30-Minute Grilled Skirt Steak Tacos

Prep: 10 minCook: 10 min6 servingsmediumMexican
Grilled Skirt Steak Tacos with Cucumber Corn Salsa

These vibrant tacos feature spice-rubbed skirt steak paired with a fresh cucumber and corn salsa that adds crisp texture and bright flavor. The steak is seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and a hint of cinnamon, then grilled to perfection and sliced thin against the grain. The cucumber corn salsa provides a cooling contrast with diced jalapeño for heat and lime juice for acidity. Perfect for summer grilling or casual weeknight dinners, these tacos offer a unique twist on traditional beef tacos with the unexpected addition of cucumber in the salsa.

Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeNut-Free

Ingredients

6 servings
  • 1 skirt steak
    flank steak1:1

    Similar texture and flavor

  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ English cucumber, diced
    regular cucumber1:1

    May need to remove seeds

    Full guide →
  • 1 ear of corn, grilled
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • ¼ red onion, diced
  • ¼ jalapeño, diced
  • salt, to taste
  • 6 corn tortillas
    flour tortillas1:1

    Different texture but works well

    Full guide →
  • 1 avocado(optional)
  • 1 tbsp cilantro

Instructions

  1. 1

    Mix together all spices in a small bowl and rub all over the skirt steak

  2. 2

    Preheat grill to medium high

  3. 3

    Cook skirt steak for 3-5 minutes on each side

  4. 4

    Let rest under foil for ten minutes

  5. 5

    While steak is cooking put one ear of corn on the grill

  6. 6

    Rotate frequently until you get some char on each side

  7. 7

    Make salsa by tossing together all cucumber, corn, jalapeño and red onion

  8. 8

    Squeeze the juice of one lime on the salsa and add salt to taste

  9. 9

    Slice steak thinly against the grain and serve tacos

  10. 10

    Add cilantro, avocados and queso fresco for toppings

Tips

Tip 1

Let the steak rest after grilling to redistribute juices for maximum tenderness

Tip 2

Char the corn directly on the grill for smoky flavor that complements the spiced steak

Tip 3

Slice the steak very thinly against the grain to ensure tender bites

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate assembled tacos up to 1 day, store salsa separately

Make Ahead

Season steak and make salsa up to 4 hours ahead

Serve With

Serve immediately while steak is warm with suggested toppings

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip resting the steak to avoid tough, dry meat

Watch

Don't overcook the thin skirt steak to avoid chewy texture

Substitutions

skirt steak→
flank steak1:1

Similar texture and flavor

Full guide →
corn tortillas→
flour tortillas1:1

Different texture but works well

Full guide →
English cucumber→
regular cucumber1:1

May need to remove seeds

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, flank steak or hanger steak work well as substitutes. Adjust cooking time based on thickness but keep the high heat method.

What if I don't have a grill?

Use a cast iron skillet over high heat for the steak and char the corn under the broiler, turning frequently.

How long will the cucumber corn salsa keep?

The salsa stays fresh for 2-3 days refrigerated, though it's best eaten within 24 hours for optimal texture.