Crispy Chimichurri Steak Tacos

If you’ve ever wanted tacos that are bursting with flavor, tender, and a little bit crispy, these Crispy Chimichurri Steak Tacos are about to blow your mind. Picture this: juicy skirt steak marinated in zesty citrus and aromatic spices, seared to perfection, and topped with a vibrant, garlicky chimichurri. Then, layer it all in warm, slightly crisp tortillas with a melty crown of fresh mozzarella cheese. Each bite is a symphony of tangy, savory, herby, and cheesy goodness.

These tacos are perfect for taco night, casual get-togethers, or whenever you feel like treating yourself to a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Trust me, once you try them, regular tacos will feel a little… plain.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about steak—it’s about creating a flavor-packed taco experience. Here’s why you’ll want to make these again and again:

Versatile: Serve as a casual weeknight dinner, at a backyard party, or even as part of a taco bar spread. They’re easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion.

Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients like skirt steak, fresh herbs, and a few pantry staples, you get a gourmet taco experience without overspending.

Quick and Easy: Even with the chimichurri sauce, this recipe is straightforward. Simple prep, quick cooking, and a delicious payoff.

Customizable: Love heat? Add extra chilies. Prefer creaminess? Top with avocado or a drizzle of crema. These tacos are totally flexible.

Crowd-Pleasing: Crispy edges, juicy steak, cheesy goodness, and fresh chimichurri make these tacos irresistible for both adults and kids.

Recipe Origin

Chimichurri originates from Argentina, a vibrant green sauce packed with parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. It’s traditionally paired with grilled meats, giving steak an unforgettable punch of flavor. By combining it with a taco format and a crispy, cheesy tortilla, we’re bringing together South American flair and Mexican comfort food for a truly next-level taco.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Knife and cutting board
Mixing bowl
Small bowl for chimichurri
Large skillet or grill pan
Tongs
Measuring spoons and cups
Citrus juicer
Grater for mozzarella
Spatula

Ingredients in Crispy Chimichurri Steak Tacos

Here’s what makes these tacos irresistible:

California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Rich and fruity, it forms the base of the chimichurri and keeps the steak juicy during cooking.

Fresh Parsley: Bright, herby, and aromatic, parsley is the star of the chimichurri.

Red Chilies: Provide a subtle kick and vibrant color to the sauce. Adjust to taste if you prefer milder heat.

Garlic: Adds punchy, aromatic depth to the chimichurri.

Fresh Oregano: Earthy and fragrant, it balances the parsley and garlic.

Red Wine Vinegar: Gives the chimichurri a tangy zing that cuts through the richness of the steak.

Skirt Steak: Tender and flavorful, this cut is perfect for quick searing and slicing thin for tacos.

Citrus Juices (Oranges & Lime): Tenderize the steak and add bright, zesty notes that complement the chimichurri.

Dried Oregano, Paprika, Ground Cumin, Salt, & Black Pepper: Classic taco spices that infuse the steak with smoky, earthy flavors.

White Wine: Used to deglaze the pan, picking up all the tasty caramelized bits from the steak.

Corn Tortillas: Warm, slightly crispy, and perfect for holding the steak and chimichurri.

Freshly Grated Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully over the crispy tacos, adding gooey, cheesy goodness that everyone loves.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make some unforgettable tacos:

Prepare the Chimichurri: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, parsley, red chilies, garlic, oregano, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside to allow flavors to meld.

Marinate the Steak: In a mixing bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, dried oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Add the skirt steak and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to infuse flavor.

Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Remove from the pan and let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.

Deglaze the Pan: Add white wine to the hot skillet and scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor.

Warm the Tortillas: Heat corn tortillas on the skillet for about 30 seconds per side until slightly crispy but still pliable.

Assemble the Tacos: Lay sliced steak on the warm tortillas. Drizzle generously with chimichurri, sprinkle with freshly grated mozzarella, and fold gently.

Crisp the Tacos (Optional): Return the assembled tacos to the skillet for a minute or two per side to lightly crisp the edges and melt the cheese.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with extra chimichurri or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: approximately 420
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Crispy Chimichurri Steak Tacos

These tacos are delicious on their own but pair beautifully with:

Fresh Salads: A light cabbage slaw or mixed greens provides a crisp contrast to the rich steak and cheese.

Salsas and Dips: Try pico de gallo, guacamole, or a drizzle of sour cream for extra flavor layers.

Side Dishes: Rice, roasted veggies, or black beans complement these tacos perfectly.

As a Standalone: The steak, chimichurri, and melted mozzarella are rich and satisfying enough to enjoy on their own.

For presentation, arrange tacos on a platter, drizzle extra chimichurri, and add lime wedges on the side.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the chimichurri up to a day in advance; flavors will intensify overnight in the fridge.

Leftover steak can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to maintain tenderness. Avoid reheating tortillas in the microwave if you want to preserve texture—use a skillet instead.

Variations to Try

Spicy Kick: Add finely chopped fresh jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chimichurri.
Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or queso fresco for a different melty flavor.
Vegetable Addition: Top tacos with grilled peppers, onions, or avocado slices.
Taco Bowl Version: Skip the tortilla and serve steak, chimichurri, and cheese over rice or greens.

Additional Tips

Rest the Steak: Letting the steak rest after cooking keeps it juicy and flavorful.
Marinate Longer: For more flavor, marinate the steak up to 2 hours.
Cheese Tip: Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
Crisping Tortillas: Lightly crisping tortillas in the skillet enhances texture.
Double the Batch: These tacos are perfect for a crowd, so make extra.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use another cut of steak?
A1: Yes, flank or hanger steak works well, though cooking times may vary.

Q2: Can I make the chimichurri ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely. It keeps in the fridge for up to 2 days and flavors intensify.

Q3: Can I freeze leftover steak?
A3: Yes, but slice before freezing for easier reheating. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Q4: How do I keep tortillas from tearing?
A4: Warm them briefly in a skillet or wrap in a damp cloth before assembling tacos.

Q5: Can I make these gluten-free?
A5: Yes, corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free.

Q6: Can I add more cheese?
A6: Definitely, just be mindful of melting times if crisping the tacos.

Q7: Can I grill the steak instead of using a skillet?
A7: Yes, grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with chimichurri.

Q8: Can I make this vegetarian?
A8: You can swap the steak for grilled portobello or marinated tofu.

Q9: How spicy are these tacos?
A9: Mild to medium by default. Adjust chilies in the chimichurri to taste.

Q10: Can I store chimichurri for longer than 2 days?
A10: It’s best fresh but will keep up to 1 week refrigerated in a sealed container.

Conclusion

Crispy Chimichurri Steak Tacos are a bold and flavorful twist on a classic taco night. The combination of juicy steak, herby chimichurri, melty mozzarella, and crisp tortillas creates a perfect bite every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a personal taco feast, these tacos are sure to impress and satisfy.

So grab your skillet, prep the chimichurri, and get ready to enjoy tacos that are vibrant, cheesy, and packed with bold flavors. Each bite is a little celebration of flavor you won’t want to miss.

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