Skirt Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa combine tender, perfectly seasoned beef with fresh, vibrant salsa for a meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes. I’ve been making these tacos for my family for years, and they never fail to bring everyone to the dinner table with smiles.
There’s something truly magical about the sizzle of well-seasoned skirt steak hitting a hot grill pan in my kitchen. The aroma fills the entire house, and I know that in less than half an hour, we’ll be gathered around the table sharing these incredible tacos. What started as a quick weeknight solution has become one of our most requested family meals. The combination of smoky, spiced beef with cool, creamy avocado salsa creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures that satisfies everyone from my pickiest eater to my most adventurous foodie. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Skirt Steak Taco Recipe
These tacos have become a cornerstone in my kitchen because they deliver restaurant-quality flavors with simple, everyday ingredients. I’ve served them to countless family gatherings and weeknight dinners, and they never disappoint.
Easy to make with pantry staples and fresh ingredients you can find anywhere
Perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast
Consistently delicious results every single time you make them
Versatile enough to please both kids and adults at your dinner table
The fresh avocado salsa adds a bright, healthy element that balances the rich steak
Great for entertaining since guests can customize their own tacos
This recipe is more than just a meal—it’s become a tradition that brings my family together around the dinner table every single time.
Ingredient Note List
Skirt Steak: I always choose skirt steak for its bold, beefy flavor and tender texture when sliced against the grain after grilling.
Olive Oil: This helps the spice mixture adhere to the meat while adding richness and helping prevent sticking on the grill.
Chili Powder: The smoky heat from chili powder gives these tacos their authentic Mexican flavor without being too spicy for sensitive palates.
Cumin: In my kitchen, cumin is essential for adding that warm, earthy depth that makes the steak taste perfectly seasoned.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These dried seasonings provide savory complexity and ensure even flavor distribution across the entire steak.
Corn Tortillas: I prefer corn tortillas because they hold up better to the juicy steak and add authentic texture and flavor.
Fresh Avocado: Make sure to pick avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure—they should be ripe but not mushy for the perfect salsa texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems add bright acidity and beautiful color that complements the rich avocado perfectly.
Fresh Cilantro: The herb’s bright, citrusy notes are essential for authentic Mexican flavor in the avocado salsa.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens all the flavors and helps prevent the avocado from browning too quickly.
How to Cook Skirt Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Step 1. I usually start by preheating my grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough for a perfect sear on the steak.
Step 2. In a small bowl, I mix together the olive oil with all the spices, then rub this flavorful mixture all over the skirt steak—my family loves the aroma that fills the kitchen.
Step 3. I’ve found that grilling the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side gives me that perfect medium-rare doneness with beautiful grill marks.
Step 4. My grandmother always said to let meat rest after cooking, and she was absolutely right—I let the steak rest for 5 minutes so all those juices redistribute.
Step 5. While the steak rests, I prepare the avocado salsa by gently combining diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and fresh lime juice in a bowl.
Step 6. I warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side—this small step makes such a difference in texture and flavor.
Step 7. Using a sharp knife, I slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips, which ensures maximum tenderness in every bite.
Step 8. Finally, I assemble each taco by placing sliced steak on warm tortillas and topping generously with the fresh avocado salsa.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover steak and avocado salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for up to 3 days. The steak maintains its flavor well, though I recommend adding the salsa just before serving to keep the avocados from browning.
In my experience, freezing the cooked steak works if you wrap it tightly, and it keeps for up to 2 months, though the avocado salsa is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well.
For best results, I recommend reheating the steak gently in a skillet over medium heat for just 1-2 minutes, or in the microwave covered for 30 seconds to avoid drying it out. The avocado salsa should be served cold or at room temperature.
Skirt Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Flavor-packed skirt steak tacos topped with fresh avocado salsa—perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Ready in just 25 minutes!
Mix olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub onto skirt steak.
Grill steak 4–5 minutes per side or until 130°F for medium-rare. Let rest 5 minutes.
Combine avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir gently to combine.
Warm tortillas on grill 30 seconds per side.
Slice steak against the grain and assemble tacos with salsa on top.
Notes
Rest steak before slicing to retain juices. Marinate in spice mix for extra flavor. Salsa can be made a few hours in advance with lime juice to prevent browning.
What to Serve with Skirt Steak Tacos
Mexican Street Corn: The creamy, smoky flavors of elote provide the perfect complement to these tacos while keeping the Mexican theme consistent throughout your meal. If you’re feeling festive, pair it with these Grilled Vegetable Skewers with Lemon Vinaigrette for a vibrant veggie boost.
Fresh Green Salad: A simple salad with lime vinaigrette adds crisp texture and helps balance the richness of the steak and avocado. I often serve this with my Fresh Garden Salad topped with a zesty homemade Lemon Vinaigrette.
Cilantro Lime Rice: This aromatic side dish soaks up any extra juices from the tacos and adds substance to make the meal more filling. For a protein-packed option, try my Healthy Quinoa and Black Bean Bowl as an alternative.
Refried Beans: The creamy texture and earthy flavor of beans create a classic pairing that my family always requests alongside these tacos. You could also try Creamed Potatoes and Peas for a comfort-style twist.
Chips and Guacamole: Since you’re already making avocado salsa, it’s easy to whip up extra guacamole for a complete Mexican feast. Add a batch of Easy Keto Tortilla Chips to the table for the ultimate crunchy companion.
Cold Corona with Lime: In my experience, nothing pairs better with these flavorful tacos than an ice-cold beer with a fresh lime wedge—or keep things alcohol-free with a citrusy mocktail and a side of Cheddar Sausage Balls for something savory to munch on.
FAQs
Can skirt steak be used for tacos?
Absolutely! I recommend skirt steak for tacos because it has incredible flavor and becomes perfectly tender when sliced against the grain after grilling.
Do avocado and steak go together?
Yes, they’re a match made in heaven! The creamy, mild avocado provides the perfect cooling contrast to the bold, smoky flavors of seasoned grilled steak.
Is avocado good in tacos?
I’ve found that avocado adds both creaminess and freshness to tacos, plus it provides healthy fats that help balance the meal nutritionally.
Can you marinate skirt steak in salsa?
While you could, I recommend using the dry spice rub instead because it creates better browning and flavor development during grilling than wet marinades.
