steak tacos marinade recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
steak tacos marinade recipe
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The Best steak tacos marinade recipe

I’ve been making steak tacos for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. The recipe I’m sharing today is a variation of the classic Mexican dish that I’ve tweaked to make it even more flavorful and tender.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites to assist with. We often make it for weeknight dinners, but it’s also a great option for special occasions like taco Tuesday or Cinco de Mayo.

What I love about this recipe is that it’s not only delicious, but it’s also relatively healthy compared to other taco recipes. The marinade is made with olive oil, lime juice, and spices, which gives the steak a nice depth of flavor without adding extra calories.

Plus, using grass-fed steak makes it a leaner protein option. My family devours these tacos in no time, and I’m sure yours will too!

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste preferences. If you like spicy food, add some diced jalapenos to the marinade.

If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the amount of cumin used in the recipe. The key home cooking technique here is to make sure the steak is cooked evenly throughout, so don’t be afraid to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Steak Tacos with Citrus Marinade

Steak Tacos with Citrus Marinade

4.9 from 633 votes

Juicy skirt steak marinated in a bright blend of citrus, garlic, and warm spices, then grilled to perfection. Served in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings, this dish brings bold flavor to any weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins (plus 2 hours marinating)
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Steak and Tacos

1 1/2 pounds skirt steak, trimmed
8 small corn or flour tortillas
1 cup diced white onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 lime, cut into wedges
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2Place the skirt steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the steak, turning to coat evenly.
3Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for more intense flavor.
4Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
5Preheat a grill to high heat, about 450°F to 500°F, or heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking.
6Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the remaining marinade.
7Place the steak on the hot grill or skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 130°F to 135°F.
8The steak should have a nice char and feel slightly firm with a little give when pressed.
9Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes, which allows the juices to redistribute.
10Slice the steak thinly against the grain into strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
11While the steak rests, warm the tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, until soft and lightly charred.
12Fill each tortilla with sliced steak, then top with diced onion, cilantro, avocado, and queso fresco if using.
13Serve with lime wedges on the side.

🔧Equipment

Large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
Whisk
Grill or cast-iron skillet
Tongs
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 60mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 30g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a spicier kick, add 1 teaspoon of chipotle powder or a minced jalapeño to the marinade. If using flank steak, increase marinating time to 4 hours for maximum tenderness. Leftover steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a skillet.

Watch Video Of How Steak Tacos with Citrus Marinade Works

This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, depending on serving size. It’s perfect for family gatherings or special occasions like holidays and birthdays.

You can store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. When reheating leftover steak tacos, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and reheat until warmed through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Steak Tacos with Citrus Marinade

Q: What type of steak should I use for this recipe?

This recipe works best with flank steak or skirt steak, as they have a lot of flavor and are relatively affordable.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance, but make sure to let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Q: How do I prevent the steak from becoming too tough?

This can happen if the steak is overcooked or if you’re using low-quality meat. To prevent this, make sure to cook the steak to your desired level of doneness and use high-quality meat.

Q: Can I substitute chicken or pork for beef?

While you can use chicken or pork instead of beef, keep in mind that they have different cooking times and may require adjustments to the marinade.

Q: What if I don’t have any lime juice on hand?

You can substitute lime juice with lemon juice or omit it altogether if you don’t have either on hand.

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