Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos combine the irresistible flavors of smoky, tender steak and sweet, charred onions. These tacos are an elevated twist on classic street tacos, offering a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and tangy flavors. With their quick cooking time and easy preparation, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, taco nights, or even casual summer cookouts. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, this recipe guarantees mouthwatering results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender and Flavorful Steak: The skirt steak is rich in flavor, providing a hearty and satisfying base.
- Smoky Charred Onions: Grilled onions bring a sweet, smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the steak.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and a short cooking time, these tacos come together in less than an hour.
- Customizable Toppings: Pile on your favorite taco toppings to create a personalized taco experience.
- Ideal for Grilling: Perfect for grilling outdoors, these tacos bring the authentic taste of street food right to your backyard.
- Family-Friendly: A great option for dinner with loved ones, and it’s guaranteed to please a crowd.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Skirt steak
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Lime juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Ground cumin
- Yellow or white onions (sliced into thick rings)
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado, salsa, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime wedges
Directions
- Marinate the Steak
In a bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the skirt steak with olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, black pepper, and ground cumin. Toss the steak in the marinade until evenly coated. Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. - Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to high heat. This will help achieve that perfect char on the steak and onions. - Grill the Onions
Slice the onions into thick rings and place them directly on the grill or in a grill basket. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the onions are tender and beautifully charred. Set aside. - Grill the Skirt Steak
Remove the skirt steak from the marinade and grill it for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness. Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes. Then, slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. - Warm the Tortillas
Place the tortillas on the grill for about 20-30 seconds per side to warm them up. This helps soften them and adds a subtle char that enhances the flavor. - Assemble the Tacos
To assemble the tacos, lay the grilled skirt steak slices and grilled onions onto each tortilla. Add your preferred toppings such as fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
Variations
- Alternative Cuts: If skirt steak isn’t available, flank steak or ribeye work well too.
- Add Extra Veggies: For more flavor and texture, consider grilling peppers or mushrooms alongside the onions.
- Smoky Heat: For a smoky kick, marinate the steak with chipotle in adobo sauce or add smoked paprika to the seasoning.
- Tangy Contrast: Pickled red onions can be used in place of grilled onions for a tangy contrast.
- Creamy Touch: Top the tacos with a creamy chipotle mayo, avocado crema, or even a bit of sour cream for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storing Leftovers: Keep leftover steak and grilled onions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the steak gently in a skillet or microwave in short intervals. Reheat the onions in a skillet until warmed through. Tortillas can be reheated in a dry skillet or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave for a few seconds.
Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos
These Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos are a bold and flavorful fusion of smoky grilled steak, sweet charred onions, and fresh toppings wrapped in warm tortillas. A perfect dish for taco night, casual cookouts, or weeknight dinners!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds skirt steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 large yellow or white onions, sliced into thick rings
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- as desired optional toppings: fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado, salsa, sour cream, cotija cheese, lime wedges
Instructions
- In a resealable bag or large bowl, combine the skirt steak with olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Toss to coat evenly, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Preheat the grill to high heat.
- Place the onion slices directly on the grill or in a grill basket. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the onions are tender and slightly charred. Set aside.
- Grill the skirt steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until medium-rare to medium. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Warm the tortillas on the grill for about 20-30 seconds per side.
- Assemble the tacos by filling each tortilla with sliced steak, grilled onions, and your preferred toppings such as cilantro, avocado, salsa, and lime wedges.
Nutrition
Serving: 1peopleCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 800mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
FAQs
- What’s the best steak cut for tacos?
Skirt steak is ideal due to its rich flavor and tenderness when sliced against the grain. It’s also quick to cook, making it perfect for tacos. - How do I avoid tough skirt steak?
Marinate the skirt steak to tenderize it, and be sure to slice it thinly against the grain after grilling. Let it rest before slicing to retain its juices. - Can I cook the steak indoors?
Yes! A cast-iron skillet or grill pan can be used indoors to achieve a similar result. - What kind of onions should I use for grilling?
Yellow or white onions are perfect for grilling, as they hold up well and caramelize nicely. - How long should I marinate the steak?
Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours will deepen the flavor. Avoid marinating overnight as the lime juice can begin to “cook” the meat. - Can I substitute the steak with a different protein?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs, shrimp, or even portobello mushrooms make great alternatives for a different twist. - Should I use corn or flour tortillas?
Both options are excellent—use corn tortillas for a traditional, slightly crispier texture, or flour tortillas for a soft and flexible taco. - What toppings should I add to the tacos?
Consider adding fresh cilantro, diced onions, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, creamy avocado, or a dash of salsa for a flavorful topping. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the steak ahead of time and grill it right before serving. You can also grill the steak and onions earlier and reheat them when ready to assemble the tacos. - What sides go well with steak tacos?
Serve these tacos with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or elote (Mexican street corn). A fresh cucumber salad would also be a great refreshing pairing.
Conclusion
Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos bring the smoky, juicy goodness of grilled steak and onions straight to your table. With minimal prep time, quick grilling, and a range of customizable toppings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for taco night or summer cookouts. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or enjoying a casual weeknight meal, these tacos deliver flavor-packed bites that everyone will love. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy a delicious taco experience at home
