Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are smoky, juicy, and just the right amount of spicy. Perfect for any occasion, these tacos feature a vibrant avocado salsa that elevates the dish, making it ideal for summer gatherings or cozy family dinners. With bold flavors and fresh ingredients, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave everyone craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – With a simple prep and cook time, you can whip these tacos up in under an hour.
- Bursting with Flavor – The combination of grilled steak and fresh avocado salsa creates a taste sensation.
- Versatile Serving Options – Enjoy them as a main course or as part of a taco bar at your next party.
- Healthy Ingredients – Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and lean meat, these tacos are a guilt-free indulgence.
- Great for Meal Prep – Make extra steak and salsa for quick meals throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa smoothly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment on hand will make your cooking experience enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet or grill
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet or grill – A good-quality skillet or grill ensures even cooking for the steak, enhancing its flavor.
- Cutting board – A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
- Chef’s knife – A sharp chef’s knife makes slicing through tough ingredients easy and precise.
- Mixing bowl – Essential for combining ingredients like the avocado salsa, ensuring all flavors meld together perfectly.

Ingredients
These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are smoky, juicy, just the right amount of spicy, and absolutely bursting with flavor.
For the Avocado Salsa
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 pound tomatillos (husks peeled and rinsed well)
- ½ yellow onion (sliced in half)
- 2 cloves garlic (skins peeled)
- 1 jalapeño (sliced in half, seeds removed for mild heat)
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime (around 2 tablespoons, plus more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dry oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
For the Tacos
- 1 ripe avocado
- 16 ounces skirt steak (cut into 6-inch sections; substitute flap steak or flank steak)
- Juice of 1 orange (around ¼ cup)
- Juice of 1 large lime (around 2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (divided in half)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dry oregano
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
For Serving
- 6 green onions
- 6 corn tortillas
- ¼ cup finely chopped white onion
How to Make Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Step 1: Prepare the Avocado Salsa
- In a skillet over medium heat, add the avocado oil.
- Once hot, add tomatillos, halved yellow onion, garlic cloves, and jalapeño. Cook until softened.
- Remove from heat; add water to help blend smoothly.
- Transfer to a mixing bowl; stir in cilantro, lime juice, oregano, and salt. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
- In a separate bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, chopped cilantro, paprika, salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dry oregano, and avocado oil.
- Add skirt steak sections to the marinade; ensure they are well coated. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
- Preheat your grill or skillet over high heat.
- Grill marinated steak for about 4-5 minutes per side or until desired doneness is reached.
- Remove from heat; allow resting before slicing against the grain.
Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos
- Warm corn tortillas on the grill or in a skillet until pliable.
- Layer sliced steak on each tortilla followed by generous spoonfuls of avocado salsa.
- Top with green onions and white onion before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring solo!
How to Serve Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a delicious and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience.
Fresh Toppings
- Cilantro: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top for additional flavor and freshness.
- Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their tacos, enhancing the tanginess.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop provides creaminess that balances the spices.
Salsas and Dips
- Pico de Gallo: This fresh tomato salsa adds brightness and texture to your tacos.
- Guacamole: Pairing with guacamole complements the steak and avocado salsa beautifully.
- Chipotle Sauce: Drizzle this smoky sauce for an extra kick.
Drinks
- Agua Fresca: A refreshing fruit drink, like watermelon or hibiscus, pairs well with the savory flavors of the tacos.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: Both options provide a cool contrast to the warmth of the tacos.
How to Perfect Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
To make your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa even better, consider these handy tips.
- Bold Marinade: Allow your steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance its flavors.
- High Heat Cooking: Grill at high heat for a nice char while keeping the inside juicy; aim for medium-rare doneness.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat corn tortillas on a skillet before serving for a soft and pliable texture.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe avocados and fresh tomatillos for the best taste in your salsa.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Steak Tacos can create a delightful meal. Here are some excellent options!
- Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice flavored with tomatoes and spices complements the tacos well.
- Refried Beans – Creamy beans add protein and richness, making them an ideal side.
- Corn Salad – A fresh salad with corn, lime, and cilantro offers a sweet crunch that balances flavors.
- Chips and Guacamole – Crunchy tortilla chips served with guacamole make for a perfect appetizer.
- Grilled Vegetables – Seasonal veggies grilled until tender add flavor and vibrancy to your plate.
- Black Bean Salad – A hearty salad featuring black beans, bell peppers, and lime dressing enhances nutrition.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the marinade: Don’t skip marinating the steak! A good marinade adds flavor and tenderizes. Aim for at least 30 minutes or overnight for the best results.
- Overcooking the meat: Avoid overcooking your steak. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; medium-rare is ideal at around 135°F (57°C) for juicy tacos.
- Ignoring seasoning: Never underestimate seasoning! Ensure your steak is well-seasoned before grilling. A blend of spices enhances flavor, making each bite delightful.
- Using cold tortillas: Don’t serve cold tortillas! Warm them up on the grill or stovetop to enhance their texture and flavor when assembling your tacos.
- Not tasting the salsa: Always taste your avocado salsa before serving. Adjust lime juice and salt to get the perfect balance of flavors that complement the steak.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover tacos in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep the salsa separate to maintain freshness.
Freezing Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
- Freeze cooked steak separately from tortillas and salsa.
- Use freezer-safe bags or containers for best results.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals until warm, about 1-2 minutes total.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Warm each taco for about 1-2 minutes per side until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different meats in my Grilled Steak Tacos?
Yes! You can substitute skirt steak with flap steak or flank steak for equally delicious results.
What toppings go well with Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa?
Consider adding pickled onions, chopped fresh cilantro, or crumbled cheese as tasty toppings that enhance these tacos.
How do I make my avocado salsa spicier?
To add more heat, include additional jalapeño or even a pinch of cayenne pepper in your avocado salsa recipe.
Can I meal prep these tacos ahead of time?
Absolutely! Marinate the steak and prepare the salsa beforehand. Just assemble the tacos right before serving for optimal freshness.
Final Thoughts
These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting spice levels to suit your taste. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or enjoying a family meal, these tacos are sure to impress!
PrintGrilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are smoky, juicy, just the right amount of spicy, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Tender marinated steak is grilled to perfection, then tucked into warm corn tortillas and topped with a vibrant, creamy avocado salsa. Perfect for taco night or summer grilling season!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Avocado Salsa:
-
2 tablespoons avocado oil
-
1 pound tomatillos (husks peeled and rinsed well)
-
½ yellow onion (sliced in half)
-
2 cloves garlic (skins peeled)
-
1 jalapeño (sliced in half, seeds removed for mild heat)
-
¼ cup water
-
¼ cup fresh cilantro
-
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons, plus more to taste)
-
½ teaspoon dry oregano
-
½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
-
1 ripe avocado
For the Steak Marinade:
-
16 ounces skirt steak (cut into 6-inch sections; flap or flank steak can be substituted)
-
Juice of 1 orange (about ¼ cup)
-
Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons)
-
¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
1 teaspoon kosher salt
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
-
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
-
½ teaspoon ground cumin
-
½ teaspoon dry oregano
-
2 tablespoons avocado oil
For Serving:
-
6 green onions
-
6 corn tortillas
-
¼ cup finely chopped white onion
-
Remaining ¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (from earlier)
Instructions
-
Make the Salsa:
Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Cook, turning occasionally, until softened and lightly charred (about 8–10 minutes). -
Blend the Salsa:
Transfer the cooked vegetables to a blender. Add water, cilantro, lime juice, oregano, salt, and avocado. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust lime juice or salt if needed. Set aside. -
Marinate the Steak:
In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, ¼ cup chopped cilantro, paprika, salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and avocado oil. Add steak and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes (up to 4 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor). -
Grill the Green Onions:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill green onions for about 2 minutes per side, or until charred and tender. Remove and set aside. -
Grill the Steak:
Remove steak from marinade and grill for 3–4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your preferred doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain. -
Warm the Tortillas:
Lightly char the corn tortillas on the grill or directly over a gas flame for 30 seconds per side. Keep warm in a towel. -
Assemble the Tacos:
Divide steak slices among tortillas. Top with avocado salsa, grilled green onions, chopped white onion, and remaining cilantro. Serve immediately.
Notes
Calories: 350 kcal per serving