Our strip steak taco recipe, served with homemade guacamole, is a favorite Mexican dish you can easily make at home. They're perfect for an easy family dinner or double it for a crowd!
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I just love cooking with my cast iron skillet. It's so versatile and can even go from the stovetop to the oven in a flash if needed. Now, a cast iron pan might not be the first thing you think of when I say I'm making tacos, right? But these aren't any old boring tacos, these are strip steak tacos!
Get your pan super hot, and don't fuss with the meat while it cooks. Searing the strip steak in the cast iron skillet means you'll have uber-flavorful meat for your tacos. This steak taco recipe doesn't call for tons of seasoning because when you cook and slice this right, you'll get deliciously caramelized and tender pieces of meat.
If you need to feed a crowd, you can't go wrong with steak tacos. They are a perfect main meal at your game day party or Cinco de Mayo fiesta. The best part is that everyone can customize their taco with their favorite toppings! Whip up a batch Strawberry Margaritas to round out the celebration.
What Kind of Steak for is Good for Tacos?
- Strip
- Flank
- Skirt
As you may know, strip steak is a very lean, very tender cut of meat. This cut comes from a muscle that does very little work. The less fatty the meat, the more tender it will be. That's why I love making this steak taco recipe with strip steak, the meat is so tender! You could also use flank or skirt steaks.
Ingredients
- Strip Steak
- Fresh Cilantro or Parsley
- Olive Oil
- Jalapeno
- Fresh Lime
- Seasoned Salt
- Black Pepper
- Soft Tortillas
Instructions
Here's how to make homemade steak tacos using skirt steak, flank steak, or strip steak:
- Make the simple marinade with fresh lime juice, cilantro, jalapeno, and olive oil. Place the steak and marinade in a large resealable plastic bag for 30 minutes (up to overnight).
- Season the steaks with pepper and seasoned salt.
- Cook the steak in a cast iron skillet or grill pan.
- Allow the steak to rest before slicing against the grain.
How To Cut Against the Grain:
- Find the direction of the grain (which way the muscle fibers of the meat are all going).
- Using a good knife, slice across the grain rather than parallel with it.
Variations
- Personally, I can't stand cilantro, so if you're like me, just omit it. Instead, make the marinade with fresh parsley.
- For a smoky flavor, add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin to the marinade.
- If you're a garlic lover, add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the marinade.
Cast Iron Skillet Care
- Season your cast iron skillet by putting it on the stove over high heat until it is super hot. Carefully rub vegetable or canola oil all over the pan and then let it cool before storing.
- Clean your pan with soap and water and then dry immediately, or re-season as needed.
- Never let your cast iron pan soak in water because it will rust and need to be scrubbed, then re-seasoned.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these with warm tortillas - corn or flour tortillas are both great options. Sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onion all add great flavor. I like cotija cheese, but you can use any shredded cheese you like.
Add Mr. Juggling Act's favorite Homemade Guacamole to this Steak Taco Recipe - it's like heaven on a plate! These are great with pickled red onions on top, too. I'm also a big fan of homemade salsa. Try one of these delicious salsa recipes:
This tomato and corn salsa with a squeee of lime is one of my favorite recipes to serve in the summertime!
What to do with leftovers:
Use leftover skirt steak to make a steak and rice bowl! It's a great weekday lunch that eats just like it came from your favorite Mexican restaurant!
With these recipes for Taco Bar Side Dishes, you'll have everything you need to make your next taco night a success. From Mexican rice to many different types of salsa, you'll find a yummy idea or two here.
Strip Steak Tacos
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces Strip steak (you can also use flank steak or skirt steak)
- Black pepper to taste
- 1-2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt
Marinade
- ⅓ cup Cilantro chopped (substitute parsley if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 Jalapeno seeds removed and finely chopped
- 2 Limes juiced
Serving
- Condiments such as sour cream, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, guacamole, etc.
- Soft tortillas
Instructions
Marinade
- In a small bowl, combine the cilantro, oil, lime juice, and jalapeno⅓ cup Cilantro, 2 tablespoon Olive oil, 1 Jalapeno, 2 Limes
Steak
- Season the steak with seasoned salt and pepper1-2 teaspoons Seasoned Salt, Black pepper, 16 ounces Strip steak (you can also use flank steak or skirt steak)
- On a plate, cover the steak on both side with the cilantro marinade. Let sit for 10 minutes
- In a cast iron skillet, place a tiny bit of oil, and heat the pan very hot
- Place the steak in the pan and do not move it for 3 ½ minutes. Flip the steak and cook for another 3 ½ minutes.
- Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Serving
- Slice the steak in thin slices on the diagonal against the grain. Lay in the center of a tortilla and garnish with preferred toppings.Condiments such as sour cream, shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, guacamole, etc., Soft tortillas
Notes
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) is not Mexico's independence day as many in the US believe. It's the anniversary of The Battle of Puebla, where Mexican troops defeated the French on May 5, 1862. (Mexico observes its independence day, or "Día de la Independencia" on September 16th because on that date in 1810, a revolt against the Spaniards began.)
In Mexico, this minor holiday is celebrated more in the Pubela region since that's where the battle took place. Citizens in this region especially celebrate with a parade and piñatas, along with traditional food, music, and dance.
In America, of course, Cinco de Mayo has become an excuse - albeit a tasty one - to eat Mexican food like these steak tacos and drink margaritas. Interestingly enough, tequila is not the most popular drink in Mexico - it's actually agua fresco.
Meal Planning
Want to add this recipe to your meal plan? Download our free printable meal plan here.
This recipe is included in Meal Plan 32 along with:
- apple carrot bread
- garlic and brown sugar chicken
- brown sugar mashed sweet potatoes
- crockpot potato soup
- chili cheese tater tot casserole
... and more!
👉 Be sure to check out all our meal plan ideas here.
Alison's Wonderland Recipes says
This looks SO good. Totally pinning for later! 🙂
Ang Paris says
Thanks so much!
Maria says
Your recipes look delicious! Summer around the corner, Grilling and salsas, tex-mex tacos and ice-cold drinks are the way to go. Love your website. Following you on Pinterest. : -)