Steak Tacos are the quick, easy, and full-of-flavor dinner idea you need right now. The steak is simply seasoned with a chili powder spice rub and quickly cooked to your liking. An out-of-this-world sour cream sauce comes together in just a few minutes, and all that is left is to do is build a taco and pile it high with you favorite things!
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Steak Tacos are life. At least at my house. They're quick, easy, and so flavor-packed that there is zero reason why you can't love them. Tender cuts of perfectly seasoned steak and a simple sour cream sauce along with pickled onions are piled on a tortilla. I mean, what's not to love about that?!
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Easy. It's a family favorite that is perfect for those busy weeknights. It's also a fantastic option to serve to friends at your next get together. It's a great taco Tuesday recipe that you'll find yourself coming back to again and again. You cannot go wrong with this one!
You can make the ingredients ahead of time, use the leftovers for burritos and salads, and the steak freezes beautifully if you need. The sheer simplicity and phenomenal flavors just cannot be beat!
ingredients
- Steak of Choice - I'm a ribeye girl from way back, so that's what I used.
- Kosher Salt
- Fresh Ground Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Smoked Paprika
- Granulated Garlic
- Granulated Onion
- Cumin
- Ground Coriander
- Dried Oregano
- Sour Cream
- Mayonnaise
- Lime
- Pickled Onions
- Cotija Cheese
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Jalapeño
equipment
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Tongs
- Meat Thermometer
instructions
To begin, let's start with the steak. This is a steak taco recipe after all.
the steak and seasoning
Grab a small mixing bowl and add the chili powder, kosher salt, smoked paprika, granulated garlic and onion, cumin, ground coriander, and dried oregano. Whisk this to combine and season the steaks on both sides with it.
Let the seasoning absorb into the steak for at least 30 minutes before you cook. This is perfect to do as soon as the steaks come out of the fridge.
Next, add a bit of avocado oil to a cast iron skillet and slowly let it heat up. The skillet needs to be VERY HOT in order to achieve a nice sear and crust.
Carefully, place the steaks into the hot cast iron and cook them according to your preference. If needed, a meat thermometer will take the guess work out of the internal temperature of the meat. I like my steak medium rare, so this part does not take me long at all.
When you have achieved your desired level of doneness, remove the steaks and let them rest for at least 10 minutes. Slice and set aside.
the sauce
The sour cream sauce is my new go-to taco sauce. It's tangy from the lime, but the cumin and coriander are incredible here. It's so good, guys!
All you have to do to make it is mix the mayo and sour cream together along with the juice and zest of a lime. Whisk in the granulated garlic and onion, coriander, and cumin into the mix. Add salt and pepper to taste. That's it!
assembly
To assemble these beauties, grab a tortilla. I start with a healthy slather of the sour cream sauce followed by a few slices of the steak. Top with pickled onions, sliced jalapeño, fresh cilantro, and a little cotija cheese.
Devour. Repeat. I especially like using small street taco tortillas here. I feel like I can eat more this way. It's food math. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
frequently asked questions
How do I store leftover steak tacos?
Store leftover steak tacos ingredients separately, in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this recipe gluten and/or dairy-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use a GF certified flour or corn tortilla instead of regular flour tortillas. For dairy-free, leave out the cotija cheese or sub with your favorite crumbly DF cheese. Substitute the sour cream for your favorite DF sour cream as well.
How do I reheat the steak?
Slowly. Whatever you do, just don't heat on super high all the way through or it's not going to be good.
If using the microwave, transfer steak to a microwave safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave at 20-30 seconds intervals until warmed through.
If using a skillet: Heat a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add steak and cook for a few minutes and stir until warmed through. Don't overcook.
What kind of steak is good for tacos?
Use whatever steak you love. There is no right or wrong answer. I am a ribeye fan so that is what I used. Ribeyes have a lot of marbling, and are super tender. They are also more expensive.
A sirloin or strip would be a great option and more affordable. They both have adequate marbling, but will not be quite as tender as a ribeye. However, if you slice either one very thin and against the grain, it'll be a fantastic option!
Flank Steak or Skirt Steak are extremely popular for tacos, but can be very tough. If you go this route, cook these on high heat to sear and let them rest for plenty of time. Cut against the grain and in very thin strips to ensure you get the most tender bite out of them.
recipe variations
- Substitute chicken for the steak in this recipe. Just make sure you cook it until 165° internal.
- This is also a great recipe for shrimp. Toss the shrimp in the spice rub and either quickly sauté or grill.
- Like a pork tenderloin? Cover it with the spice rub and roast it in the oven until it reaches an internal temp of 145°. Slice and use it for a perfect protein swap for these tacos!
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour if that's your preference. I'm forever Team Flour.
- This steak taco recipe is also easily turned into a steak burrito. Grab a larger tortilla, stuff and roll!
- I love turning this recipe into a salad. Starting with a bed of lettuce, pile on the steak, pickled onions, avocado, cilantro, and sliced jalapeños. Top with a dollop of the sour cream sauce and cotija cheese and toss! It's a favorite for a quick and easy lunch around here.
tips and tricks
- Remove the steak from the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will help to ensure more even cooking.
- Cook on a very high heat to create a nice crust and to seal in the juices.
- Rest the steak at least 10 minutes after cooking to let the juices reabsorb.
- Cut the steak against the grain. If the fibers of the meat are going one way, cut the other way. This will help to create the most tender pieces.
- Try this recipe with my Homemade Flour Tortillas. They're so easy and a taco game changer.
- Make the sour cream sauce ahead of time so the flavors can get together and get nicey-nice.
- Top with your favorite crunchy taco toppings - sliced radish, jalapeño are fantastic. Pico de gallo is a classic. Dollop on your favorite salsa.
other reader favorite recipes
If you guys make this Steak Tacos, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments! And, as always, be kind. I'm only human.
Recipe
Steak Tacos Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
The Steak
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1½ - 2 lbs ribeye steak
- 1 - 2 tablespoon avocado oil
Sour Cream Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 2 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- juice and zest of 1 lime
- kosher salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
Assembly
- flour tortillas
- avocado, sliced
- pickled onions
- jalapeños, sliced
- cotija cheese
- fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
The Steak
- Whisk together the chili powder, kosher salt, smoked paprika, granulated garlic and onion, cumin, ground coriander, and dried oregano. Season the steaks on both sides with the mix.
- Add the avocado oil to a cast iron skillet and slowly let it heat up. The skillet needs to be VERY HOT in order to achieve a nice sear and crust on the steaks.
- Carefully, place the steaks into the hot cast iron and cook them according to your preference. If needed, a meat thermometer will take the guess work out of the internal temperature of the meat.
- When you have achieved your desired level of doneness, remove the steaks and let them rest for at least 10 minutes. Slice and set aside
The Sour Cream Sauce
- Mix the mayo and sour cream together along with the juice and zest of a lime. Whisk in the granulated garlic and onion, coriander, and cumin into the mix. Add kosher salt and pepper to taste.
Assembly
- To assemble, grab a tortilla. Start with a healthy slather of the sour cream sauce followed by a few slices of the steak. Top with pickled onions, sliced jalapeño, fresh cilantro, and a little cotija cheese.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Steak Tacos recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram or Facebook! And, please leave a comment or star rating below. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. It makes my heart so happy! And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Rufus for Real is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I may earn a commission, with no additional cost to you, if you purchase through those links.
Rufus for Real is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Brecht says
Loved it!
Jo Riddel says
Simple and delicious!
Rufus says
Thanks so much! Have a wonderful day!
Jodie Riddel says
Simply delicious!
Rufus says
Thank you so very much!