Here’s delicious recipe for Grilled Steak Tacos with Guacamole straight from Ched Ed, styled like something Chef Ed might present—straightforward, flavorful, and focused on bold, fresh ingredients.
Grilled Steak Tacos with Guacamole
There’s nothing quite like the smoky char of grilled steak paired with cool, creamy guacamole. These tacos are simple but packed with flavor. Perfect for a backyard get-together or a weeknight treat, this recipe brings together juicy steak, fresh toppings, and soft tortillas for a taco that delivers on every bite.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the steak:
- 1½ lb flank or skirt steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the guacamole:
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ cup chopped dry oregano
- Salt to taste
For the tacos:
- 4 extra large flour tortillas
- ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Tabasco hot sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
1. Marinate the Steak
Start by preparing the marinade. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Massage it into the meat, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably an hour. Let the steak sit out for 10–15 minutes before grilling to bring it to room temperature.
2. Make the Guacamole
While the steak is marinating, prepare the guacamole. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash them with a fork until mostly smooth, leaving a little texture. Stir in chopped red onion, lime juice, and oregano. Season with salt to taste. Place an avocado pit into the guacamole and cover and set aside (press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning).
3. Grill the Steak
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the steak for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. You’re looking for a good char on the outside and a pink center. Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5–10 minutes to keep those juices in. Then, slice thinly against the grain.
4. Warm the Tortillas
While the steak rests, warm your tortillas. You can do this on the grill for a few seconds on each side or in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean towel.
5. Assemble the Tacos
Lay out the warm tortillas. Add a few slices of grilled steak to each one, then top with a generous spoonful of guacamole. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side and your favorite hot sauce.
Tips from Chef Ed:
- Marinade matters: Even 30 minutes can make a big difference. But don’t go overnight—the acidity of the lime can break down the meat too much.
- Cut against the grain: Always slice flank or skirt steak thinly and against the grain. It keeps every bite tender.
- Grill hot and fast: You want a nice sear on the outside without overcooking the inside. Don’t fuss with the steak too much while it’s on the grill.
- Keep it simple: Good ingredients, handled with care, don’t need a lot of extras. Freshness always wins.
These grilled steak tacos with guacamole are a crowd-pleaser that delivers bold flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for friends or treating yourself, this is a go-to recipe worth keeping in rotation.