Amazing Citrus Flank Steak Tacos: Grilled Mexican Street Food (Marinate Overnight!)

Hey there, taco lovers! Are you ready for a flavor explosion that’ll transport you straight to a vibrant Mexican street market? These Citrus Flank Steak Tacos are not your average Tuesday night dinner; they’re a fiesta in your mouth! The star of the show is the incredibly tender flank steak, marinated overnight in a bright, zesty citrus blend that’s both sweet and tangy. Imagine biting into perfectly seared, juicy steak, bursting with the sunshiney flavors of orange and lime, complemented by the warm earthiness of cumin. The marinade magically tenderizes the meat, making it incredibly easy to chew and ensuring every bite is a delight.

This recipe is designed for busy weeknights – the prep is quick, and the overnight marinade does all the hard work for you. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to achieve restaurant-quality results. The vibrant colors of the grilled steak, the fresh cilantro, and the crisp corn tortillas create a visually stunning dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. It’s the kind of meal that evokes a feeling of warmth, joy, and vibrant summer evenings. Trust me, you’ll want to make these tacos again and again! Your tastebuds will thank you.

What You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients for this taco fiesta! Here’s what you’ll need:

* 1 lb flank steak: The key to incredibly flavorful and tender tacos. Look for a nice, even cut.
* Juice of 2 oranges + 1 lime: This citrus trio creates the bright, zesty base of our marinade. Freshly squeezed is best!
* 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a pungent and savory depth of flavor to the marinade.
* 1 tsp cumin: This warm spice beautifully complements the citrus and the steak. Ground cumin works perfectly.
* Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the steak. Don’t skimp!
* Corn tortillas: The perfect vessel for these delicious tacos. Choose small or medium-sized, depending on your preference.
* Chopped onions: Adds a touch of crunch and a subtle sharpness to the tacos. Red onion is a great choice.
* Cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly balances the richness of the steak.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for amazing results:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want a little extra salt depending on your preference.

2. Marinate the Steak: Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat fully, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful steak.

3. Preheat and Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade.

4. Grill the Steak: Place the steak on the preheated grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Adjust cooking time based on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Medium-rare is around 130-135°F (54-57°C).

5. Rest the Steak: Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

6. Slice the Steak: Slice the steak thinly, against the grain. This ensures that the steak is tender and easy to eat.

7. Warm the Tortillas: While the steak rests, warm the corn tortillas according to package instructions. You can heat them on the grill, in a dry skillet, or in the microwave.

8. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each tortilla with sliced steak, chopped onions, and cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy! Consider adding your favorite toppings – a little salsa, guacamole, or sour cream would be fantastic!

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your Citrus Flank Steak Tacos are a resounding success:

* Don’t overcrowd the grill: Give the steak enough space to cook evenly. If necessary, grill in batches.
* Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired doneness.
* Let the steak rest: This is crucial for a juicy and tender steak. Don’t skip this step!
* Adjust the seasoning: Taste the marinade before adding it to the steak and adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste.
* Don’t overcook the steak: Flank steak is best served medium-rare to medium. Overcooking will result in a tough steak.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with these delicious variations:

* **Spicy Citrus:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few slices of jalapeño to the marinade for a spicy kick.
* **Herb Infusion:** Add fresh herbs like oregano or parsley to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Pineapple Salsa:** Top your tacos with a fresh pineapple salsa for a sweet and tangy twist.
* **Vegetarian Version:** Substitute the flank steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu.
* **Gluten-Free:** Ensure your corn tortillas are certified gluten-free if needed.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the steak in a skillet or microwave. Reheating the tortillas separately is recommended to avoid them becoming soggy. While freezing isn’t ideal for maintaining the best texture, you can freeze the cooked steak for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

* Can I use a different type of citrus fruit? Yes! Experiment with other citrus fruits like grapefruit or mandarins. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.
* How long can I keep the marinated steak in the refrigerator? It’s best to marinate the steak for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. You can keep it marinated for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
* Can I use other types of tortillas? Absolutely! Flour tortillas, or even lettuce wraps, would also work well.
* What if I don’t have a grill? You can cook the flank steak in a cast-iron skillet or broiler. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can marinate the steak the day before and grill it right before serving.

The Final Word

These Citrus Flank Steak Tacos are a game-changer! The vibrant citrus marinade, the perfectly grilled steak, and the fresh toppings combine to create an unforgettable taste sensation. They’re incredibly easy to make, yet impress like a gourmet meal. Give this recipe a try – you won’t regret it! Let me know in the comments how yours turned out, and don’t forget to rate the recipe! Happy cooking!

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