A Steak Tacos Recipe for Family Taco Night

I have a delicious steak tacos recipe that’s perfect for family taco night. Juicy grilled steak nestled between warm tortillas with all your favorite toppings.! While I don’t pretend to be an expert on anything, I will say I have a pretty discerning palate when it comes to tacos and this is one of the best steak taco recipes!

I live in San Diego and can practically ride my bicycle to Mexico, the birthplace of these folded treasures. From the super-loaded Tex-Mex version to the more authentic and simple variety, I could make every night family taco night! For those nights when you don’t want to venture to a restaurant, whip up this steak taco recipe in your kitchen!

At the end of these blissfully delicious dinners, there is nothing left but a few lettuce and bean-filled smiles and a few crumbles of cheese. Family taco night is a win for all.

It’s no shocker that I totally geek out when the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo rolls around. I look forward to this annual celebration as a singular moment in which I can joyously take down a huge pile of one of my favorite foods.

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There’s some debate over the actual age of the taco, but most experts agree that the first taco was actually invented somewhere between 1,000 and 500 B.C.

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Why You’ll Love this Steak Tacos Recipe

• Popular: I don’t think I’ve ever met a person in my entire life who isn’t a fan of tacos. Whether you’re hosting or feeding your family, it’s an easy way to please everyone.
• Versatile:  There are so many different ingredients available, even picky eaters love this Mexican masterpiece. Tacos are for everyone because whether you’re gluten-free, vegan, carnivore, or even pescatarian, you can partake! For taco night, you can grill your steak or broil it in the oven.
• Customizable: Swap steak for fish, chicken, carnitas, or mushrooms. Try different tortillas and a variety of toppings.

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We love our tacos! Americans eat an estimated 4.5 billion tacos every year!

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Encouraging Your Kids’ Food Voice

With countless choices of shells, proteins and toppings, tacos offer the opportunity to let everyone’s plated personality shine. Many moons ago, taco night was one of the earliest places my kids’ “food voice” was heard. Little bowls of options before them, it was their first foray into making dinner. Really thinking about what they were going to eat opened up a whole new world, showing them they could make delicious food for themselves.

As parents, we can be so caught up on whether or not our little ones are eating balanced and nutritious meals, we forget how important food exploration and exposure to new foods can be. Simply put, had I made my four-year-old’s tacos to my preferences, she never would have discovered that she loves cilantro and that hot sauce should be applied with a heavy hand.

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The biggest taco ever made was constructed on November 20th, 2011 in Queretaro, Mexico. It was 246 feet long and was made with carnitas filling.

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What do you need for a taco night?

If you now find yourself salivating and wanting to create your very own taco fiesta, let your own cravings lead the way. Family taco night is all about making it your own! With endless options, you really can’t go wrong.

My recipe focuses on the classic steak street taco but the versatile seasonsing works for any protein or veggie. So feel free to malke modifications. Just don’t forget to make the perfect guacamole to dollop on top!

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Need another reason to celebrate? October 4 is National Taco Day.

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Ingredients for Steak Taco Recipe

For Steak Tacos

• Steak (preferably flank or skirt)
• Canola oil
• Salt and pepper
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Corn tortillas

Taco Toppings

• Fresh cilantro
• Chopped onion
• Sliced avocado
• Lime wedges
• Taco sauce

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According to Mexican tradition, light seafood tacos are a lunchtime affair, while antojitos are to be eaten at dinner time.

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What kind of steak do you use for tacos?

Flank steak and skirt steak are the best cuts for steak tacos. Both are affordable cuts of beef. Flank is leaner with a robust, beefy flavor. Skirt steak has a bit more marbling so it has a richer taste. Both become perfecty tender when cooked properly.

How to Make Steak Tacos

This steak taco recipe has two cooking methods so you can celebrate Taco Tuesday, or family taco night any time of year!

Begin by firing up your grill to high heat, or set your oven’s broiler to preheat.

Take the steak out of the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes. During this time, get your toppings ready in serving bowls and arrange them on the dining table.

Next, mix cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a few dashes of salt and pepper in a small bowl.

Once the steak has rested for 20 minutes, gently coat each side with oil. Then, evenly apply the spice blend to both sides of the steak.

To Grill

First, place the steak on the grill and cook approximately 5 minutes. Then flip the steak and cook for 4-7 more minutes depending on the desired level of doneness. Remove steak from the grill, cover with foil and let rest for 5 minutes.

To Broil

Place steak on a broiler pan and place on the top rack of oven, about 5-6 inches from the heating element. Broil for 5-7 minutes on each side depending on the desired level of doneness. Remove it from oven, cover the pan with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Once the steak is cooked using either method, move the steak to the cutting board and slice and cube for the taco filling.

Heat tortillas according to package directions. Then serve steak filling and tortillas, assemble, top with desired toppings and enjoy this steak tacos recipe!

For more kid-friendly cooking inspiration check out @mondaynightmeals on Instagram.

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The first taco truck started in New York in 1966. As they didn’t have a full kitchen, it was mostly used for catering.

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Do you cut the meat before or after cooking steak tacos?

I prefer to cook the steak before slicing. If your steak taco recipe includes a marinade, it’s better to cut the meat before cooking. After cooking, allow the steak to rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows the juices to reditribute for tender, juicy steak.