Mexican-Spiced Grilled Flank Steak Tacos

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

Flank steak marinated in smoky Mexican spices, grilled and served in warm corn tortillas with fresh salsa and avocado. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs flank steak, chili powder, ground cumin 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp olive oil to form a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Coat 1 lb flank steak evenly with the spice marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side until medium-rare (130°F internal temperature).
  4. Step 4: Remove steak from grill, rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by placing sliced steak on each tortilla, topping with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and slices from 1 avocado.
  6. Step 6: Serve tacos with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Mexican-Spiced Grilled Flank Steak Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Mexican-Spiced Grilled Flank Steak Tacos?

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 Mexican-Spiced Grilled Flank Steak Tacos?

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 Mexican-Spiced Grilled Flank Steak Tacos 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 Mexican-Spiced Grilled Flank Steak Tacos?

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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