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Skirt Steak Tacos

These skirt steak tacos are an explosion of bold flavors and the perfect way to enjoy tender slices of marinated steak. No more chasing the taco trucks, now you can make the ultimate Mexican street food at home! 

Skirt steak taco on counter.
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Mexican Street Tacos

This skirt steak taco recipe is another delicious version of steak tacos. They’re a homemade take on the ultimate Mexican street tacos or carne asada, and one of my favorite ways to use grilled skirt steak. You all know there is nothing quite like biting into a mouthful of taco, no matter what kind, but I bet this one easily becomes your new favorite.

These tacos are filled with deliciously thin cut strips of skirt steak that have been marinated in an easy marinade of oil, lemon, garlic, cumin, and salt and pepper. They’re given a nice sear on the outside while remaining melt in your mouth on the inside.

Talk about flavor! Loads of it coming from the juicy marinated steak of course, but the fresh toppings are there to jazz it up even more and put these tacos over the top. You can really customize a taco exactly the way you want it, providing a variety of options for people to garnish their own but some of my family’s favorites are diced tomatoes, sliced avocados, chopped cilantro, onions, and cilantro lime crema. So fresh, so good and perfect for Taco Tuesday!

Skirt steak on the grill.

How to Season Skirt Steak

This delicious skirt steak marinade is my go-to because it’s got loads of flavor that penetrates flavor all the way through the meat, but it’s ridiculously easy too! Below are a few other ways to try for a different flavor profile, using any combination you’d like:

  • Jalapeno + lime
  • Soy sauce + chili powder + honey
  • Garlic + oregano

How to Cook Skirt Steak for Tacos

Skirt steak is a very flavorful cut of beef, but it can also be quite tough. Marinating it is the first step to cooking it because you need the acid to break down the fibers. Marinate it for as little as 30 minutes, but no longer than 24 hours. I like to marinate in the morning and grill in the evening. Bring it to room temperature about 30 minutes before grilling.

You want to add it to a hot grill to get the best sear and depending on the thickness of the steak, you’ll be cooking it for about 3-4 minutes per side. Skirt steak is best when it’s medium-rare.

Cutting the Steak

I’m sure you’ve heard you should cut steak “against the grain” but what exactly does that mean? Well, certain cuts of meat are much more fibrous than others. When there is a lot of connective tissues happening, it’s important to break those down so it’s much easier to chew.

When you look at the steak, especially cuts like skirt steak or grilled flank steak, there are obvious lines that run down the beef in one direction. To cut against it means to take your knife and cut slices in the opposite direction. This is so that you are cutting the fibers shorter which helps keep it tender and results in a more pleasant bite.

Sliced produce on cutting board.

Delicious Toppings

*To make this easy cilantro lime crema to drizzle on top, blend 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup cilantro, 1 lime zested and juiced, 1 clove of garlic, and 1/2 tsp of salt in a food processor until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Make Ahead + Storing

  • Make ahead: The marinade can be made up to 3 days ahead, but be sure not to marinate for more than 24 hours.
  • Storing: Cooked meat will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Taco Tuesday just became Taco Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday!

FAQs

How do you cut skirt steak for tacos?

You want to cut your steak into thin slices and cut against the grain. If you cut with the grain your steak tacos will be tough and chewy.

How do you tenderize skirt steak for grilling?

Skirt steak is already a tender piece of meat, but by using a marinade it gets even more tender. You can also pound the steak with a meat mallet to an even thickness if you wish.

How do I know what temperature my steak is done?

This really is personal preference on how you like your steaks cooked. For these tacos I prefer medium rare which 135°F or medium 145°F degrees. Remember that your steak will continue to cook after removing it from the grill, so you may want to remove it a little earlier and let it rest.

What cut of steak is best for tacos?

Skirt steak or flank steak are my preferred choices. Both cuts of meat are tender, cook quickly and get even more tender when marinated.

Skirt steak taco with lime and cilantro.

Love beef taco recipes? Try these flank steak tacos, birria tacos or carne asada tacos recipe!

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skirt steak taco with lime and cilantro

Skirt Steak Tacos

5 from 4 votes
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Author: Jamielyn Nye
These skirt steak tacos are an explosion of bold flavors and the perfect way to enjoy tender slices of marinated steak. No more chasing the taco trucks, now you can make the ultimate Mexican street food at home! 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Marinade: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

Marinade:

  • 1 pound boneless beef skirt steak
  • cup olive oil
  • 1 lime , juiced and zested
  • 3 garlic cloves , 1 1/2 teaspoons minced
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Tacos:

  • 6 corn tortillas
  • 3 Tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro

Optional toppings: sliced tomatoes, diced onions, avocado, cotija cheese, cilantro lime crema

    Instructions

    • Combine the olive oil, lime, garlic, salt, cumin and pepper in a large bowl. Add the steak and marinate for at least 20 to 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Set out 30 minutes before cooking.
    • Use tongs to transfer to a preheated grill and cook until it reaches desired doneness (about 3 to 4 minutes per side over high heat). Remove from grill and allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing. Cut steak against the grain.
    • Prep desired toppings while steak is resting. I like to add diced tomatoes, avocado, cilantro and onions with the cilantro lime crema (recipe in notes).
    • Place steak on top of warm tortillas. Add desired toppings and serve while warm.

    Notes

    Make ahead: This marinade can be made up to 3 days in advance, however I don’t recommend marinating the meat longer than 24 hours. Typically I like to add the meat in the morning and grill that evening. 
    Storing: Discard any leftover marinade and do not reuse. You can store leftover meat in a covered container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. 
    Toppings: The additional toppings are not included in nutritional value. Feel free to add as you prefer.
    Cilantro Lime Crema: For a delicious flavor, add this sauce on top.
    In a food processor, blend 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup cilantro, 1 lime (zested and juiced), 1 clove garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Blend until smooth. Salt and pepper to taste.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 286kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 451mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 31IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 2mg

    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

    Course: Main Dish
    Cuisine: Mexican

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