Juicy skirt steak marinates quickly, ensuring maximum flavor in minimal time.
Fresh tortillas make everything taste more authentic and vibrant.
Each bite promises a celebration of zingy, robust flavors that dance across your palate.
The combination will make you want to skip the restaurant and cook at home tonight.
Fun Twists For Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos
Spicy Chipotle Fusion: Enhance the marinade with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, fiery kick. Add diced jalapeños to the grilled onions for extra heat.
Herb-Infused Mexican Style: Mix fresh chopped cilantro, oregano, and mint into the marinade. Top tacos with a zesty herb-lime crema for bright, fresh flavors.
Mediterranean Inspired Version: Replace traditional marinade with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and lemon juice. Serve with crumbled feta cheese and tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean touch.
Tropical Southwest Blend: Incorporate pineapple juice into the marinade for sweetness. Top tacos with mango salsa and pickled red onions for a vibrant, tropical twist.
Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos Q&A
Why should I marinate the skirt steak?
Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse flavor, and make the skirt steak more juicy and delicious. The marinade breaks down tough muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
How do I know when the steak is cooked to medium-rare?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 135°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a warm red center when you cut into the steak.
Can I use a different cut of meat for these tacos?
Flank steak or flat iron steak work well as alternatives to skirt steak. They have similar textures and will absorb marinades nicely. Just adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the meat.
What makes grilled onions so special in this recipe?
Grilling brings out the onions’ natural sweetness and creates a beautiful caramelized flavor. The charred edges add a smoky depth that perfectly complements the marinated steak.
Unlock Quick Flavor Fusion: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal prep time, delivering bold Mexican-inspired flavors in under an hour.
Master Grill-Friendly Technique: Perfect for outdoor cooking enthusiasts, the recipe showcases easy grilling skills by charring steak and onions to create deliciously caramelized textures.
Customize Your Taco Adventure: Flexible recipe allows endless topping combinations, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings where everyone can personalize their tacos.
Maximize Marinating Magic: The simple marinade infuses the skirt steak with incredible taste, tenderizing the meat and ensuring a juicy, flavorful result with minimal effort.
What You Need For Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos
Meat:
Skirt Steak: A flavorful, tender cut perfect for grilling and quick cooking. Choose a high-quality, well-marbled piece for the best results.
Marinade Ingredients:
Lime Juice, Olive Oil, Garlic, Cilantro, Salt, Pepper: A zesty blend that tenderizes and adds depth to the steak. Fresh ingredients provide the most vibrant flavor.
Vegetable:
Onions: Adds sweet, caramelized flavor when grilled. Red or white onions work well, with a preference for sweeter varieties.
Grilling Accessories:
Grill Basket: Helpful for managing smaller onion pieces during grilling. Prevents ingredients from falling through grill grates.
Taco Components:
Corn or Flour Tortillas: Soft, warm carriers for the grilled ingredients. Corn tortillas offer a more authentic taste, while flour tortillas are more pliable.
Toppings:
Cilantro, Cheese, Salsa, Lime Wedges: Fresh garnishes that enhance the overall taco experience. Choose toppings that complement the grilled steak and onions.
Step-By-Step For Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos
Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade
Whisk together:
Fresh lime juice
Olive oil
Minced garlic
Chopped cilantro
Ground cumin
Chili powder
Salt
Black pepper
Submerge skirt steak completely in marinade. Refrigerate for maximum flavor infusion, allowing ingredients to dance together for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
Step 2: Prepare Grilling Companions
Slice onions into thick rings. Drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Let onions absorb seasonings while preparing grill.
Step 3: Fire Up The Grill
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Aim for around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Clean grates thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Char Onion Rings
Place onion rings directly on grill grates. Cook until edges turn golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully, allowing both sides to develop beautiful caramelized marks. Remove when tender and slightly blackened.
Step 5: Sear The Steak
Remove steak from marinade. Pat dry with paper towels. Place on hot grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Watch for beautiful grill marks and desired doneness. Let meat rest 5-10 minutes after grilling.
Step 6: Warm Tortilla Blankets
Briefly toast tortillas on grill. Flip quickly to prevent burning. Aim for soft, slightly charred edges.
Step 7: Craft Taco Masterpieces
Slice steak against grain into thin strips. Layer warm tortillas with:
Sliced grilled steak
Charred onion rings
Fresh cilantro
Crumbled queso fresco
Homemade salsa
Lime wedges on side
Serve immediately and enjoy your flavor-packed creation!
Helpful Hints For Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos
Maximize Marinade Magic: Let the skirt steak soak up flavors for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours to prevent the meat from becoming too tough or developing a mushy texture.
Grill Like a Pro: Ensure your grill is at medium-high heat (around 400F) for perfect char marks and even cooking on both the onions and steak.
Slice with Precision: Always cut the steak against the grain after resting to guarantee tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites that are easy to chew.
Customize Your Taco Adventure: Swap traditional tortillas with lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or use corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative that adds authentic flavor.
Rest and Relax: Allow the steak to rest 5-10 minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is packed with delicious, succulent flavor.
Best Way To Store Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos
Preserve your delicious grilled skirt steak and onions with smart storage techniques.
Refrigerate leftover meat and onions in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
Wrap the sliced steak separately from the grilled onions to maintain their individual textures.
When reheating, use a skillet on medium-low heat to prevent drying out the meat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it juicy.
Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently rewarming for a quick and tasty meal that brings back the delicious grilled memories.
What To Pair With Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos
Pair with Bold Red Wine: A robust Argentinian Malbec complements the rich, charred flavors of grilled skirt steak, cutting through the meat's intensity while enhancing its smoky notes.
Match with Crisp Mexican Lager: A cold Modelo Especial or Pacifico provides a refreshing contrast to the grilled meat, cleansing the palate with its light, hoppy character and subtle maltiness.
Boost with Zesty Margarita: A classic margarita made with fresh lime juice and tequila brings bright, citrusy notes that perfectly balance the steak's deep, savory profile, adding a tangy punch to each bite.
Complement with Fresh Citrus Soda: A Mexican Jarritos lime or grapefruit soda offers a sweet-tart brightness that cuts through the richness of the grilled steak and caramelized onions.
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking.
Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.
Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.
Dave Mitchell
Founder & Chief Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking.
Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.
Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.