My skirt steak tacos deliver bold, smoky, and juicy flavors with very little fuss. A quick marinade of lime, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder and olive oil infuses the meat, and a hot pan or grill locks in the juices. These tacos disappear fast at my house — and they will at yours too.
Key Ingredients
- Salt & Pepper – Enhances the natural beef flavor.
- Garlic – Provides a savory depth.
- Onion powder – Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Olive oil – Helps the marinade cling and tenderizes the meat.
- Chili powder – Brings warmth and mild heat.
- Lime juice – Brightens the marinade and helps break down fibers for tenderness.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami and a touch of tang.
Skirt Steak Tacos
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs Skirt steak
- Salt
- Pepper
- 5 cloves Garlic
- 2 tsp Onion powder
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- Juice of 1 lime
- ¼ c Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
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Combine the skirt steak and all marinade ingredients in a bowl or zip-top bag. Mix or shake to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
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When ready to cook, remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry to remove excess liquid. If needed, cut into smaller pieces so it fits your pan or grill. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add about 1 tablespoon neutral oil once the pan is very hot. Sear the steak 3–4 minutes per side for medium, adjusting time for thickness and preferred doneness. Remove from heat at about 135°F if you want medium; carryover cooking will raise the temperature slightly as it rests.
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Let the steak rest 10 minutes before slicing. Slice thinly against the grain for the most tender bites. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings — cotija cheese, salsa verde and cilantro are my top picks.
Notes
• Medium-rare: 130–135°F
• Medium: 140–145°F
• Medium-well: 150–155°F
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 6g |
Protein: 37g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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How to grill skirt steak
If you prefer grilling, follow these steps for a great sear and juicy interior:
1. Preheat the grill to high heat (about 450–500°F).
2. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
3. Remove excess marinade, season with salt and pepper, and place the steak on the grill.
4. Grill 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once, until it reaches desired doneness (medium-rare ~135°F, medium 140–145°F).
5. Rest the steak 10 minutes, then slice against the grain for the best texture.
More recipes to try
- Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Lemon Blueberry Bread (video)
- Tomatillo Salsa
Faqs about this recipe
Yes — flank steak works well as an alternative. It is leaner, so slice it extra thin against the grain for tenderness.
Cotija cheese, salsa verde, pickled onions and fresh cilantro are excellent. You can also add avocado, lime wedges, or jalapeños to taste.
At least 2 hours — overnight yields deeper flavor and more tenderness.