This easy steak tacos recipe is loaded with bold flavor and spices. Perfectly tender steak, street taco vibes, your new weekend favorite! Taco time!
These steak tacos are bold, juicy, and easy to make, perfect for spice lovers!
It’s a simple riff on my Carne Asada Tacos Recipe, with some of that Street Tacos vibe, but this version is extra customizable with spicy toppings galore. Perfect for the Chili Pepper Madness crowd!
What You'll Love About These Tacos
- Bold Flavor Marinade. The quick marinade packs major punch in minimal time. I know you'll love it.
- Tender, Juicy Steak. High-heat cooking locks in juices and adds great char. It just adds to the awesome flavor.
- Custom Spice Levels. Choose your heat! Go mild or make it fiery. Make it as spicy as you want to, my friends!
- Street Taco Size. Corn tortillas let the bold flavors shine in each bite. Perfect for a party. Serve them up!
Steak Tacos Ingredients & Swaps
The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Steak - Skirt or flank are best; ribeye or sirloin work too.
- Oil - Use vegetable, olive, or avocado oil.
- Spices - Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (optional).
- Fresh - Minced jalapenos (or serranos), lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Tortillas - Corn is classic, but flour works if you prefer.
- Spicy Topping Ideas
- Sliced jalapenos or serranos (I love mine grilled!)
- Pickled chilies (like habanero or Scotch bonnet)
- Spicy salsa or hot sauce (chipotle or habanero-based)
- Fresh Topping Ideas
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced onion
- Lime wedges
- Avocado or guacamole
- Cotija, feta, or shredded jack cheese
How to Make Steak Tacos
Let's break down the recipe into easy-to-follow steps.
Step 1: Prep the Marinade
Start by mixing your marinade ingredients in a bowl or large zip-top bag - oil, spices, jalapenos, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Add the steak and make sure it's fully coated.
Pop it in the fridge for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour) while you prep your toppings.
Step 2: Cook the Steak
When you're ready to cook, heat your grill or a heavy skillet (like cast iron) over high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
Cook the steak for a few minutes per side, just enough to get a good char and hit your desired doneness. Medium-rare is usually 2-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Step 3: Rest & Slice
Once the steak is done, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for at least 5 minutes.
This helps keep it juicy. Then slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
While the steak rests, warm up your tortillas. You can do this on the grill, in a dry skillet, or even over a gas burner for a little char. Keep them warm in a clean towel or tortilla warmer until ready to serve.
Step 5: Build Your Tacos
Layer the sliced steak into the warm tortillas. Add your favorite toppings! Load up the heat with chiles and hot sauce or keep it mellow with fresh herbs and guac.
Serve right away with extra lime wedges and salsa on the side.
Boom! Done! Your steak tacos are ready to go! Pass one over here, will you?
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Upgrade your marinade. For extra smoky flavor, add a spoonful of chipotle in adobo to your marinade. For a hint of sweetness, blend in a bit of honey or brown sugar. Make it citrus-forward by swapping lime juice for orange juice and adding oregano.
- Don’t skip the rest time after cooking. It makes a huge difference in tenderness.
- Want crunch? Add thinly sliced radishes or shredded cabbage for crunchy texture.
Serving Ideas
Serve up your steak tacos with a cold spicy margarita or michelada.
For side dishes, you'll love my Mexican rice recipe, Charro Beans (Frijoles Charros), or Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Salad).
Try these amazing Chiles Toreados, and also this creamy jalapeno sauce that everyone craves.
Pro Tips & FAQ
How do I know when the steak is done? Use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Marinate the steak up to a day in advance. Cooked steak can be stored in the fridge for 3 days.
How do I reheat leftovers? Gently reheat sliced steak in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts.
What’s the best way to keep tortillas warm? Wrap in a towel or keep in a covered tortilla warmer.
Storage & Reheating Leftovers
Let the steak cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also store tortillas and toppings separately to keep everything fresh.
Reheating. Reheat sliced steak in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist, just a few minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, covered with a damp paper towel. Avoid overcooking to keep the steak tender.
Freezing. You can freeze cooked steak slices for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy this easy steak tacos recipe. Let me know if you make it. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you!
Cookbook Recommendation
If you enjoy spicy cooking, I hope you'll check out my cookbook! 75 easy recipes with big, bold flavor.
- The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook, by Mike Hultquist (affiliate link, my friends!)
Amazon Affiliate links, my friends! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Want More Tacos Recipes?
- Try my Tacos al Carbon recipe for charcoal grilled tacos you can't put down.
- These Mexican Birria Tacos are huge on flavor and perfect with or without cheese.
- See all of my Taco Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Easy Steak Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
For the Steak & Easy Spicy Marinade
- 1.5 lbs skirt or flank steak trimmed
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder use one with some kick!
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne optional, for extra heat
- 1-2 jalapenos finely minced (remove seeds and innards for less heat)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Tacos
- 12-16 small corn tortillas street taco size preferred
Optional Spicy Toppings
- Fresh sliced jalapenos or serranos
- Pickled habanero or Scotch bonnet slices use sparingly!
- Spicy salsa homemade or your favorite jar
- A drizzle of chipotle or habanero hot sauce
Optional Fresh Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced white onion
- Lime wedges
- Avocado or guacamole
- Crumbled cotija cheese or shredded jack cheese
Instructions
Marinate the Steak
- In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, jalapeno, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the steak and coat evenly. Marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour while prepping other ingredients.
Cook the Steak
- Heat your grill or cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot.
- Remove steak from marinade and let excess drip off.
- Grill: 2-4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust for thickness). Get a solid sear. ORPan-Sear: Add a splash of oil if needed. Sear 2-3 minutes per side, pressing for good contact.
- Let steak rest 5-10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Warm the Tortillas
- While the steak rests, warm tortillas on the grill, in a dry skillet, or directly over a flame for a few seconds per side until soft and lightly charred. Keep warm.
Assemble the Tacos
- Fill tortillas with sliced steak. Load up with your favorite toppings - especially the spicy ones.
- Serve with extra lime wedges and hot sauce on the side.
Nutrition Information
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