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Flank Steak Tacos

Flank Steak Tacos Recipe

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Get ready for the juiciest, most flavorful steak tacos you’ve ever made at home! A simple, zesty marinade makes the flank steak incredibly tender and delicious. This is the perfect recipe for a fun weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak & Marinade:

  • 1 lb flank steak
  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground

For Serving:

  • 8 corn or flour tortillas, warmed
  • Diced white onion
  • Freshly chopped cilantro
  • Guacamole or sliced avocado
  • Pico de gallo or your favorite salsa
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, vinegar, and all the spices (chili powder through black pepper).
  2. Marinate Steak: Place the flank steak in a large resealable bag or baking dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but no more than 8.
  3. Prep for Cooking: Remove the steak from the marinade. Pat the steak completely dry with paper towels—this is key for a great crust! Lightly oil both sides and season with another pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Cook the Steak:
    • On the Grill: Grill over high heat for 4-8 minutes per side.
    • On the Stovetop: Sear in a very hot cast-iron skillet for 5-8 minutes per side.
    • Cook to your preferred doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C).
  5. Rest & Slice: This is the most important step! Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, slice it thinly against the grain.
  6. Assemble Tacos: Pile the juicy steak strips into warm tortillas and load them up with your favorite toppings. Serve immediately!

Notes

  • Serving Tip: Create a fun taco bar! Put the sliced steak on a platter and all the toppings in small bowls so everyone can build their own.
  • Pro Tip: Slicing “against the grain” means cutting across the muscle fibers you can see in the meat. This shortens them and makes every bite super tender.
  • Storage & Reheating: Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, quickly sear the slices in a hot skillet for 30-60 seconds. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the steak tough.