Grilled Cajun-Spiced Beef Tacos with Pickled Red Onions

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled beef seasoned with bold Cajun spices, served in warm corn tortillas with tangy pickled red onions and fresh cilantro. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 55 minutes pairs flank steak, Cajun seasoning, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Thinly slice 1 medium red onion into rings and place in a jar. Combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1 tsp salt, then pour over onions. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes until tangy and slightly softened.
  2. Step 2: Rub 1 lb flank steak evenly with 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning and 2 tbsp olive oil. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
  3. Step 3: Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side until medium-rare or desired doneness, then transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain into 1/4-inch strips. Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by layering steak strips, a spoonful of pickled red onions, and a sprinkle of 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro on each tortilla. Serve with 4 lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Beef Tacos with Pickled Red Onions take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Cajun-Spiced Beef Tacos with Pickled Red Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Beef Tacos with Pickled Red Onions?

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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Beef Tacos with Pickled Red Onions 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 Grilled Cajun-Spiced Beef Tacos with Pickled Red Onions?

Mexican tacos & burritos 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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