Updated on August 26th, 2025
Grilled steak tacos are one of the best ways to enjoy steak because the grill adds a smoky flavor you just can’t get any other way. The meat is marinated in a mix of orange juice, lime juice, and cider vinegar, which keeps it tender while adding a tangy and savory taste. Once it’s grilled, the steak is sliced thin and tucked into warm tortillas with toppings like guacamole, cheese, lettuce, and tomato. It’s a simple recipe that feels fresh and flavorful, making it just as good for weeknight dinners as it is for weekend cookouts.
Why this recipe works
- Flavorful marinade: Orange juice and lime juice bring brightness and a hint of sweetness, while cider vinegar and oregano add tang and depth that balance the flavors.
- Grilled for smokiness: Cooking the steak on a hot grill gives it that charred flavor and texture that sets these tacos apart from other versions.
- Juicy and tender meat: Marinating for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to sink in, which makes the steak stay tender once cooked.
- Quick cooking time: After marinating, the steak only needs a few minutes per side on the grill, which makes this an easy recipe to fit into a busy evening.
- Customizable tacos: With the steak as the base, you can layer on toppings like guacamole, cheese, lettuce, or tomato to make each taco your own.
Serving suggestions
- Classic taco sides: Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, or black beans to round out the meal and keep the flavors consistent.
- Topping station: Set out bowls of salsa, sour cream, jalapeños, or pickled onions so everyone can build tacos the way they like them.
- Perfect for outdoor meals: Add grilled corn on the cob and a pitcher of lemonade or iced tea to make it feel like a backyard cookout.
- Serve family-style: Place the sliced steak, warm tortillas, and toppings on the table so people can assemble their tacos as they go.
- Leftover uses: Any extra steak can be saved for quesadillas, burrito bowls, or even salads the next day, making it versatile beyond taco night.
Grilled Steak Tacos Recipe
Grilled steak tacos are smoky, juicy, and full of flavor. Perfect for summer cookouts or easy weeknight dinners, they’re always a hit at the table.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 1/2lbs sirloin steak
Marinade-
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 4 teaspoons cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Tacos-
- 10 (8 inches) flour tortillas
- shredded Monterey jack cheese
- lettuce
- tomato
- guacamole
Instructions
- In a medium bowl combine orange juice, oil, lime juice, cider vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper. Add steak and toss in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
- Heat an outdoor grill to high heat. Remove steak (reserving the marinade) and place onto the grill. Grill steak for 3-4 minutes per side and brush with the reserved marinade occasionally while grilling. Remove from the grill and slice into thin strips.
- Place a bit of guacamole onto the bottom of each flour tortilla. Top with steak strips, cheese, lettuce, and tomato.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 685
- Sugar: 3.3 g
- Sodium: 1643.4 mg
- Fat: 30.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 56.1 g
- Protein: 46.4 g
- Cholesterol: 103.9 mg