Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most flavorful and succulent Grilled Steak Street Tacos – a perfect culinary adventure for your next outdoor gathering or weeknight meal. As the weather warms and the aroma of charcoal fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the sizzle of perfectly marinated steak hitting the grill. This recipe promises not just a meal, but an experience, transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant and unforgettable dish that will become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
In Central Illinois, where the seasons paint a vivid canvas, the arrival of warm weather signals one glorious tradition: grilling season! It’s a time when flip-flops replace winter boots, grills are dusted off, and outdoor tables become the stage for memorable meals. There’s a special kind of magic in cooking outdoors, a unique flavor that only fire can impart, and these Grilled Steak Street Tacos are designed to capture that essence perfectly.
Imagine tender, juicy steak, kissed by flames to achieve that irresistible char and sear, then thinly sliced and nestled into warm street taco shells. But the true secret lies in the marinade – an incredibly easy yet profoundly flavorful concoction that infuses the meat with a tantalizing blend of spices and the fresh, zesty kick of premium salsa. Topped with all your favorite fresh garnishes, these tacos aren’t just food; they’re a celebration of summer, flavor, and good company.
What’s your go-to dish when the grill beckons? We bet that after just one bite of these exceptional Grilled Steak Street Tacos, they’ll ascend to the top of your list! They embody everything we love about casual, delicious dining: vibrant flavors, simple preparation, and the joy of sharing a fantastic meal. This recipe isn’t just about cooking; it’s about savoring the sizzle and creating moments around the grill.
The Heart of the Flavor: Green Mountain Gringo® Salsa
At the core of our unforgettable steak taco marinade is a hero ingredient: Green Mountain Gringo® Roasted Garlic Medium Salsa. This isn’t just any salsa; it’s a testament to quality and taste that elevates our marinade from good to gourmet. What truly sets Green Mountain Gringo® apart is their unwavering commitment to using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. Every jar is packed with robust flavors derived from carefully selected produce, ensuring a difference you can taste with every bite.
Green Mountain Gringo® understands that today’s discerning consumers seek out food products that not only taste incredible but also align with a health-conscious lifestyle. They’ve built their brand on this principle, offering products that are both delicious and wholesome. Their unique proposition, “Check Out Our Backside,” invites you to do just that – scrutinize their labels. You’ll discover a commitment to clean ingredients, free from artificial additives, preservatives, and unnecessary fillers. For our family, this transparency and dedication to natural goodness is a huge advantage, providing peace of mind alongside unparalleled flavor.
This Roasted Garlic Medium Salsa, with its perfectly balanced blend of roasted garlic and medium heat, serves as the perfect base for our steak marinade. It tenderizes the meat while imparting deep, complex flavors that are both authentic and incredibly appealing. It’s more than just a topping; it’s an integral component that ensures every piece of steak is infused with culinary excellence.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Grilled Steak Street Tacos
- Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of a vibrant salsa marinade, fresh lime, and aromatic spices creates a depth of flavor that’s both bold and refreshing.
- Effortlessly Easy: With minimal prep and grilling time, these tacos are surprisingly simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.
- Perfect for Grilling: Achieve that coveted smoky char and tender interior that only a grill can provide, enhancing the steak’s natural taste.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer a variety of toppings, different salsas, or even a different protein, this recipe serves as a fantastic versatile base.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Using lean cuts of steak and fresh ingredients, these tacos offer a nutritious meal option, especially when paired with Green Mountain Gringo’s clean label salsa.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From casual family dinners to lively backyard BBQs, these street tacos are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.
Essential Ingredients for Your Grilled Steak Street Tacos
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these mouthwatering tacos. Here’s your comprehensive shopping list, covering everything from the star protein to the flavorful marinade and delightful garnishes:
Steak Taco Marinade Ingredients:
- Top Sirloin or Flank Steak: These cuts are ideal for grilling, offering a robust flavor and excellent texture when sliced against the grain.
- Green Mountain Gringo® Roasted Garlic Medium Salsa: The star of our marinade, providing depth, tang, and a hint of spice.
- Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors, tenderizes the meat, and prevents sticking on the grill.
- Fresh Limes: Essential for brightness, acidity, and further tenderizing the steak. You’ll need the juice of a couple of limes.
- Cumin: A classic spice that imparts a warm, earthy, and distinctly Mexican flavor profile.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and is crucial for seasoning the meat.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor to both the marinade and as a garnish.
For Assembly and Serving:
- Street Taco Shells: Choose your favorite – soft corn tortillas for authentic flavor, flour tortillas for a softer bite, or even Sweet Hawaiian for a unique twist.
- Assorted Garnishes:
- Queso Fresco Cheese: Crumbly, salty, and creamy, it’s the perfect complement.
- Radish Slices: Offer a refreshing crunch and a peppery bite.
- Extra Fresh Cilantro: For that final flourish of freshness.
- Red Onion: Finely diced or thinly sliced for a sharp, pungent kick.
- Optional Additions: Sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a squeeze of extra lime, or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can elevate your tacos even further.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Grilled Steak Street Tacos
Follow these easy steps to bring your delicious Grilled Steak Street Tacos to life. The key to perfect results lies in the marinade and proper grilling technique.
Prepare the Steak Marinade:
Start by preparing your steak. If using a flank steak, you might want to score it lightly on both sides to help the marinade penetrate deeper. Place your chosen steak (top sirloin or flank) into a large, sturdy zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Add the Green Mountain Gringo® Roasted Garlic Medium Salsa, fresh lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and chopped cilantro to the bag with the steak. The salsa’s natural acidity, combined with the lime, acts as a tenderizer while infusing the meat with incredible flavor.
Marinate for Maximum Flavor:
Seal the bag tightly, ensuring all air is removed, and gently massage the steak to evenly coat it with the marinade. Place the bag in a bowl in the refrigerator. Allow the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for optimal flavor and tenderness, marinate overnight (up to 12 hours). For longer marinating times, flip the bag halfway through to ensure all sides of the steak get equal attention from the flavorful liquid.
Grill to Perfection:
Before grilling, lightly grease your grill grates with oil or a cooking spray and preheat your grill to high heat. This ensures a beautiful sear and prevents sticking. Carefully remove the steak from the marinade, shaking off any excess liquid. Place the marinated steak directly onto the hot grill. Close the lid and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust timing based on your desired doneness. For medium, aim for 4-5 minutes per side. Flip once to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks. Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board. It’s crucial to let the steak rest for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain. Slicing against the grain breaks up the muscle fibers, making the steak incredibly tender and easy to chew. Warm your street taco shells according to package directions (a quick toss on the grill or in a hot, dry skillet works wonders!). Fill each warm taco shell with the thinly sliced grilled steak, then generously add your desired garnishes like queso fresco, radish slices, fresh cilantro, and red onion. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Recipe Variations and Expert Tips for Your Tacos
One of the best things about street tacos is their versatility. Feel free to experiment with different proteins, salsas, and toppings to create your unique taco experience.
- Chicken Variation: This exact marinade works wonders with boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), then allow it to rest before slicing into thin strips. Garnish just as you would the steak tacos for a lighter, equally delicious option.
- Explore Green Mountain Gringo® Salsas: Don’t limit yourself to just one flavor! Green Mountain Gringo® offers a fantastic variety of salsas, each bringing its own character. Try their Roasted Chile Pepper Medium Salsa for a smoky depth, the classic Medium Salsa for a balanced profile, or for those who crave heat, their Hot Salsa will ignite your taste buds. Each variation will subtly change the character of your marinade, offering new culinary adventures.
- Pork or Fish Tacos: This marinade is also excellent with pork tenderloin or firm white fish like cod or mahi-mahi. Adjust grilling times accordingly for each protein.
- Vegetarian Option: For a plant-based twist, marinate strips of portobello mushrooms or firm tofu in the same salsa blend, then grill or pan-sear until tender and slightly charred.
- Creative Toppings: Beyond the suggested garnishes, consider adding a dollop of avocado crema, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, pickled red onions, corn salsa, or a squeeze of smoky chipotle mayo. The possibilities are endless!
- Warm Tortillas Properly: For the best street taco experience, warm your tortillas. You can do this quickly on a hot, dry skillet, directly over a gas flame for a few seconds per side, or wrapped in foil and heated in the oven. This makes them pliable and enhances their flavor.
Common Questions About Grilled Steak Tacos
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to ensure your taco-making journey is smooth and successful:
- Can these tacos be prepared ahead of time?
- Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is the marinade. You can prepare the steak and allow it to marinate anywhere from the recommended 30 minutes up to overnight (12 hours) in the refrigerator. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for meal prepping or entertaining. Cooked steak can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days and reheated gently for quick meals.
- Do I need a grill to make these?
- No way! While grilling imparts a wonderful smoky flavor and char, you don’t need to limit these delicious tacos to warm weather or outdoor cooking. Feel free to use an indoor grill pan, a cast-iron skillet, or a griddle. Heat your pan to screaming hot, add a little oil, and sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until your desired doneness is reached. This method still provides a fantastic crust and juicy interior, proving that great tacos can be enjoyed year-round!
- What’s the best way to slice the steak for tacos?
- Always slice the steak against the grain. This is crucial for tenderness, especially with cuts like flank or skirt steak which have long muscle fibers. Find the direction of the muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them. This creates shorter fibers, making each bite more tender.
- How do I know when the steak is done?
- For precise doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C); for medium, 135-140°F (57-60°C); and for medium-well, 140-145°F (60-63°C). Remember that the temperature will rise slightly (carryover cooking) while the steak rests.
Serving Suggestions for Your Feast
These Grilled Steak Street Tacos are already a complete meal, but pairing them with simple sides can elevate the experience. We love serving ours with a generous bowl of crispy tortilla chips alongside extra Green Mountain Gringo® Roasted Garlic Medium Salsa for dipping. For a refreshing beverage, sparkling water with a squeeze of lime is perfect to complement the rich flavors. Other great additions include a simple side of black beans, Mexican rice, or a fresh corn and avocado salad.
Grilled Steak Street Tacos
6 servings
5 minutes
5 minutes
15 minutes
25 minutes
Grilled Steak Street Tacos start with a delicious and easy marinade, then grilled to perfection and placed into tortillas with all your favorite toppings! The perfect summertime meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Top Sirloin or Flank Steak
- 1 cup (8oz)Green Mountain Gringo® Roasted Garlic Medium Salsa
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 12 Street corn taco shells
- Garnishes (queso fresco cheese, radish slices, cilantro, red onion)
Instructions
- Into a large zip top bag, place steak. Add in salsa, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, salt and cilantro.
- Seal tight and place into a bowl in the refrigerator. Allow to marinade at least 30 minutes and up to overnight. Turn the bag half way through marinade time.
- Grease the grill grate*, with oil or cooking spray and preheat to high. Remove steak from marinade and place onto grill, shaking off excess and place onto grill. Place the lid on the grill, and cook for about 3-4 minutes. Flip and continue to cook 2-4 minutes more until desired doneness. Remove and place onto a cooking board and allow to rest for 15 minutes. Slice thin, against the grain, and serve into taco shells with desired toppings.
*instructions within the post on how to cook on stovetop.
Recommended Products
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- Cuisinart GR-6S Contact Smoke-Less Mode Griddler, 11.5″(L) x 10.5″(W) x 7.0″(H), Silver
- Wusthof CLASSIC Cook’s Knife, 6-Inch, Black
- Extra Large Cutting Board
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6
Serving Size: 2 tacos each
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 256Total Fat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 419mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 17g
Ready to experience the exceptional flavor of Green Mountain Gringo® products? Don’t wait! Use their convenient store locator to find their incredible salsas and other products near you. The Green Mountain Gringo® Roasted Garlic Medium Salsa is truly a game-changer, delivering a mouthwatering experience that will have you reaching for seconds.
