best steak for tacos on the grill

The landscape for the best steak for tacos on the grill changed dramatically when bold, versatile seasonings hit the market. Having tested everything firsthand, I find that flavor, ease of use, and how well the seasoning stands up on thick cuts are key. After grilling and tasting multiple options, one stood out: the Riega Street Taco Grill Seasoning Vaquero Steak. Its natural herbs and spices created a vibrant, balanced heat that enhances, instead of overpowers, the meat’s natural flavor, especially on juicy steaks that need a good sear.

This seasoning’s chili fusion and clean, vegan-certified ingredients mean I can use it with confidence for tacos, steaks, and more without worrying about artificial additives. It marries ease of application with a rich flavor profile, making every grill session feel like a pro-level experience. If you want a seasoning that truly elevates your grilled steak tacos, I wholeheartedly recommend the Riega Street Taco Grill Seasoning Vaquero Steak. It’s packed with flavor and built to perform—just what you need for an unforgettable taco night.

Top Recommendation: Riega Street Taco Grill Seasoning Vaquero Steak 6.05 oz

Why We Recommend It: This product offers a unique chili fusion that adds character without overwhelming the meat. Its natural, certified kosher and vegan ingredients provide a clean taste, ideal for tacos. Unlike heavier seasonings, it enhances rather than masks the steak’s flavor. Its versatility—usable on meats, veggies, and beyond—makes it practical, and in testing, it consistently delivered vibrant, well-balanced spice with no artificial aftertaste.

Best steak for tacos on the grill: Our Top 5 Picks

• Riega Street Taco Grill Seasoning Vaquero Steak 6.05 oz – Best for Flavorful Taco Filling
• Grill Your As* Off Pop Smoke Taco Seasoning – 13.5oz – Best for Marinated Steak for Tacos
• McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning 3.18 oz – Best Overall Steak Seasoning for Tacos
• McCormick Grill Mates Everyday Grilling Spices, 4 Count – Best for Versatile Grilled Tacos
• McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning, 28 oz – Best Value for Steak Seasoning for Tacos

What Types of Steak are Ideal for Making Tacos on the Grill?

The best steak for tacos on the grill includes several flavorful cuts that provide great texture and taste when cooked properly.

• Flank Steak: Flank steak is a lean cut that benefits from marinating, as it can be tough if not cooked correctly. When grilled, it achieves a delicious char and should be sliced against the grain to enhance tenderness, making it perfect for tacos.
• Skirt Steak: Skirt steak is known for its rich flavor and is often used in traditional taco recipes. This cut has a loose texture that absorbs marinades well, and when grilled to medium-rare, it offers a juicy bite that pairs wonderfully with fresh toppings.
• Sirloin Steak: Sirloin steak is a versatile cut that balances flavor and tenderness, making it a great option for grilling. It is slightly firmer than flank or skirt steak but can still be very juicy when cooked properly, and it holds up well to various seasonings and salsas.
• Ribeye Steak: Ribeye steak is marbled with fat, which imparts a rich flavor and helps keep the meat tender during grilling. While it can be more expensive, its juicy, flavorful profile makes for indulgent tacos that are well worth the cost.
• Chuck Eye Steak: Chuck eye steak is often referred to as the “poor man’s ribeye” due to its similar flavor profile at a lower price point. It has a good amount of marbling, which results in a juicy and flavorful taco filling when grilled and sliced thinly.

Which Cuts of Steak Deliver the Most Flavor for Tacos?

The best cuts of steak for flavorful tacos on the grill include:

• Flank Steak: This cut is known for its rich flavor and relatively low price, making it a popular choice for tacos. When marinated and grilled properly, flank steak can be incredibly tender, and its grainy texture allows it to absorb marinades well, enhancing its taste.
• Skirt Steak: Similar to flank steak, skirt steak is also flavorful and has a distinctive grain. It is usually more marbled with fat, which contributes to its juiciness and rich flavor when grilled quickly at high temperatures, making it ideal for tacos.
• Sirloin Steak: While not as tender as flank or skirt, sirloin steak offers a good balance between flavor and price. It has a robust beefy taste that works well in tacos, especially when seasoned and grilled to medium-rare, allowing it to retain its juices.
• Ribeye Steak: Known for its high-fat content, ribeye steak is one of the most flavorful cuts available. The marbling throughout the meat melts during cooking, resulting in a juicy and tender steak that can elevate any taco filling.
• Tenderloin (Filet Mignon): Though it is one of the most expensive cuts, tenderloin is incredibly tender and mild in flavor. When used in tacos, it can provide a luxurious twist, especially when paired with bold toppings and sauces to enhance its subtle beef flavor.

How Do Marbled Cuts Compare to Lean Cuts for Taco Preparation?

Aspect	Marbled Cuts	Lean Cuts
Flavor	Rich and juicy flavor due to fat content, enhancing the overall taste of tacos.	Subtle flavor, often requiring additional seasoning to enhance taste.
Texture	Tender and succulent texture that melts in the mouth.	Firm and chewy texture, may require careful cooking to avoid toughness.
Cooking Time	Cooks faster due to fat rendering, ideal for quick grilling.	Takes longer to cook properly without drying out.
Cost	Generally more expensive due to higher demand and quality.	More affordable, making them budget-friendly options.
Cooking Methods	Best grilled over high heat for a short time to achieve a nice sear.	Best grilled over medium heat with careful monitoring to prevent drying out.
Recommended Marbling	Ideal marbling is 20-30% for optimal juiciness.	Less than 10% marbling is typical for lean cuts, balancing flavor and health.
Pairing Suggestions	Excellent with spicy salsas and creamy sauces to complement richness.	Good with fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, and lime for added freshness.

How Should Steak be Prepared and Marinated for Grilling?

The best steak for tacos on the grill can be prepared and marinated in several ways to enhance flavor and tenderness.

• Cut Selection: Choosing the right cut of steak is crucial for flavorful tacos.
• Marinade Ingredients: A well-balanced marinade can elevate the taste and tenderness of the meat.
• Marinating Time: The duration of marinating impacts the flavor absorption and texture of the steak.
• Grilling Technique: Proper grilling techniques ensure that the steak is cooked to perfection while maintaining juiciness.

Cut Selection: For the best steak for tacos, cuts like flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin are ideal due to their rich flavor and relatively quick cooking time. Flank and skirt steaks are particularly known for their tenderness when sliced against the grain, making them perfect for taco fillings.

Marinade Ingredients: A good marinade typically includes acidic components like lime juice or vinegar, which help tenderize the meat, along with flavorful additions such as garlic, cumin, chili powder, and olive oil. These ingredients not only enhance the steak’s natural flavor but also add complexity that complements the taco experience.

Marinating Time: Marinating the steak for at least 30 minutes to a few hours allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, while longer marinating times (up to overnight) can further enhance tenderness. However, avoid over-marinating, especially with acidic ingredients, as this can lead to a mushy texture.

Grilling Technique: Preheating the grill ensures a good sear, which locks in juices and creates a delicious crust. Cooking the steak on high heat for a short period, then letting it rest before slicing, helps maintain moisture and ensures the steak is juicy and flavorful when served in tacos.

What Marinades Enhance the Flavor of Steak for Tacos?

Several marinades can enhance the flavor of steak for tacos on the grill:

• Citrus-based Marinade: This marinade typically includes lime juice, orange juice, garlic, and cilantro, which create a bright and zesty flavor profile. The acidity from the citrus helps to tenderize the meat while infusing it with fresh, vibrant flavors that complement traditional taco ingredients.
• Spicy Adobo Marinade: Made with adobo sauce, chipotle peppers, garlic, and spices, this marinade adds a smoky and slightly spicy kick to the steak. The depth of flavor from the adobo sauce enhances the steak’s natural richness, making it a perfect fit for robust taco fillings.
• Beer Marinade: Combining beer, soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar, this marinade adds a unique depth of flavor and tenderness. The carbonation in the beer helps break down the meat fibers, while the sugars caramelize during grilling, resulting in a delicious crust.
• Mexican Spice Rub: A dry rub made from cumin, chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder adds a concentrated flavor without the need for marinating time. This method allows the steak to develop a flavorful crust when grilled, making it ideal for tacos where bold flavors are desired.
• Herb and Garlic Marinade: Featuring fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, and garlic mixed with olive oil and vinegar, this marinade provides a fragrant and savory profile. The herbs not only enhance the steak’s flavor but also add a freshness that balances well with toppings like avocado and salsa.

How Long Should Steak be Marinated Before Grilling for Maximum Taste?

The ideal marinating time for steak before grilling varies based on the cut and desired flavor intensity.

• 30 Minutes: A quick marinade can infuse the steak with flavor without overwhelming its natural taste.
• 1-2 Hours: This timeframe allows the marinade to penetrate the meat more thoroughly, enhancing tenderness and flavor.
• 4-6 Hours: For tougher cuts, marinating for several hours can help break down connective tissues, resulting in a more tender bite.
• Overnight (12-24 Hours): This is suitable for stronger-flavored marinades and tougher cuts, but caution is needed as too long can lead to a mushy texture.

30 minutes is often adequate for delicate marinades that complement the natural flavor of the steak without overpowering it.

Marinating for 1-2 hours strikes a balance, allowing the flavors to meld and penetrate the meat without losing its original character.

For tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak, 4-6 hours can significantly improve tenderness while still providing robust flavor.

Marinating overnight can be beneficial for stronger flavors, especially with ingredients like citrus or vinegar, but ensuring not to exceed 24 hours is crucial to prevent textural issues.

What Grilling Techniques Ensure Tender and Juicy Steak Tacos?

To ensure tender and juicy steak tacos on the grill, several techniques can be employed:

• Choosing the Right Cut: Selecting the best steak cuts such as flank, skirt, or sirloin is essential for juicy tacos. These cuts are known for their rich flavor and tenderness when cooked properly, making them ideal for grilling and slicing thinly for tacos.
• Marinating: Marinating the steak before grilling enhances flavor and tenderness. A marinade that includes acidic components like lime juice or vinegar can help break down the meat fibers, resulting in a more succulent steak.
• Proper Seasoning: Seasoning the steak well with salt and spices before grilling is crucial for building flavor. A simple rub of salt, pepper, and chili powder can complement the meat and enhance the overall taste of the tacos.
• High Heat Grilling: Grilling at high heat allows for a good sear on the steak, locking in juices and creating a delicious crust. This technique helps to quickly cook the meat while maintaining moisture inside, resulting in a tender bite.
• Resting the Meat: Allowing the grilled steak to rest for a few minutes after cooking is vital. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite of your tacos is juicy and flavorful.
• Slicing Against the Grain: Slicing the steak against the grain is crucial for tenderness. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak easier to chew and enhancing the overall eating experience in the tacos.

What Grilling Methods Best Enhance the Flavor of Steak Tacos?

Smoke Infusion: By adding wood chips to the grill, you can impart a deep, smoky flavor that complements the savory elements of the steak. This method can elevate the flavor profile of the tacos, making them more complex and appealing to the palate.

How Can You Achieve Perfect Grill Marks on Your Steak For Tacos?

To achieve perfect grill marks on your steak for tacos, consider the following techniques:

• Preheat the Grill: Ensuring your grill is hot before placing the steak on it is crucial for getting those desirable grill marks.
• Oil the Grill Grates: Applying a high smoke-point oil to the grates can help prevent sticking and create better marks.
• Use the Right Cut of Steak: Selecting a steak that has a good fat content, like ribeye or flank steak, enhances flavor and tenderness, making it ideal for tacos.
• Angle Your Steak: Placing your steak at a 45-degree angle to the grill grates will create the iconic crosshatch pattern.
• Don’t Move the Steak Too Soon: Allowing the steak to sear undisturbed for a few minutes will help form those perfect grill marks.
• Flip at the Right Time: Knowing when to flip your steak is essential; look for juices pooling on the top as a sign it’s ready to turn.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness without sacrificing grill marks, use a meat thermometer and remove the steak at the desired internal temperature.

Preheating your grill is essential because it allows the grill grates to reach optimal temperatures, which helps in achieving those perfect sear marks. A grill that is too cold will not sear the meat properly and can lead to sticking, preventing those attractive lines from forming.

Oiling the grill grates is another important step as it creates a non-stick surface that allows the steak to sear properly while also contributing to the grill marks. A high smoke-point oil, such as canola or grapeseed oil, is recommended to handle the heat without burning.

Choosing the right cut of steak is key; cuts like ribeye and flank steak are not only flavorful but also hold up well on the grill, making them excellent choices for tacos. These cuts have enough marbling, which adds richness and keeps the meat juicy during grilling.

Angling your steak at a 45-degree position will help create that striking crosshatch pattern, enhancing the visual appeal of your tacos. This technique also allows for even cooking and maximizes contact with the grill surface.

It’s important to leave the steak undisturbed for a few minutes to allow a proper crust to form, which is essential for good grill marks. Moving the steak too soon can disrupt the searing process and result in uneven marks or sticking.

Flipping the steak at the right time is crucial; waiting until you see juices starting to pool on the surface typically indicates that the steak is ready to turn. This helps to lock in juices and maintain flavor while achieving grill lines.

Using a meat thermometer ensures that your steak reaches the desired level of doneness without overcooking, which can cause toughness. Knowing the ideal internal temperatures for different steak doneness helps in perfectly timing your grilling while still achieving those attractive marks.

What Toppings Best Complement Grilled Steak Tacos?

The best toppings for grilled steak tacos enhance the flavor and texture of the meat while adding freshness and zest.

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herbal note that complements the rich flavor of grilled steak. Its slight citrusy flavor can balance the heaviness of the meat, making each bite more refreshing.
• Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice provides a crunchy texture and a burst of acidity. The combination of flavors helps to cut through the richness of the steak while adding a vibrant color to the tacos.
• Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy avocado or guacamole adds a luxurious mouthfeel and a subtle richness that pairs well with the charred flavors of grilled steak. The healthy fats in avocado also help to mellow out any spicy elements in the dish.
• Radishes: Thinly sliced radishes provide a crisp and slightly peppery bite, adding both texture and a refreshing contrast to the savory meat. Their vibrant color also enhances the visual appeal of the tacos.
• Queso Fresco: This crumbly cheese adds a mild, creamy flavor that complements the grilled steak without overpowering it. Its slight saltiness helps to enhance the overall taste of the tacos while providing a creamy texture.
• Pickled Onions: The tangy and sweet flavor of pickled onions adds complexity to the tacos. Their acidity helps cut through the richness of the steak, providing a delightful contrast that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens the flavors of the tacos, adding a zesty kick that enhances the grilled steak. Lime also helps to enhance other toppings, ensuring a well-balanced bite.

Which Salsas and Condiments Pair Well with Steak Tacos?

When it comes to enhancing steak tacos on the grill, choosing the right salsas and condiments is key to elevating the flavor profile. Here are some excellent pairings to consider:

• Pico de Gallo: Fresh and zesty, this blend of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños adds crunch and brightness, perfectly balancing the richness of grilled steak.

• Salsa Verde: This green salsa, made from tomatillos, cilantro, onions, and lime, offers a tangy kick that complements the savory notes of steak. Opt for either a smooth or chunky version based on your preference.

• Chipotle Sauce: Creamy and smoky, a chipotle mayo or yogurt sauce introduces a rich depth of flavor that’s perfect for adding a bit of heat.

• Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole provides a velvety texture. Made with ripe avocados, lime, tomatoes, and onions, it’s a classic accompaniment that brings all flavors together.

• Hot Sauce: A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can elevate steak tacos with an extra kick. Options like Salsa Huichol or Valentina offer varying levels of heat and tang.

• Pickled Red Onions: These add a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of the steak, with a hint of sweetness that balances the overall flavor.

Each of these condiments and salsas brings a unique profile, enhancing the grilled steak and ensuring a delicious taco experience.

What Sides Should You Consider Serving with Grilled Steak Tacos?

The best sides to complement grilled steak tacos enhance their flavor and provide a balanced meal.

• Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice that adds brightness and acidity to the rich flavors of steak tacos.
• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime juice, and chili powder, offering a creamy and spicy contrast to the savory tacos.
• Refried Beans: Creamy and hearty, these beans provide a satisfying texture and flavor, making them a perfect accompaniment to soak up any juices from the tacos.
• Guacamole: A rich and creamy dip made from ripe avocados, lime, and spices that adds a luxurious texture and complements the grilled flavor of the steak.
• Mexican Rice: Flavored with tomatoes, garlic, and spices, this side is a great option that adds a filling element to the meal while harmonizing with the taco flavors.
• Grilled Vegetables: A medley of bell peppers, onions, and zucchini that are grilled to perfection, adding a smoky and slightly charred flavor that pairs well with the steak.
• Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with a variety of salsas offer a fun, interactive side that adds texture and spice to your taco meal.

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