Name: Street Tacos with Marinated Skirt Steak
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: For the Steak Tacos:; 8 corn tortillas; 1 pound skirt steak, cut into 1/4-inch chunks; 1/4 cup orange juice; 2 garlic cloves, grated; 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano; 1 tablespoon avocado oil; For the Toppings:; 1/4 cup minced onion; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; Salsa (your choice); Lime wedges

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These Street Tacos with Marinated Skirt Steak are my go-to when I want an authentic taqueria-style meal at home. Juicy, flavorful steak is marinated in citrus and spices, then seared until caramelized and tucked into warm corn tortillas with classic toppings—onion, cilantro, salsa, and lime. Simple, fresh, and deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers bold, punchy flavor with minimal ingredients and effort. The orange juice tenderizes the steak while the spices soak in, creating a juicy, well-seasoned bite every time. The quick sear brings out a smoky edge, and the toppings keep it crisp and bright. It’s the kind of recipe I pull out for both weeknight cravings and casual gatherings. Street Tacos with Marinated Skirt Steak

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Steak Tacos

Corn tortillas (8)
Skirt steak, cut into ¼-inch chunks (1 pound)
Orange juice (¼ cup)
Garlic cloves, grated (2)
Chili powder (1½ teaspoons)
Cumin (1 teaspoon)
Salt (½ teaspoon)
Mexican oregano (½ teaspoon)
Avocado oil (1 tablespoon)

For the Toppings

Minced onion (¼ cup)
Chopped cilantro (½ cup)
Salsa (your choice)
Lime wedges

Directions

In a bowl, I mix the skirt steak with orange juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and oregano. I toss to coat, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
I heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. I warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side until they’re pliable and slightly charred, then wrap them in a towel to keep warm.
I add avocado oil to the hot skillet, then sear the marinated steak (with the juices) for 4–5 minutes, stirring often until the pieces are nicely browned and the marinade has mostly cooked off.
To assemble, I fill each tortilla with the seared steak, top with minced onion and chopped cilantro, then finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. I serve the salsa on the side—or spoon it right over the tacos.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Marinade time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add thinly sliced radish or pickled red onions for extra crunch and zing.
For a spicier twist, I stir a splash of chipotle adobo sauce into the marinade.
I use flank steak or sirloin when skirt steak isn’t available—just slice it thin after cooking.
For a smoky flavor, I grill the steak instead of searing in a skillet.

storage/reheating

I store leftover cooked steak in the fridge for up to 3 days. I reheat it quickly in a hot skillet to maintain the texture. The tortillas are best fresh, but I warm extras in a dry pan or microwave just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, I sometimes use flank steak or thinly sliced sirloin. The marinade still works beautifully, just adjust cooking time based on thickness.

How long can I marinate the steak?

I marinate for at least 1 hour, but up to 24 hours for the best flavor and tenderness.

Can I cook the steak on a grill?

Absolutely. I often grill it over high heat for 2–3 minutes per side, then slice it thin across the grain.

What’s the best tortilla for these tacos?

I prefer corn tortillas for that authentic street taco feel. I warm them in a skillet to make them pliable and flavorful.

Can I prep this meal ahead of time?

Yes, I marinate the steak ahead and chop the toppings in advance. Just sear the steak and warm the tortillas right before serving.

Conclusion

Street Tacos with Marinated Skirt Steak are one of those dishes I make when I want bold flavor with minimal fuss. The meat is tender and rich, the toppings are fresh and vibrant, and it all comes together in minutes once the steak is marinated. It’s a quick way to bring the spirit of a taco truck right into my kitchen.