Get ready to fall in love with the vibrant flavors and irresistible textures of Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa! Succulent, marinated steak is grilled to perfection, then tucked into warm corn tortillas and crowned with a tangy, creamy avocado salsa. Every bite is a fiesta of charred beef, zesty salsa verde, and fresh toppings—making these tacos just as perfect for a weeknight dinner as they are for a weekend backyard gathering. If you crave a recipe that brings everyone to the table smiling, these Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa are about to become your new go-to.

Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the biggest joys of Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa is how each simple ingredient brings more than just flavor—they add color, crunch, or even creamy richness to every taco. These ingredients come together into pure magic, so don’t skip a thing!

Avocado oil: lends a mild, clean taste and helps everything char beautifully on the grill or skillet.
Tomatillos: the secret behind that bright, tangy, salsa verde base—make sure to rinse them well for best flavor.
Yellow onion: adds mild sweetness and depth, both in the salsa and as a grilling companion to the steak.
Garlic: brings everything together with its savory punch—no such thing as too much garlic here!
Jalapeño: adjust the heat by leaving a few seeds in if you want more kick; charred, it becomes mellow and flavorful.
Water: helps deglaze the pan and ensures a silky salsa verde texture.
Fresh cilantro: adds fresh, herbal complexity to both the salsa and the steak marinade.
Lime juice: keeps the flavors lively and cuts through the richness of the avocado and steak.
Dry oregano: adds warm, earthy undertones to both salsa and marinade.
Kosher salt: everything needs seasoning, and a little goes a long way for enhancing flavors.
Ripe avocado: the creamy star that gives velvet texture and buttery flavor to your salsa.
Skirt steak: ideal for grilling and staying juicy; substitute with flap or flank steak if needed.
Orange juice: a natural tenderizer and source of subtle sweetness in the steak marinade.
Chopped fresh cilantro: double duty as a marinade ingredient and a fresh taco finisher.
Paprika: brings color and a whisper of smokiness.
Onion powder: ups the umami and helps the steak flavor shine.
Freshly-cracked black pepper: always better freshly ground for a bold kick.
Smoked paprika: backs up the grilled flavors with an extra layer of smokiness.
Ground cumin: subtle warm spice that pairs so well with steak and salsa.
Green onions: charred and served whole, they add a sweet crunch alongside each taco.
Corn tortillas: essential, sturdy base with a toasty corn flavor—don’t trade these for flour!
Finely chopped white onion: sprinkled on top right before eating for crisp freshness.

How to Make Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Step 1: Char the Veggies for Salsa Verde

Set a frying pan over medium heat and add your avocado oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in those tomatillos, onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Stir occasionally until everything gets deliciously blistered and a few little charred spots appear. This simple searing will pack your salsa with irresistible depth!

Step 2: Build the Salsa

Deglaze your pan with water, scraping up all those yummy browned bits with a wooden spoon. Let it simmer until the liquid cooks down slightly and the tomatillos get tender—just a few minutes! Then add everything (don’t forget the lime, cilantro, oregano, salt, and creamy avocado) to your blender and pulse until you reach your favorite salsa consistency. Taste and tweak the seasoning—you’re the boss here. Cover and pop the salsa in the fridge until taco time.

Step 3: Marinate the Steak

In a roomy bowl, combine your sliced steak with fresh orange and lime juice, half the chopped cilantro, paprika, kosher salt, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and oregano. Give it all a good toss so each piece soaks up the marinade. Cover and let the flavors mingle for at least an hour—or up to six for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Grill the Steak and Green Onions

Ready for some sizzle? Preheat your grill or skillet. If you’ve got a Traeger, slick the steak with avocado oil before grilling. If you’re using a pan, heat the oil first for a good sear. Lay the steaks and green onions on your hot grates or pan, cooking until beautiful grill marks appear—about four minutes for steak and two for the onions. Flip for another round of searing, then let everything rest so the juices redistribute.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

While the steak rests, warm your corn tortillas. You can do this quickly on the grill, in a skillet, or even right over a gas burner for extra smokiness. Just a few seconds per side turns them soft, pliable, and a perfect foundation for all those layers of flavor.

Step 6: Prep the Taco Toppings

Mix up the remaining chopped cilantro and the finely diced white onion in a small bowl. This duo is the secret crunch and herbal finish that brings brightness to every bite.

Step 7: Assemble Your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Pile juicy, charred steak onto your warm tortillas. Add a generous spoonful of avocado salsa, then sprinkle with that fresh cilantro-onion topping. Serve with the charred green onions, extra salsa for dipping, and lime wedges for squeezing. Every taco is a two-bite celebration!

How to Serve Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa

Garnishes

Take your Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa over the top with a simple sprinkle of fresh cilantro and white onion, plus a good squeeze of lime juice. The charred green onions on the side aren’t just decorative—they’re meant to be tucked in with each bite. For a little extra flair, add some crumbled queso fresco or a few slices of pickled jalapeño for color and kick.

Side Dishes

Pair your tacos with bright sides to complete the meal. Think zesty black beans, elote-style grilled corn, or a simple cabbage slaw to play up those fresh, vibrant flavors. Even a bowl of tortilla chips with leftover avocado salsa makes for the perfect start to taco night!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, lay out all the taco components buffet-style and let everyone assemble their own Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa. Or for a dramatic twist, serve them on a rustic wooden board with lime wedges, salsa dips, and a few grilled veggies for the ultimate taco spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For best results, store steak, salsa, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The steak will keep well for up to three days, and the salsa stays vibrant for around the same time. Tortillas stay freshest when wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap.

Freezing

While the grilled steak freezes well (up to two months in a freezer-safe bag), avoid freezing the avocado salsa—it can lose its creamy texture. Instead, prepare fresh salsa just before serving if you’re making tacos ahead for a party or quick meal.

Reheating

Warm the steak gently in a skillet over medium heat or zap it in short bursts in the microwave, adding a splash of water or citrus juice to keep it moist. Tortillas heat up beautifully in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for a hint of smokiness. Always add salsa just before serving for the freshest flavor!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

Absolutely! Flank steak or flap steak both work beautifully thanks to their flavor and tenderness when sliced thinly across the grain. The marinade also helps tenderize them, so go with whichever cut you prefer or can find easily.

Is there a way to make these tacos less spicy?

Definitely—simply remove all the seeds and the white membrane from your jalapeño, or use just half for the salsa. The flavor stays bold and bright, but the heat level drops to perfectly family-friendly.

What’s the best way to get perfect grill marks on steak?

Start with a hot, well-oiled grill or skillet. Lay the steak down and don’t move it for a few minutes—that’s the secret to deep, caramelized marks. Flip just once, and let it finish to your preferred doneness before resting.

Can Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa be made dairy-free and gluten-free?

These tacos are naturally gluten-free thanks to corn tortillas, and every element in the recipe is dairy-free. Just double-check your tortillas and spices for cross-contamination if you’re cooking for someone with allergies.

Can I make the avocado salsa ahead of time?

Yes! The salsa will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well so the avocado doesn’t brown prematurely, and always stir before serving to restore its creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try these Grilled Steak Tacos with Avocado Salsa, you’ll want them on repeat. They’re a burst of color, crunch, and smoky-smooth flavor in every bite—the kind of meal that turns any night into a special occasion. Gather your friends, fire up the grill, and let these tacos work their magic at your table!