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Two steak tacos with chimichurri and garnishes on a plate.
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Chimichurri Steak Tacos

These chimichurri steak tacos are packed with bold flavor, featuring tender sliced steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and a vibrant herb-packed chimichurri sauce, all tucked into warm tortillas.
Course dinner, Main Course, Main Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 875kcal
Author Ann Otis

Ingredients

For the Chimichurri:

  • 1 cup packed fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 cup packed fresh parsley leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 small jalapeño seeded and roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the Steak Tacos:

  • 1 1/4 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 large poblano pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow or red onion thinly sliced
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • Optional: pickled red onions
  • 1/3 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  • Prepare the chimichurri by combining the cilantro, parsley, garlic, jalapeño, red wine vinegar, lime juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until combined but still slightly textured. Set aside.
  • Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Rub with 1 tablespoon of the extra virgin olive oil, then season evenly with the kosher salt, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and black pepper, pressing the spices into the meat. Toss with 1/4 cup chimichurri and let sit for at least 15-20 minutes.
  • Heat a large cast iron skillet or grill pan set over medium-high heat. Alternately, use a gas grill set to medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until cooked to your preferred doneness. Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 5-10 minutes.
  • Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the poblano pepper and yellow onion. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized.
  • While the steak rests, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or the microwave for several seconds until soft. Keep wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
  • Slice the steak thinly against the grain. Toss several spoonfuls of the chimichurri with the sliced steak.
  • Fill each tortilla with sliced steak, sautéed poblano peppers and onions, avocado, pickled red onions if using, and cotija cheese. Spoon additional chimichurri over the tacos and serve with lime wedges.

Video

Notes

*Nutrition information is for 2 tacos per person, and assumes all the chimichurri will be used (we usually have some leftover).
Storage Tips
Store all the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The steak, peppers and onions, and chimichurri all keep well on their own. Assemble the tacos fresh each time so the tortillas don't get soggy.
The homemade chimichurri sauce keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The olive oil may solidify slightly when cold - just give it a good stir and let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before using and it will come right back together. It also freezes super well.

Nutrition

Calories: 875kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 67g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 43g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 1140mg | Potassium: 1081mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 2084IU | Vitamin C: 60mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 5mg