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Close-up of three juicy steak tacos with avocado, red onion, cilantro, and cheese in charred corn tortillas.

Zesty Chili-Lime Skirt Steak Tacos

These vibrant Skirt Steak Tacos feature tender, flavorful skirt steak marinated in a zesty chili-lime blend, perfectly complemented by fresh pico de gallo and creamy avocado crema, all nestled in warm tortillas.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Skirt Steak Marinade
  • 1/4 cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 3 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tbsp orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin ground
  • 1 tsp paprika smoked
  • 1/2 tsp oregano dried
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 jalapeño finely minced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 tsp salt kosher
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Skirt Steak
  • 1.5 lbs skirt steak trimmed and cut into 2-3 pieces for easier handling
For the Pico de Gallo
  • 1 cup tomatoes diced (Roma preferred)
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro fresh, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and finely minced
  • 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/4 tsp salt kosher
For the Avocado Crema (Optional)
  • 1 avocado ripe
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1-2 tbsp water (for thinning)
  • Pinch salt
For Assembly
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Optional toppings cotija cheese, pickled red onions, hot sauce

Equipment

  • Large Ziploc Bag
  • Grill or Cast Iron Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Small mixing bowls
  • Blender or Food Processor

Method
 

Marinate the Skirt Steak
  1. In a large Ziploc bag or shallow dish, combine olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, minced garlic, minced jalapeño, salt, and black pepper. Add the skirt steak, ensuring it's fully coated. Seal the bag (or cover dish) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
Prepare Pico de Gallo and Avocado Crema
  1. While the steak marinates, prepare the pico de gallo. In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, minced jalapeño, fresh lime juice, and salt. Stir well and set aside.
  2. If making the crema, combine avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, 1 tablespoon of water, and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water if needed to reach desired consistency. Set aside.
Cook the Skirt Steak
  1. Preheat a grill to high heat or a heavy cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
  2. Place the steak on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for 2-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness. Skirt steak cooks quickly due to its thinness.
  3. Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender steak. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
Assemble the Tacos
  1. While the steak rests, warm the tortillas. You can do this by placing them directly over a gas flame for 10-20 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred, or wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or heat them in a dry skillet.
  2. Lay out the warm tortillas. Distribute the sliced skirt steak evenly among them. Top generously with pico de gallo and a drizzle of avocado crema (if using). Add any other desired toppings like cotija cheese or pickled red onions.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Skirt Steak Tacos!

Notes

For best results, ensure your grill or skillet is very hot before adding the steak to get a good sear. Don't overcrowd the pan if using a skillet; cook in batches if necessary. Resting the steak is crucial for tenderness.