Grilled Steak Tacos Are the Perfect Any-Night, Any-Occasion Dinner

Flank steak marinated with chipotle, citrus, cilantro and onions. Kelli Foster/TNS

Growing up in Southern California, I learned a thing or two about tacos. I grew up buying my carne asada from the carniceria (shout out to Primo Food Market in Vista!) because that’s where you went to buy the best. In the back of the shop, where all the pre-marinated meat was displayed, each variation was sitting in aromatics like onions, cilantro, and pieces of citrus. Primo made it easy: Buy the meat, grill it up, and have the best-tasting carne asada of your life.

Back then, I never really paid attention to why it was so good, only that it was. Now that I live on the East Coast, where really good Southern Californian/Baja-style Mexican food is scarce, I rely on my taste memories to recreate the flavors that I miss. This super-easy steak marinade comes together in minutes and brings me back to the hometown gatherings of my youth.

What Kind of Steak Is Best for Tacos?

I like to use flank steak for this steak taco recipe. It’s an inexpensive piece of protein that grills up nicely and has lots of flavor. After the chipotle salsa-citrus marinade, the steak grills up in minutes, making it easy for a weeknight. While it rests, you can prepare your toppings.

Tips for Steak Tacos

While citrus juice will help tenderize the flank steak, be careful not to over-marinate the meat. Go for longer than four hours and the acid from the juice will break down the steak too much.