled as “street style” or “street taco” tortillas.
Preparing the toppings including guacamole, salsa, and cilantro
When it comes to making delicious flank steak tacos, the toppings are just as important as the steak. To make your tacos extra special, prepare a variety of fresh toppings such as guacamole, salsa, and cilantro. For homemade guacamole, mash up avocados with a fork and then mix in diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. For a quick salsa, chop up fresh tomatoes and onions and combine with lime juice and salt. Finally, top the tacos with freshly chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Assembling the tacos
Once the steak is cooked and the tortillas are ready, it’s time to assemble the tacos. Start by slicing the steak into thin strips and placing them on top of a warm tortilla. Top with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, sour cream, and any other desired toppings. Serve warm and enjoy!
Variations on Flank Steak Tacos
Fusion flavors like Korean BBQ or Tex-Mex
Fusion flavors are a great way to spice up any dish, and flank steak tacos are no exception. For a Korean BBQ twist, marinate the steak in a combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar prior to cooking. To make Tex-Mex tacos, marinate the steak in a mixture of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and lime juice.
Vegetarian options like grilled veggies or tofu
For those looking for a vegetarian option, grilled or sautéed veggies are an excellent way to make flavorful tacos. Consider using bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, and squash for your veggies. To make it even more flavorful, marinate the vegetables in a mixture of citrus juices and spices before grilling or sautéing them. For a protein-rich option, replace the meat with crumbled tofu. Marinate the tofu in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil prior to cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Beverages that complement flank steak tacos
Flank steak tacos are a delicious and flavorful meal that can be paired with an array of beverages. For a light option, pairing the tacos with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is an excellent choice. If you prefer something heartier, opt for a bold red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Beer drinkers may enjoy an amber ale or a Mexican lager. For something non-alcoholic, serve with horchata, agua fresca, or freshly squeezed juices.
Side dishes to complete the meal
Flank steak tacos are a perfect meal on their own, but they can be even more delicious when paired with a few flavorful side dishes. Try adding some Mexican-style rice with diced vegetables or refried beans for an extra dose of protein and fiber. A simple salad of romaine lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and avocado is also a great way to add some extra freshness to the meal. For a sweet finish, serve with freshly made churros or sopapillas.
Conclusion
Flank steak tacos have a long and colorful culinary history. Dating back to the Aztecs, these tacos are still enjoyed around the world today. Made with fresh corn tortillas and delicious toppings like guacamole, salsa, and cilantro, they make for a tasty meal that is sure to please any crowd. Plus, they offer endless possibilities for customization with fusion flavors or vegetarian options. With a variety of side dishes and drinks to choose from, flank steak tacos are a great choice for any occasion.
