Sizzling Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos Recipe for Taco Lovers

Sultry summer nights call for my mouthwatering skirt steak tacos that blend smoky grilled flavors with zesty Mexican-inspired seasonings.

Charcoal embers dance beneath tender meat, caramelizing sweet onion slices into golden ribbons of deliciousness.

Seared skirt steak promises incredible depth with each perfectly charred bite.

Marinated and seasoned carefully, these tacos deliver a symphony of robust tastes that dance across your palate.

Crisp corn tortillas cradle succulent meat and caramelized onions, creating a street-food experience right in your backyard.

Fresh cilantro and lime brighten the entire dish with vibrant, tangy notes.

Craving an epic taco adventure?

Jump in and savor every delectable moment.

What Goes into Skirt Steak and Onion Tacos

• Skirt Steak: A flavorful, tender cut perfect for quick grilling and slicing, best when marinated and cooked medium-rare.

• Lime Juice, Orange Juice: Acidic components that help tenderize and add bright citrus flavor to the steak.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade and prevents steak from sticking to the grill.
• Garlic, Fresh Herbs: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic qualities to the meat.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the steak's natural taste.

• Onions: Adds sweet, caramelized flavor when grilled, complementing the steak's richness.
• Olive Oil: Helps onions char evenly and prevents sticking to the grill.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Standard seasonings for enhancing vegetable taste.

• Corn or Flour Tortillas: Soft, warm base for holding grilled ingredients.
• Cilantro, Salsa, Lime Wedges: Fresh, zesty toppings that brighten the overall taco flavor.
• Optional Cheese: Adds creamy texture and additional flavor to the tacos.

Grilling Steak Tacos with Charred Onion Goodness

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

Mix lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Add skirt steak, ensuring complete coating. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Step 2: Prepare Grilling Companions

• Slice onions into thick rings
• Drizzle with olive oil
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper

Set onion slices aside for grilling.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat grill to medium-high heat, targeting around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean and oil grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Char the Onions

Place onion rings directly on grill grates or in a grill basket. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side until edges are dark and caramelized. Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Cook the Steak

Remove steak from marinade and pat dry. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer to cutting board and let rest for 5-10 minutes.

Step 6: Slice and Prepare Meat

Cut steak against the grain into thin, diagonal slices for maximum tenderness.

Step 7: Warm the Tortillas

Quickly heat tortillas on grill for 15-20 seconds per side until soft and slightly charred.

Step 8: Assemble Delicious Tacos

• Fresh cilantro
• Crumbled queso fresco
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños
• Squeeze of fresh lime juice

Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Tips for Tender Skirt Steak and Great Tortilla Fillings

• Optimize Marination Time: Let the steak soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours to ensure maximum flavor absorption without breaking down the meat's texture.
• Slice Against the Grain: Cut the steak thinly across the muscle fibers to guarantee tender, easy-to-chew meat that melts in your mouth with each bite.
• Control Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat around 400F to achieve perfect char marks without burning the steak or onions, creating those delicious caramelized edges.
• Choose Fresh Tortillas: Use soft corn or flour tortillas and warm them briefly on the grill to enhance their flavor and prevent cracking when folding the tacos.
• Customize Toppings Wisely: Add fresh cilantro, crumbled cheese, zesty salsa, and a squeeze of lime to complement the smoky grilled steak and onions, creating a balanced and vibrant taco experience.

How to Keep Tacos Fresh for the Next Meal

• Store leftover steak and grilled onions in airtight containers separately for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat sliced steak and onions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent drying out. Stop heating once warm.
• Warm steak and onions in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to maintain moisture.
• Reassemble tacos with fresh tortillas when reheating to prevent sogginess and maintain the best texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Grilled Steak Tacos

• Craft a smoky, citrusy cocktail using tequila blanco, fresh lime juice, and a grilled lime garnish to complement the charred steak flavors.
• Prepare a tangy green salsa with roasted tomatillos, jalapeños, and fresh cilantro to add bright, acidic notes that cut through the rich meat.
• Create a robust sangria with Spanish tempranillo, fresh orange slices, and a touch of cinnamon to echo the grilled meat's intense character.
• Select a cold Modelo Especial or Pacifico to provide a clean, refreshing contrast against the deeply caramelized steak and grilled onions.

Twists You Can Try with These Tacos

• Veggie-Friendly Steak Substitute: Replace skirt steak with marinated portobello mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option that absorbs flavors perfectly.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and confirm all marinade ingredients are gluten-free for celiac-friendly tacos.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Swap tortillas with large butter lettuce leaves for a carbohydrate-reduced meal that maintains the original recipe's delicious grilling technique.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Variation: Increase marinade heat by adding chipotle peppers or red pepper flakes, creating a bold and zesty flavor profile that elevates the original recipe's complexity.

Steak Taco FAQs You Might Wonder About

• What makes skirt steak perfect for tacos?

Skirt steak is a flavorful, thin cut with excellent marbling that absorbs marinades beautifully. It grills quickly and becomes tender when sliced against the grain, making it ideal for authentic Mexican-style tacos.

• How do I know when the steak is cooked to medium-rare?

Use a meat thermometer – medium-rare steak reaches an internal temperature of 135°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a slightly pink center and juicy texture when you cut into the meat.

• Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

While skirt steak is traditional, you can substitute flank steak or sirloin. Just remember these cuts might require slightly different cooking times and might be less tender.

• Why is it important to slice the steak against the grain?

Cutting against the grain breaks up muscle fibers, making the meat more tender and easier to chew. This technique prevents tough, chewy meat and ensures a more enjoyable eating experience.

Why Grilled Skirt Steak Tacos with Onion Hit the Mark

• Marinade infuses skirt steak with zesty flavors in just 30 minutes, making this a speedy dinner solution for busy families.
• Minimal prep and straightforward grilling technique means even novice cooks can confidently create restaurant-quality tacos at home without complicated steps.
• Flexible taco assembly allows everyone to build their perfect bite with personal favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, tangy salsa, or creamy cheese.
• Perfect for summer barbecues, casual gatherings, or relaxed weekend meals where grilling becomes a fun, social cooking experience that brings people together.

Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling skirt steak tacos bring Mexican street flavors straight to your kitchen, dancing with charred onions and bold seasonings. Grilled to perfection, these tacos offer a mouthwatering blend of smoky meat and zesty toppings you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 ½ pounds (680 grams) skirt steak

Marinade Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lime juice
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Onion Preparation:

• 1 large yellow onion, sliced into thick rings
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Serving Ingredients:

• 8 small corn tortillas
• 8 small flour tortillas
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Diced onion
• Grilled onion slices
• Lime wedges
• Cotija cheese
• Shredded Mexican blend cheese
• Avocado
• Guacamole
• Salsa
• Hot sauce

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Instructions

1. In a spacious container, thoroughly mix marinade components, ensuring complete coverage of the skirt steak. Refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
2. Coat onion slices generously with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness. Let them rest while preparing other components.
3. Heat outdoor grill to a robust medium-high temperature, creating ideal searing conditions for meat and vegetables.
4. Position onion rings carefully on grill grates or within a specialized grill basket. Roast each side until edges caramelize and interior softens, developing rich, smoky characteristics.
5. Extract marinated steak, shaking off excess liquid. Position meat on hot grill, cooking approximately 3-4 minutes per side to achieve beautiful medium-rare doneness with pronounced grill marks.
6. Allow grilled meat to relax and redistribute internal juices for 5-7 minutes, then slice against muscle grain to maximize tenderness.
7. Quickly warm tortillas directly on grill, transforming them from stiff to pliable with slight charred edges.
8. Construct tacos by layering thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, and complementary garnishes like fresh cilantro, crumbled cheese, and vibrant salsa. Serve immediately with zesty lime wedges for brightness.

Notes

• Select a high-quality skirt steak with good marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Marinate the steak in advance to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Slice onions thick enough to prevent falling through grill grates, about 1/2-inch width works perfectly.
• Use a grill basket for more delicate onion slices to ensure even charring and prevent losing pieces.
• Pat the steak dry before grilling to achieve a beautiful caramelized exterior and perfect sear.
• Let the steak rest after grilling to redistribute juices and maintain maximum moisture.
• Slice the steak against the grain to break down muscle fibers and create more tender bites.
• Warm tortillas briefly to enhance their flexibility and prevent cracking when folding.
• Experiment with different marinades like citrus-based or spicy versions for flavor variations.
• For a gluten-free option, replace wheat tortillas with corn tortillas or lettuce wraps.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 45mg