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Jalapeño and Lime–Marinated Skirt Steak Tacos

4.9

(28)

Image may contain Burger Food and Taco
Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Rhoda Boone

A spicy, tangy marinade helps tenderize this flavorful cut of meat that’s perfect for tacos.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    25 minutes, plus marinating time

  • Yield

    Makes 8 tacos

Ingredients

For the steak and marinade:

1 medium jalapeño, thinly sliced
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 pound skirt steak, cut crosswise into 5–6-inch segments

For the tacos:

8 (8-inch) corn tortillas
Homemade or store-bought tomatillo salsa (for serving)
1/2 medium avocado, sliced
1/3 cup sour cream, thinned with a tablespoon of water or lime juice
Crumbled queso fresco (optional), cilantro leaves, thinly sliced red onion, and lime wedges (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Marinate and cook the steak:

    Step 1

    Combine jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, oil, salt, pepper, and cumin in a large resealable bag or bowl. Add steak and toss to coat; if using bowl, wrap with plastic. Marinate at least 30 minutes at room temperature or chill up to overnight in refrigerator, tossing occasionally.

    Step 2

    Let steak sit at room temperature 30 minutes before cooking if chilled. Prepare a grill or grill pan for medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade, scraping off any bits that cling to meat; discard marinade. Grill steak 2–3 minutes per side for medium rare. Let rest 10 minutes before thinly slicing against the grain.

  2. Assemble the tacos:

    Step 3

    Warm tortillas in a microwave, oven, or over a gas flame. Divide steak among tortillas, then top with salsa, avocado, sour cream, queso fresco, if using, cilantro, and onion. Serve with lime wedges alongside.

  3. Do Ahead

    Step 4

    Steak can be marinated 1 day ahead; keep chilled.

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