Flank Steak Tacos
A vibrant, high-protein meal featuring tender, chili-lime marinated flank steak grilled to perfection. Served in warm corn tortillas, these tacos are a Tex-Mex classic ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the steak marinade.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, juice from 2 limes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the flank steak.
Place the flank steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it's coated on all sides. Rub the marinade into the meat.
Let the steak marinate.
Allow the steak to marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor.
TIPIf marinating for more than 30 minutes, be sure to do it in the refrigerator for food safety.Grill the flank steak.
- Preheat your grill or a cast-iron skillet to high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
- Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (130-135°F or 54-57°C).
- Adjust cooking time for your desired doneness.
TIPA hot grill is key to getting a great sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender.Rest the cooked steak.
Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for keeping the steak juicy.
TIPTenting the steak loosely with foil while it rests can help keep it warm.Warm the tortillas.
While the steak is resting, warm the corn tortillas. You can wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or heat them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
Slice the steak.
After resting, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. This is very important for ensuring the meat is tender.
Assemble your tacos.
Divide the sliced steak among the warm tortillas. Top with finely diced white onion and chopped cilantro.
Serve immediately.
Serve the tacos right away with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Slicing flank steak against the grain is essential for tenderness. Look for the lines of muscle fibers running down the meat and cut perpendicular to them.
- 2Don't skip resting the steak! It allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a much more tender and flavorful bite.
- 3For extra flavor, you can char the tortillas directly over a gas flame for a few seconds per side using tongs.
- 4A cast-iron skillet is a great indoor alternative to a grill. Get it very hot before adding the steak to achieve a good sear.
Adapt it for your goals.
Keto
Skip the tortillas and serve the steak over a bed of lettuce or cauliflower rice to create a low-carb taco salad.
quickQuick
Use a pre-made taco seasoning mix instead of individual spices to save time on making the marinade.
gluten freeGluten free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses corn tortillas. Always double-check that your spices are certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease.
spicySpicy
Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra kick of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Flank steak is a lean cut of beef that provides a high amount of complete protein, essential for muscle building, repair, and overall body function.
Rich in Iron
Beef is one of the best sources of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than iron from plant sources. Iron is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels.
Naturally Gluten-Free
By using 100% corn tortillas, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Flank Steak Tacos can be very healthy. They are high in protein from the lean steak, and using corn tortillas keeps them gluten-free and lower in calories than flour tortillas. The simple toppings of onion and cilantro add flavor without fat.