These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are smoky, juicy, and bursting with bold flavors. The steak is marinated in a tangy, citrusy, and herb-filled marinade, then grilled to perfection and topped with a creamy, vibrant avocado salsa. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, these tacos deliver satisfying taste with a fresh, homemade touch. Using corn tortillas keeps the dish gluten-free.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 16 ounces skirt steak (or flap steak or flank steak), cut into 6-inch sections

• Juice of 1 orange (about ¼ cup)

• Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons)

• ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, divided

• 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 dried oregano

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil

• 6 green onions

For the Avocado Salsa:

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil

• 1 pound tomatillos, husks peeled and rinsed

• ½ yellow onion, halved

• 2 garlic cloves, peeled

• 1 jalapeño, halved, 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 dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

• 1 ripe avocado

Additional Toppings:

• ¼ cup finely chopped white onion mixed with cilantro

• Crumbled queso fresco

• Sliced radish

• Lime wedges

Directions

1. Prepare the Salsa Verde: Heat avocado oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeño, cooking until lightly charred. Add water and cook until reduced by a quarter and tomatillos are tender (~3 minutes). Transfer ingredients to a blender, add cilantro, lime juice, oregano, salt, and avocado. Blend until desired consistency. Adjust seasoning and refrigerate until ready to serve.

2. Marinate the Steak: Combine steak with orange juice, lime juice, ¼ cup cilantro, and spices. Toss to coat and refrigerate 1 to 6 hours.

3. Grill the Steak and Onions: Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high. Add avocado oil to steak and grill steaks and green onions until charred and cooked to medium-rare (~4 minutes per side). Rest steak 6 minutes before slicing into small cubes.

4. Warm the Tortillas: Toast tortillas on grill or skillet for 10-15 seconds per side.

5. Assemble the Tacos: Spread diced steak on tortillas. Top with avocado salsa, cilantro-onion mix, and additional toppings. Serve with grilled green onions and lime wedges.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 23 g

• Protein: 20 g

• Fat: 22 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Sodium: 693 mg

• Fiber: 6 g

• Sugar: 5 g

• Vitamin A: 694 IU

• Vitamin C: 17 mg

• Calcium: 62 mg

• Iron: 3 mg

The Art of Marinating Steak for Maximum Flavor and Tenderness

The marinade is the foundation of this dish, designed to penetrate and tenderize the skirt steak while imbuing it with a complex layering of flavors. The combination of fresh orange and lime juice introduces bright acidity that helps break down muscle fibers, resulting in steak that is tender and juicy after grilling. The citrus juices also provide a fragrant, fresh aroma that enhances the overall taste.

Finely chopped cilantro adds a fresh herbal note that complements the citrus and brightens the palate. A carefully balanced spice blend—featuring paprika, smoked paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, onion powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper—adds warmth, depth, and a hint of earthiness. The smoked paprika and cumin, in particular, give the meat a subtle smoky flavor that foreshadows the char that will develop on the grill.

Avocado oil plays a dual role by imparting a light, buttery richness and helping the marinade cling to the meat, ensuring even coverage and preventing sticking during grilling. The marinade process, ideally lasting between one and six hours, allows time for these flavors to meld and penetrate deeply into the steak, ensuring each bite is packed with savory, zesty goodness.

Grilling to Perfection: Techniques and Tips

Grilling the marinated steak over medium-high heat is key to achieving that perfect balance of a flavorful charred crust and a juicy, medium-rare interior. The direct heat sears the surface of the steak, locking in juices and developing complex Maillard reaction flavors, while the shorter cooking time prevents overcooking and drying out.

Green onions grilled alongside the steak add a smoky sweetness and tender bite, enhancing the dish’s flavor profile and providing a textural contrast. These charred onions can be served as a side or chopped and scattered on the tacos for an extra layer of flavor.

Resting the steak for six minutes after grilling is essential. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, making each bite succulent and flavorful rather than dry or tough.

Crafting the Creamy, Vibrant Avocado Salsa Verde

The avocado salsa is a standout accompaniment that balances the bold, smoky steak with bright, tangy, and creamy elements. Starting with tomatillos, which are peeled, rinsed, and lightly charred, this salsa takes on a smoky depth that is both refreshing and complex. The tomatillos’ natural tartness cuts through the richness of the steak and avocado, creating a well-rounded flavor.

Yellow onion, garlic, and jalapeño are also charred to bring out sweetness and subtle smoky notes, while the jalapeño adds just enough heat to enliven the salsa without overpowering it. Blending these ingredients with fresh cilantro, lime juice, dried oregano, kosher salt, and ripe avocado results in a thick, luscious salsa that is creamy yet vibrant, with a perfect balance of spice, acidity, and richness.

The addition of avocado provides a smooth texture and a mild buttery flavor, mellowing the acidity of the tomatillos and lime juice. This salsa is refrigerated before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with freshness and depth.

Assembly: Building the Perfect Taco

Warming the corn tortillas on the grill or skillet softens them and adds a subtle toasty aroma, making them pliable and enhancing their natural corn flavor. Using corn tortillas keeps the dish gluten-free and adds authenticity to the tacos.

The grilled steak is sliced into bite-sized cubes that are perfect for taco fillings, offering tender, smoky morsels that are easy to eat and packed with flavor. These steak cubes are generously spooned onto the warmed tortillas and topped with creamy avocado salsa.

A garnish of finely chopped white onion mixed with fresh cilantro adds a crisp, herbal bite that contrasts with the richness of the steak and salsa. Crumbled queso fresco contributes a mild, salty creaminess that elevates the texture and flavor profile. Thinly sliced radishes add a peppery crunch and a pop of color, while lime wedges provide an optional burst of citrus brightness that brightens the entire dish.

Grilled green onions served alongside the tacos make a flavorful accompaniment, enhancing the visual appeal and providing an extra smoky-sweet vegetable element.

Nutritional Overview and Health Benefits

Each serving of Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa offers a balanced nutritional profile that supports a wholesome diet. At approximately 350 calories per serving, these tacos provide satisfying energy without excess calories.

The protein content is substantial, at around 20 grams, thanks to the lean steak, making this dish a great option for muscle repair and sustained satiety. The fat content, about 22 grams, includes heart-healthy fats from avocado oil and avocado, along with moderate saturated fats from the steak and cheese.

Carbohydrates are moderate at 23 grams, largely from the corn tortillas and fresh vegetables, providing slow-burning energy. The 6 grams of dietary fiber contribute to digestive health and help moderate blood sugar levels.

Vitamins A and C present in the dish support immune function, skin health, and antioxidant defenses, while calcium and iron contribute to bone strength and oxygen transport, respectively.

Sodium content is moderate, influenced by seasoning and cheese, and can be adjusted according to dietary needs.

Pairing Suggestions and Serving Ideas

These Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa pair excellently with traditional Mexican side dishes such as Mexican rice, black beans, or grilled corn on the cob. A fresh, crunchy salad or pickled vegetables add brightness and balance.

For beverages, these tacos shine alongside chilled margaritas, Mexican lagers, or refreshing lime-infused sparkling water, enhancing the festive atmosphere.

For added indulgence, consider serving with homemade guacamole, salsa roja, or chipotle crema for extra layers of flavor.

Conclusion

Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are an extraordinary blend of smoky, tangy, creamy, and fresh flavors that come together to create a memorable dining experience. From the tender, citrus-marinated steak grilled to juicy perfection, to the vibrant, creamy avocado salsa verde, every element complements each other beautifully.

Easy enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for entertaining, these tacos celebrate bold, fresh ingredients and authentic techniques. With gluten-free corn tortillas and nutrient-rich toppings, they offer a balanced, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings a taste of summer to your table all year round. Whether enjoyed with family, friends, or as a solo indulgence, these tacos will quickly become a beloved recipe in your culinary collection.