Ultimate Mojo Steak Tacos with Zesty Quick Guacamole: Your Easy & Flavorful Recipe Guide
Experience the vibrant flavors of Cuba with these incredibly easy-to-make Mojo Steak Tacos! Tender skirt or flank steak, marinated to perfection, pairs flawlessly with our lightning-fast, zesty guacamole. Whether you prefer them stuffed into warm tortillas with all your favorite toppings or served as a hearty bowl over rice, this recipe promises a meal that’s bursting with flavor and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Get ready to elevate your taco game with these sensational Marinated Mojo Steak Tacos! This recipe brings the lively spirit of Cuban flavors straight to your kitchen, transforming ordinary steak into an extraordinary culinary experience. Forget those bland, store-bought seasoning packets; once you taste this homemade mojo marinade, you’ll never look back. It’s a game-changer for anyone seeking deeply flavored, incredibly tender beef tacos that are surprisingly easy to achieve.
I recently embarked on a quest to perfect the ultimate steak taco, and let’s just say, the journey was… aromatic. It may have involved a few (okay, six!) false alarms from our overly sensitive smoke detector during an afternoon cooking session, much to my husband’s dismay during a crucial work call. But trust me, the resulting tender, juicy, and intensely flavorful steak was well worth the momentary kitchen chaos!
While tradition might reserve tacos for Tuesday, these mouthwatering steak tacos are too good to wait for. Imagine succulent skirt or flank steak, imbued with a vibrant mojo marinade, then expertly sliced against the grain so each piece practically melts in your mouth. And if that weren’t enough, we’re topping it all off with a generous dollop of my “cheater’s guacamole”—a speedy, fresh concoction that comes together in mere minutes, making it one of the most delightful (and dangerously addictive) additions to any taco spread.
With Cinco de Mayo often falling on a weekend, these Mojo Steak Tacos are the perfect centerpiece for your festive celebrations. Planning a big gathering? This recipe is ideal for make-ahead prep, allowing you to marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance. This means less stress on party day and more time to enjoy with friends and family. Imagine turning your breakroom or backyard into an all-out taco bar, piled high with these flavorful steak, fresh toppings, and an endless supply of chips and guac. It’s a sure-fire way to make any occasion a hit!
My goal was to create a steak taco recipe that’s not only incredibly delicious but also remarkably simple. This marinated mojo steak taco recipe fits the bill perfectly. It starts with combining a handful of fresh ingredients for the marinade, letting the steak soak up all that goodness for as little as a few hours or, ideally, overnight. This hands-off marination process ensures maximum flavor penetration and tenderness, setting the stage for an unforgettable meal.
Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor in every bite of these Mojo Steak Tacos. You might think you’ve experienced great steak tacos before, but this recipe is designed to truly impress.
The Secret to Unforgettable Flavor: Our Mojo Marinade
Many homemade steak taco recipes rely on pre-packaged fajita or steak seasonings, but once you taste the difference a fresh, vibrant marinade makes, you’ll understand why this homemade mojo marinade is superior. It’s crafted from simple, easy-to-find ingredients, yet delivers a complex, bright, and savory profile that packet seasonings simply can’t match. This isn’t just another marinade; it’s the key to transforming your steak into something truly special.
A few years ago, I shared my best steak fajita tacos recipe, and many of you loved it so much you ditched those seasoning packets forever. I’m thrilled to report that these Mojo Steak Tacos live up to that same standard of tender, ultra-flavorful, and simple-to-prep deliciousness, while offering an exciting new twist to your regular steak taco rotation. The distinctive citrus and garlic notes of mojo bring a fresh, zesty dimension that is hard to resist.
Crafting the Perfect Mojo Marinade
Let’s dive into the core of these incredible tacos: the easy mojo steak marinade. Traditional Cuban mojo is renowned for its specific flavor profile, relying on a few quintessential ingredients. You’ll need plenty of fresh garlic, aromatic dried oregano, and crucially, sour oranges. However, sour (or bitter) oranges can be challenging to find depending on your location. My simple solution, which works perfectly and is readily accessible to everyone, is to use equal parts fresh lime juice and fresh orange juice. This combination perfectly mimics the tangy, slightly sweet, and bright acidity of sour oranges, making these flavorful tacos achievable anytime, anywhere!
The citrus juices do more than just add flavor; their natural acids are powerhouse tenderizers. The longer your steak luxuriates in this tangy marinade – up to 24 hours – the more effectively these acids work to break down tough muscle fibers. This ensures that every bite of your skirt or flank steak is exceptionally tender and imbued with an unforgettable, zesty flavor profile.
Beyond the vital citrus, this marinade calls for a generous drizzle of good quality olive oil, earthy ground cumin, a handful of fresh cilantro, and a touch of heat. For the spice, you can opt for a chopped habanero pepper or a dash of ground cayenne pepper. If you choose the habanero, I highly recommend removing the ribs and seeds to manage the spice level, unless you prefer a fiery kick! For an authentic touch and truly magical flavor, consider using a mortar and pestle to mash the garlic and peppers with a pinch of salt. This traditional method releases the essential oils and creates a wonderfully pungent paste that makes a noticeable difference in the final marinade. Of course, for a quicker approach, simply combine all the marinade ingredients in a bowl, stir well, add your steak, cover, and refrigerate. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferred level of effort.
Cooking and Serving Your Mojo Steak
I typically cook my mojo steak in a trusty cast iron skillet (affiliate link), which is fantastic for achieving that perfect sear indoors. Cast iron skillets heat evenly and retain high temperatures, creating a beautiful crust on the steak while keeping the interior juicy and tender. However, these steaks are also phenomenal when grilled outdoors, especially during warmer months. I’m already envisioning firing up the grill on our new patio and enjoying these tacos al fresco!
Once your steak is cooked to your desired doneness, the most crucial step is to let it rest. This is a common but easily avoidable mistake that can drastically affect the juiciness of your meat. Resting the steak, lightly tented with foil, allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb all those delicious juices. Skipping this step means all that flavorful moisture will simply run out when you slice, leaving you with dry steak. After resting, slice the meat against the grain into thin strips or dice it into tender cubes. Cutting against the grain is vital for maximizing tenderness, ensuring every morsel is as soft as butter.
The Ultimate Taco Assembly: Don’t Forget the Guac!
Pro mojo steak taco tip: Do not skimp on the quick guacamole! This “cheater’s guac” recipe is brilliantly simple and delivers incredible fresh flavor without the wait. You’ll need two large, ripe Haas avocados, mashed, combined with ¼ cup of your favorite store-bought salsa (this adds instant complexity and seasoning), the juice of a big lime for brightness, a generous sprinkle of garlic powder, and salt to taste. A handful of chopped cilantro is also a must for that fresh herb note. The beauty of using prepared salsa is that it introduces perfectly balanced flavors instantly, meaning no need to wait for the guacamole’s flavors to meld. Simply combine, spread generously on warm tortillas, layer with your perfectly cooked mojo steak, diced onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime. The combination is pure bliss!
I genuinely hope these Mojo Steak Tacos find a permanent spot on your weekly menu. When you make them, please snap some photos and share them on Instagram, tagging me! I get such immense joy seeing your delicious creations and knowing you’re enjoying these recipes as much as I do.
Marinated Mojo Steak Tacos with Quick Guac
3 hours 10 minutes
15 minutes
3 hours 25 minutes
Mojo steak tacos that are as easy as tossing a few ingredients in a bowl and letting them marinate! My mojo steak can be stuffed into your favorite tortillas and topped with all the things you love on tacos or served over rice as a bowl!
Ingredients
Mojo Steak:
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice
- ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 8-12 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or a fresh habanero)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 1¼ teaspoon salt + ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 – 2½ pounds skirt or flank steak
Tacos:
- tortillas, guac (see notes for the recipe), chopped onions, lime wedges, chopped cilantro (and pretty much anything else you like on your tacos!)
Instructions
- STEAK MARINADE: Combine the ingredients for the marinade in a large shallow bowl, reserving the steak. Give it a taste and check for seasonings, adjusting to your preference. Coat the steak thoroughly with the marinade and let it sit covered in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours and up to 24 hours for optimal flavor and tenderness. Remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to cooking to bring it to room temperature.
- COOK THE STEAK: Set a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat and allow it to heat up for a couple of minutes until very hot. Carefully add the marinated steak to the pan, ensuring not to overcrowd it (cook in batches if necessary). Cook on each side for about 3-6 minutes, or longer, depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a medium doneness, aim for around 4 minutes per side. If the pan becomes too hot and causes excessive smoking, reduce the heat to medium-high. Once cooked, remove the steak from the pan and allow it to rest for several minutes, tented loosely with a piece of foil. This crucial resting period ensures the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Slice the meat against the grain into thin slices. If dicing, cutting at an angle will ensure the meat cubes are extra tender.
- ASSEMBLY: Warm your tortillas according to package directions. Spread a generous layer of the quick guacamole (recipe in notes below) onto each warm tortilla. Top with the sliced or diced mojo steak, sprinkle with chopped onions and fresh cilantro, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Customize with any other desired taco toppings. Enjoy your incredible Mojo Steak Tacos immediately!
Notes
- If you opt to use a fresh habanero for heat, I highly recommend removing the ribs and seeds to better control the spice level. For the most profound flavor, use a mortar and pestle to mash the garlic and habanero together with a tiny pinch of salt before adding to the marinade. This step truly unlocks their full aroma and flavor!
- To make the quick guacamole, you will need: 2 large, ripe Haas avocados (mashed), a dash of garlic powder, chopped cilantro (to taste), 2-3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, ¼ cup store-bought salsa, and salt to taste. For an extra kick, you can also add finely chopped jalapeños. Simply combine all ingredients in a bowl until well mixed. This vibrant, flavorful guacamole is ready instantly and is perfect for spreading on your warm tortillas before piling on your other taco toppings!
Have you made this recipe?
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