Char-Grilled Steak Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled steak slices nestled in soft corn tortillas topped with a vibrant, fresh tomato salsa and crisp onions. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends flank steak, kosher salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to high heat (about 450°F). Pat 1.5 lbs flank steak dry and season evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin.
  2. Step 2: Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare, until internal temperature reaches 135°F. Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While steak rests, combine 3 diced roma tomatoes, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 minced garlic clove in a bowl. Stir and season with salt to taste.
  4. Step 4: Slice steak thinly against the grain into 1/4-inch strips.
  5. Step 5: Warm 12 corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds each side until pliable.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by placing sliced steak on tortillas and topping with fresh tomato salsa. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Char-Grilled Steak Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Char-Grilled Steak Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Char-Grilled Steak Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Char-Grilled Steak Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Char-Grilled Steak Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa?

Mexican beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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