Taco night just got better with steak tacos. Easy to make with a flavorful steak taco marinade then pan seared or grilled to perfection and layered on tortillas with toppings!

Steak tacos on white plate.

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Easy Steak Tacos

Most taco Tuesdays we use taco meat, so when we choose steak instead, it’s always a treat. There’s nothing better than marinated, juicy and flavorful grilled top sirloin steak on a warm homemade tortilla although the skillet or oven baked steak works, too!

Steak tacos are one of my favorite variations of tacos and skirt steak tacos, carne asada tacos and flank steak tacos are all vying for a top spot. Piled high with toppings, the ultimate steak taco is the best combination of flavors and textures.

Steak Taco Marinade Ingredients

Steak taco marinade in a glass bowl.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Steak taco marinade: Olive oil, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, ground cumin and salt and pepper.
  • Steak: I used a well marbled sirloin steak, you can cut it into pieces or leave whole.
  • For serving: 6-inch flour or corn tortillas, onion, cilantro, lime, cotija cheese, sour cream, avocado or guacamole

How to Make Steak Tacos

  • Marinate. Pour steak taco marinade ingredients into a large zip top bag or bowl and shake or stir until the mixture is combined. Then add the meat pieces and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 5 hours). The longer it marinates, the more flavor the steak will have.
  • Heat. Once the meat has had time to marinate, heat skillet with the remaining olive oil to pan sear the steak pieces. Alternately, preheat the grill.
  • Cook. Add the steak and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until the meat has browned.
  • Serve. Serve in warm tortillas with favorite toppings of choice.

Substitutions and Variations

  • An easy steak fajita marinade, flank steak marinade or skirt steak marinade are delicious as well.
  • Sugar, honey or maple syrup all can be used.
  • If you like some spice, add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
  • Additional spices that work well in the marinade include oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, ancho chili powder or smoked paprika.
  • Try grilled flank steak or easy carne asada instead of sirloin.
  • To make grilled steak tacos, simply grill meat over medium-high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove from grill and rest before slicing.
Steak tacos on white plate.

Tips for the Best Tender Beef

  • Marinate overnight: For maximum flavor marinate the steak overnight!
  • Internal temperature: The beef steak tacos should be cooked to 145°F. I like to remove mine at 135°F and then let the meat rest to lock in juices. This also ensures it is not overcooked.
  • Slice against the grain: The best tender beef is cut against the grain. Before marinating, find the muscles fibers in the meat and cut across them not with them.
  • Bring steak to room temperature. Whether you cook steak on stovetop or grill, bring it to room temperature 20-60 minutes before cooking it. This helps it to cook evenly.
Taco toppings on cutting board.

Steak Taco Toppings

Below are some of my favorite toppings to add. There are so many other toppings that would taste delicious too, like grilled corn, salsa or chimichurri

  • Onion: I prefer red onion, but sweet onions or pickled onions taste great, too.
  • Cilantro: Freshly chopped cilantro adds color as would pico de gallo.
  • Lime: An extra squeeze of lime juice adds the perfect amount of flavor.
  • Cheese: You can use any type of Mexican cheese, but I love using cotija cheese for these tacos.
  • Sour cream: Or try this creamy cilantro lime crema.
  • Avocado: I love adding fresh avocado slices or guacamole.
Steak taco on a tortilla.

Love tacos? Try easy Navajo tacos recipe, carnitas tacos or wrap up shredded slow cooker barbacoa meat into a taco shell!

More Taco Recipes

steak tacos on white plate

Steak Tacos

5 from 11 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Marinate: 30 minutes
Total Time: 52 minutes
Servings: 4
Taco night just got better with steak tacos! Easy to make with a flavorful steak taco marinade then pan seared or grilled and layered on tortillas with toppings.
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Ingredients 

Steak taco marinade

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil , divided
  • 2 Tablespoons light soy sauce , or coconut aminos
  • 2 limes , juiced (about 2 Tablespoons)
  • 1 Tablespoon light brown sugar , or honey
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak , cut into bite sized pieces

For serving: 6" flour or corn tortillas, onion, cilantro, lime, cotija cheese, sour cream, avocado or guacamole

Instructions

Steak taco marinade:

  • Place 3 Tablespoons olive oil, 2 Tablespoons soy sauce, 2 Tablespoons lime juice, 1 Tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl or gallon-sized zip-top bag. Stir or shake until combined. Place meat inside the bag and let sit for at least 30 minutes (up to 5 hours). If you have more time, let it sit longer.

Prepare steak and serve:

  • Place the remaining 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the steak and cook until the meat has browned (about 5-6 minutes), or has reach desired doneness. Alternatively you can grill the whole steak until it reaches desired doneness and then slice just before serving.
  • Serve steak in warm tortillas with desired toppings.

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Grilling: You could also cook the steak on the grill over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side (or until it reaches desired doneness). Then slice into strips after.
Store: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 or 3 days. Reheat just until warmed through on the stovetop or in the microwave. 

Nutrition

Calories: 323kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 38g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 104mg, Sodium: 641mg, Potassium: 634mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 17IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 63mg, Iron: 3mg

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