Skirt steak tacos are one of those things that sound fancy but are super easy to make. Skirt steak tacos cook fast, taste rich, and work great for weeknight dinners or weekend grilling. In this guide, you’ll get the basics down: how to cook, slice, and serve skirt steak in a taco that hits every single time.
Table of Contents
How to Cook Skirt Steak for Tacos
Skirt Steak Tacos
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the skirt steak and marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Preheat a cast iron skillet or grill on high heat.
- Cook steak for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely seared.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Warm tortillas in a dry pan or over flame.
- Fill each tortilla with sliced steak, onion, and cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges.
Nutrition
Notes
– Add toppings like avocado, pickled onions, or salsa verde.
– Swap corn tortillas for flour if you prefer.
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Get the steak right first
Skirt steak is a thin, long cut that cooks quickly. The key is heat—high and fast. Whether you’re using a grill or a cast iron pan, preheat it well. Season the steak with salt and pepper or a basic marinade like lime juice, garlic, and olive oil. Two to three minutes per side is usually enough. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
If you’re curious about how to grill skirt steak the traditional way over charcoal, Rick Bayless shares a step-by-step method here.
If you’re looking for other ways to prep it, check out our guides on pan-seared skirt steak and skirt steak steaks (grilled or pan-seared)for detailed techniques.
Always slice it the right way
Once the steak is cooked and rested, slice it against the grain. Skirt steak has visible lines running through the meat—cut across those lines for a bite that’s tender instead of chewy. Thin slices make the taco easier to bite into and help the steak absorb any toppings or sauces.
Best Toppings for Skirt Steak Tacos
Keep it simple and fresh
You don’t need a ton of toppings for skirt steak tacos to shine. A sprinkle of chopped onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime go a long way. Add some diced avocado or a spoon of guacamole if you want something creamy.
For heat, consider a salsa verde or a smoky chipotle salsa. Want crunch? Thin-sliced radishes or cabbage do the trick. You can find great salsa recipes in our posts like [flank steak vs skirt steak] and [grilled skirt steak tacos].
Don’t skip the tortilla
Corn tortillas work best here. Warm them up on a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side so they don’t fall apart. If you prefer flour tortillas, go for small taco-size ones and toast them lightly.
FAQs
What cut of meat is best for steak tacos?
Skirt steak is ideal because it’s thin, quick-cooking, and full of flavor. It also slices well for tacos.
Should I marinate skirt steak for tacos?
A simple marinade with lime, garlic, and olive oil adds great flavor. Even 30 minutes can make a difference.
Can I use leftover skirt steak for tacos?
Yes! Just slice it thin and warm it gently to avoid drying it out. See our future guide on leftover skirt steak tacos for tips.
What’s the difference between skirt steak and flank steak?
Skirt steak has more fat and a looser grain, making it better for quick searing and tacos. Flank steak is leaner and needs careful slicing.
Wrap It Up: Skirt Steak Tacos Made Simple
Skirt steak tacos aren’t complicated—they’re just good. A hot sear, the right slice, and a handful of toppings are all it takes to make tacos you’ll actually crave. They’re quick enough for a weeknight and tasty enough to serve to friends.
What really makes skirt steak tacos shine is how customizable they are. Feeling bold? Add grilled jalapeños or a squeeze of chipotle crema. Want to keep it fresh? Stick with lime, cilantro, and onion. This flexibility makes them perfect for picky eaters or big gatherings where everyone wants to build their own plate.
The best part? You don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. With skirt steak, a pan or grill, and a few tortillas, you’ve got everything you need to bring flavor to the table. So next time you’re wondering what to cook, go with tacos. Keep it simple, keep it tasty—and don’t forget the lime.