Sizzling Skirt Steak Tacos Recipe

Sizzling Skirt Steak & Grilled Onion Tacos Recipe

Tacos burst with flavor when you master the art of skillet-seared skirt steak tacos that dance with zesty Mexican-inspired seasonings.

Tender strips of beef sizzle to perfection, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece for your meal.

The rich, marbled meat caramelizes quickly, developing a deep, smoky char that signals an epic taco experience.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of crisp tortillas and succulent meat, seasoned with a perfect balance of spices.

Simple ingredients transform into a culinary celebration that brings authentic street food vibes to your kitchen.

Grab your skillet and prepare for a taco night that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients For Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos

For Marinade:
  • Skirt Steak: Choose a well-marbled cut for maximum tenderness and flavor, trimming excess fat before marinating.
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade flavors and keeps meat moist during grilling.
  • Lime Juice: Adds bright acidity and helps tenderize the meat naturally.
  • Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic undertones that complement the beef's richness.
  • Chili Powder: Brings warming heat and depth to the marinade.
  • Cumin: Offers earthy, smoky notes typical in Mexican cuisine.
For Grilling and Seasoning:
  • Onions: Select firm, fresh onions with tight layers for best grilling performance.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and helps draw out moisture for better caramelization.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complements the meat's natural taste.
  • Olive Oil: Prevents onions from sticking and promotes even charring.
For Serving:
  • Corn Tortillas: Look for fresh, flexible tortillas that can be easily warmed on the grill.
  • Cilantro: Choose bright green, crisp leaves for a fresh herbal garnish.
  • Lime Wedges: Provides zesty brightness to cut through rich meat flavors.
  • Salsa: Select a variety that matches your preferred heat level and flavor profile.
  • Cheese: Optional topping that adds creamy texture to the tacos.

Tools To Make Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos

  • Grill: Essential for achieving perfect char on steak and onions, preferably with medium-high heat capability.
  • Grill basket: Helpful for grilling delicate onion slices without losing them through grill grates.
  • Large bowl or zip-top bag: Needed for marinating steak with ingredients.
  • Tongs: Crucial for flipping steak and onions safely on the grill.
  • Sharp knife: Required for slicing steak thinly against the grain.
  • Cutting board: Provides surface for slicing steak and preparing ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons: Useful for accurate marinade ingredient proportions.

Instructions For Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos

  • Whip Up the Flavor Bath

Toss all marinade ingredients into a bowl or bag. Submerge the skirt steak, ensuring every inch gets cozy with the seasonings. Let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

  • Prep the Onion Rings

Coat onion slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Get them ready for their fiery dance.

  • Fire Up the Grill

Heat the grill to a sizzling 400F, creating the perfect stage for your culinary performance.

  • Char the Onions

Toss onion rings directly on the grill or in a basket. Grill until they’re beautifully caramelized and tender, about 4-5 minutes per side.

  • Sear the Steak

Pull the steak from its marinade and place it on the hot grill. Cook 3-4 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice against the grain.

  • Toast the Tortillas

Quickly warm tortillas on the grill for a quick 30 seconds per side until they’re soft and slightly crispy.

  • Build Your Flavor Bomb

Layer sliced steak and grilled onions into tortillas. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro, cheese, and salsa. Serve with zesty lime wedges on the side.

Pro Tips For Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos

  • Grill Master's Secret Weapons: Elevate Your Skirt Steak Tacos transforms your meal from good to phenomenal!
  • Meat Marinating Magic: Let the skirt steak soak up marinade flavors for maximum tenderness. Longer marinating (up to 4 hours) delivers deeper, richer taste profiles without compromising meat texture.
  • Temperature Perfection: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee ideal doneness. Medium-rare around 135°F ensures juicy, tender steak that melts in your mouth without becoming tough or dry.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Swap traditional tortillas with large lettuce leaves for a protein-packed, low-carbohydrate version. Butter lettuce or romaine creates delicious wrap alternatives that keep meal light and fresh.
  • Veggie Lover's Delight: For vegetarian friends, replace skirt steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu. Marinate plant-based protein similarly to maintain robust flavor intensity.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust marinade heat by increasing or decreasing chili powder and adding jalapeños. Fresh hot sauce on the side lets each person customize their taco's spiciness without overwhelming the entire dish.

Serving Ideas For Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos

  • Festive Taco Night Fiesta: Create a vibrant taco bar with colorful toppings like diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, and sliced jalapeños for guests to customize their tacos.
  • Paired Plate Perfection: Serve tacos alongside Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a fresh corn salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that balances flavors and textures.
  • Summer Backyard Gathering: Set up an outdoor dining experience with string lights, casual seating, and cold margaritas or Mexican beer to complement the grilled steak and onion tacos for a relaxed social meal.
  • Weekend Meal Prep Magic: Prepare extra grilled steak and onions to use in salads, breakfast burritos, or quick lunch bowls throughout the week, maximizing your cooking efforts.

How To Store Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover marinated steak in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Warm leftover sliced steak gently in a skillet with a splash of beef broth or water. Heat on medium-low to prevent drying out, maintaining tender texture and preventing toughness.
  • Ingredient Separation Hack: Keep grilled onions and sliced steak in separate containers to maintain individual textures. Wrap tortillas in aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for easy next-day taco assembly.
  • Freezer-Friendly Preparation: Freeze marinated, uncooked skirt steak for up to 3 months in a sealed freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling to preserve meat quality and marinade intensity.
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Sizzling Skirt Steak Tacos Recipe

Sizzling Skirt Steak Tacos


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Sizzling Mexican grilled onion & skirt steak tacos celebrate bold flavors from authentic street cuisine. Charred meat, caramelized onions, and zesty salsa create a mouthwatering experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) skirt steak
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsps lime juice
  • 2 tbsps soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced into thick rings
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Diced onion or grilled onion slices
  • Lime wedges
  • Cotija cheese or shredded Mexican blend (optional)
  • Avocado or guacamole (optional)
  • Salsa or hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk liquid and seasonings in a large bowl, thoroughly coating skirt steak. Refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to allow flavor infusion.
  2. Onion Preparation: Toss onion slices with olive oil, salt, and pepper, ensuring even seasoning coverage.
  3. Grill Setup: Preheat grill to medium-high heat, creating optimal caramelization conditions for ingredients.
  4. Grilling Process: Roast onion rings on grill grates or in a grill basket until edges char and center softens, rotating midway through cooking. Simultaneously, grill marinated steak to medium-rare, achieving a caramelized exterior.
  5. Resting and Slicing: Remove steak from grill and let rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain into thin, tender strips.
  6. Tortilla Preparation: Briefly warm tortillas on grill’s edge, creating slight char and enhancing flexibility.
  7. Taco Assembly: Layer sliced steak, caramelized onions, cilantro, crumbled cheese, and salsa on warmed tortillas. Serve with fresh lime wedges for added zest.

Notes

  • Maximize Marinade Effectiveness: Let skirt steak soak in marinade for at least 2 hours or overnight to intensify flavor absorption and tenderize meat.
  • Grill Temperature Control: Maintain medium-high heat around 400-450°F to achieve perfect caramelization without burning onions or steak.
  • Slice Against the Grain: Cut steak perpendicular to muscle fibers to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing experience.
  • Tortilla Warming Hack: Wrap tortillas in foil and warm briefly on grill’s edge to prevent drying while maintaining soft, flexible texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
John Nicholson

John Nicholson

Lead Writer & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Development, Kitchen Hacks and Time-Saving Tips, Flavor Pairing and Ingredient Selection, Engaging Food Writing and Storytelling

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Program: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: A hands-on curriculum emphasizing farm-to-table cooking, local ingredient sourcing, and creative menu development. Students gained real-world restaurant experience, learning both classic techniques and modern approaches to sustainable cooking.

John Nicholson honed his skills at Johnson & Wales University, learning how to use fresh, local ingredients and down-to-earth techniques to make cooking simple and satisfying.

His recipes blend Southern comfort flavors with a modern touch, inviting everyone to cook with ease and confidence.

Living in Charleston, John takes cues from the city’s lively food scene, local markets, and seasonal produce. He’s all about making meals stress-free through easy tips, flavor pairings, and fun experiments in the kitchen

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