Description
These Marinated Mojo Steak Tacos with Quick Guac are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender skirt or flank steak marinated in a vibrant citrus and garlic mojo. Perfectly pan-seared to medium doneness and served on warm tortillas with fresh guacamole, diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges, these tacos deliver a delicious combination of tangy, spicy, and savory flavors ideal for a casual dinner or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice
- ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 8-12 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or a fresh habanero)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Main Protein
- 2 – 2 ½ pounds skirt or flank steak
To Serve
- Tortillas
- Quick guacamole (see notes)
- Chopped onions
- Lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
- Optional: any other favorite taco toppings
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Marinade: In a large shallow bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, chopped cilantro, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
- Marinate the Steak: Coat the skirt or flank steak thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to 24 hours to allow flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. Remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to come to room temperature.
- Cook the Steak: Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy pan over high heat for a couple of minutes until very hot. Add the steak to the pan and sear each side for 3 to 6 minutes depending on thickness and desired doneness; 4 minutes per side is ideal for medium. If the pan overheats, reduce heat to medium-high to avoid burning. Once cooked, transfer steak to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for several minutes to retain juices.
- Slice the Steak: After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain for tender pieces. If dicing, cut at a slight angle to maximize tenderness of the meat cubes.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm tortillas and spread with quick guacamole. Top with slices or cubes of mojo steak, diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add any additional favorite toppings and serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe is extremely versatile and quick, with the marinade being the key flavor enhancer—just marinate and cook.
- Mojo steak tacos are ideal for stuffing into soft tortillas or serving over rice bowls.
- Quick guacamole is a simple and fresh addition that complements the tangy and spicy mojo flavors.
- Cook steak to your preferred doneness by adjusting cook times as needed.
- Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve a beautiful sear and enhances flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 taco with steak and guac)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
