Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love bold, smoky, and spicy flavors, Grilled Chipotle Steak Tacos are a must-try! The chipotle marinade infuses the steak with a perfect balance of smokiness and heat, while the grilling process adds a wonderful charred flavor. The tacos are versatile, so you can customize them with your favorite toppings such as fresh avocado, salsa, and a squeeze of lime. Perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a weekend get-together, these tacos are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
2 tablespoons adobo sauce (from the chipotle peppers can)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste
8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
Fresh toppings (optional): avocado, cilantro, salsa, lime wedges, onion

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine the chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the Steak: Place the steak in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak and ensure it’s evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
Grill the Steak: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak cooked to a different level of doneness.
Rest and Slice: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Once rested, slice the steak thinly against the grain.
Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a skillet for about 1-2 minutes. Then, add the sliced steak to each tortilla and top with your favorite fresh toppings such as avocado, cilantro, salsa, and onion.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tacos with a side of lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 tacos (depending on portion size)
Prep Time: 10 minutes (not including marination time)
Marination Time: 30 minutes to overnight
Grilling Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes to 1 hour (including marination time)

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add extra chipotle peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper to increase the heat in the marinade.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the steak for grilled mushrooms or tofu to create a plant-based version of this recipe.
Toppings: Switch up your toppings by adding pickled onions, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat the steak, place it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or microwave it for about 30 seconds until heated through. Warm the tortillas again before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or skirt steak. Just be mindful of the cooking times as different cuts may have varying thickness.

How long should I marinate the steak?

For optimal flavor, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, but marinating overnight will provide even better results.

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can easily cook the steak on a stovetop grill pan or a regular skillet over medium-high heat. It will still get a nice sear.

Can I make the chipotle marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chipotle marinade ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What tortillas should I use for this recipe?

You can use either corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas offer a traditional flavor, while flour tortillas provide a softer, more pliable texture.

How can I make the tacos milder if I don’t like too much heat?

You can reduce the amount of chipotle peppers or remove the seeds for a milder flavor.

What other toppings would you recommend for these tacos?

In addition to avocado and salsa, you can try adding shredded cabbage, cotija cheese, or a spicy crema for extra flavor.

Can I use the marinade for other meats?

Absolutely! This marinade works great with chicken, pork, or even shrimp.

Can I freeze the marinated steak?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated steak for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before grilling.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use corn tortillas and ensure that the chipotle peppers and adobo sauce are gluten-free, this recipe can be gluten-free.

Conclusion

Grilled Chipotle Steak Tacos offer a deliciously smoky, spicy flavor that elevates your taco game. With a simple yet bold marinade, juicy steak, and customizable toppings, these tacos are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a weeknight dinner, these tacos will be a crowd-pleaser that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

Grilled Chipotle Steak Tacos

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Grilled Chipotle Steak Tacos are a smoky, spicy, and mouthwatering treat. With a chipotle marinade that infuses the steak with bold flavors, these tacos are perfect for taco night or a weekend barbecue. Customize them with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, salsa, and fresh cilantro, for a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 20min
Total Time: 50 minutes to 1 hour
Yield: 4-6 tacos
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the Steak: Place the steak in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
Grill the Steak: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust time based on preferred doneness.
Rest and Slice: Remove steak from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
Assemble the Tacos: Warm tortillas on the grill or in a skillet. Add sliced steak to each tortilla, topping with avocado, cilantro, salsa, or other toppings.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve with lime wedges for extra flavor.

Notes

Marinate overnight for the best flavor infusion.
You can adjust the heat by adding extra chipotle peppers or reducing the amount to your preference.
These tacos are customizable with various toppings such as shredded cheese or sour cream.