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Main Course • Mexican

Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos with Jalapeño Crema Recipe

Marinated in fresh cilantro, lime, garlic and pineapple for the perfect blend of flavors, Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos cook up ridiculously quick and easy, with a simple jalapeño crema sauce that can be made in the blender or food processor.

4.8 from 149 votes
40 mins
Total Time
10
tacos
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Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos with Jalapeño Crema

How to Make the Best Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos with Jalapeño Crema

These Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos are a flavor-packed celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients. The marinade combines the brightness of cilantro and lime with tropical sweetness from pineapple juice, creating a tender steak that cooks in minutes. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a summer gathering, these tacos deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

What makes this recipe truly special is the simple yet elegant jalapeño crema sauce. Blended smooth with just a few ingredients, it adds a cool, creamy counterpoint to the bold, savory steak. Paired with crispy roasted sweet potatoes and fresh greens, these tacos offer a complete, satisfying meal that captures the essence of authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist.

The best part? Everything comes together in under 45 minutes. With just minimal prep time for marinating and a quick cook on the grill, you’ll have a stunning meal on the table faster than you can say “taco Tuesday.”

Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos with Jalapeño Crema

Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos with Jalapeño Crema

Marinated in fresh cilantro, lime, garlic and pineapple for the perfect blend of flavors, Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos cook up ridiculously quick and easy, with a simple jalapeño crema sauce that can be made in the blender or food processor.

4.8 from 149 votes
CourseMain Course
CuisineMexican
Keywordeasy steak tacos, flank steak tacos, how to make jalapeño crema, tacos with sweet potatoes
Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings10 tacos
Calories387kcal
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Ingredients

Cilantro Lime Marinade

Jalapeño Crema

Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Assembly

Instructions

Cilantro Lime Marinade

  1. Combine flank steak, lime juice, cilantro leaves, pineapple juice, olive oil, garlic, and kosher salt in a large bowl or resealable bag.
  2. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Jalapeño Crema

  1. Add jalapeño peppers, minced garlic, olive oil, and sour cream to a blender or food processor.
  2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos

  1. Heat a grill or skillet to high heat.
  2. Remove marinated steak from refrigerator and drain excess marinade.
  3. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust based on thickness and desired doneness).
  4. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.
  5. Warm tortillas and assemble tacos with spinach, sliced steak, roasted sweet potatoes, and jalapeño crema.
  6. Garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

  • Don't skip the pineapple juice in the marinade—it adds a subtle sweetness and helps tenderize the steak.
  • Flank steak cooks quickly, so watch your timing to avoid overcooking.
  • For a lower-fat version, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt in the jalapeño crema.
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