Introduction
Few things are as satisfying as biting into a freshly grilled steak taco topped with creamy, zesty guacamole. This recipe celebrates bold Mexican flavors: smoky, juicy steak marinated with spices, tucked into warm tortillas, and finished with smooth guacamole and fresh garnishes. The balance of tender meat, crisp toppings, and rich avocado makes this dish a true fiesta in every bite.
Grilled steak tacos are versatile—they can be served casually on taco night, prepared for a summer barbecue, or dressed up for a festive dinner. When paired with homemade guacamole, they reach another level of freshness and indulgence.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between hearty, smoky flavors and refreshing, creamy freshness. The steak, marinated with spices and lime, grills to perfection—juicy inside with a slightly charred crust that’s irresistible. Pairing it with homemade guacamole elevates the tacos to another level: the richness of the avocado, brightness of lime, and kick of cilantro create a contrast that makes every bite exciting.
Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. It’s a dish that feels equally at home at a family dinner table, a summer backyard barbecue, or a festive taco night with friends. Everyone gets to build their taco just the way they like it—adding salsa, cheese, onions, or keeping it simple with just steak and guac. That interactive, customizable nature makes it more than just food—it’s an experience.
Why It’s a Must-Try Dish
- Combines the smoky richness of grilled steak with the freshness of guacamole.
- A festive, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for taco nights or BBQs.
- Easy to customize with different toppings or salsas.
- Healthy and filling, providing protein, good fats, and fresh veggies.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 1–2 hours marinating time)
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes active, ~2 hours with marinating
- Servings: 4 (about 8 tacos)
- Calories per serving: ~450 kcal (2 tacos with guacamole and toppings)
Cuisine & Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Course: Main dish / Dinner
Ingredients
For the Steak Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Guacamole:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt, to taste
For Serving:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh toppings: diced onions, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, salsa, or queso fresco
- Lime wedges
Simple Cooking Directions
- Marinate the steak with spices and lime juice.
- Prepare guacamole by mashing avocados with lime, onion, tomato, and cilantro.
- Grill steak until nicely charred and cooked to desired doneness.
- Slice steak thinly and assemble tacos with guacamole and toppings.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cilantro.
- Place steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Coat with marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours (up to overnight for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Make the Guacamole
- Cut avocados in half, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a bowl.
- Mash with a fork until creamy but slightly chunky.
- Stir in lime juice, onion, jalapeño (if using), tomato, cilantro, and salt.
- Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
- Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.
- Remove steak from marinade and pat dry.
- Grill steak for 4–5 minutes per side (medium-rare), or until cooked to desired doneness.
- Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
- Heat tortillas on the grill for 20–30 seconds per side until slightly charred and pliable.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
- Spread guacamole onto each tortilla.
- Add slices of grilled steak.
- Top with onions, cilantro, and any additional toppings.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges.
How to Serve
- Serve tacos warm with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or grilled vegetables.
- Offer toppings buffet-style so guests can customize.
- Pair with margaritas, agua fresca, or Mexican beer.
Additional Recipe Tips
- Always slice steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Don’t skip the resting time—it keeps the steak juicy.
- Use ripe avocados for the best guacamole texture.
- Char tortillas directly over an open flame for extra flavor.
Variations
- Spicy Chipotle Steak Tacos: Add chipotle peppers in adobo to the marinade.
- Cheesy Steak Tacos: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot steak slices so it melts.
- Vegetarian Tacos: Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or jackfruit.
- Taco Bowls: Skip tortillas and serve steak and guacamole over rice or quinoa.
Freezing and Storage
- Steak: Cooked steak can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Guacamole: Best eaten fresh, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days (press plastic wrap directly on top to minimize browning).
- Tacos: Assemble just before eating to prevent soggy tortillas.
Special Equipment Needed
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Conclusion
Grilled Steak Tacos with Guacamole are a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that brings authentic Mexican street food vibes to your kitchen. Juicy, marinated steak pairs beautifully with creamy, tangy guacamole and fresh garnishes. Whether you’re cooking for taco night, a backyard BBQ, or a festive dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Grilled Steak Tacos with Guacamole
Description
Few things are as satisfying as biting into a freshly grilled steak taco topped with creamy, zesty guacamole. This recipe celebrates bold Mexican flavors: smoky, juicy steak marinated with spices, tucked into warm tortillas, and finished with smooth guacamole and fresh garnishes.
Ingredients
For the Steak Marinade:
For the Guacamole:
For Serving:
Instructions
-
Step 1: Marinate the Steak : In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Place steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Coat with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours (up to overnight for deeper flavor).
-
Step 2: Make the Guacamole : Cut avocados in half, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a bowl. Mash with a fork until creamy but slightly chunky. Stir in lime juice, onion, jalapeño (if using), tomato, cilantro, and salt. Cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning.
-
Step 3: Grill the Steak : Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade and pat dry. Grill steak for 4–5 minutes per side (medium-rare), or until cooked to desired doneness. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
-
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas : Heat tortillas on the grill for 20–30 seconds per side until slightly charred and pliable.
-
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos : Spread guacamole onto each tortilla. Add slices of grilled steak. Top with onions, cilantro, and any additional toppings. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
