Name: Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos | Jalapeño Crema Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 ½-2 lbs flank steak; ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; ½ cup cilantro leaves; 1 cup pineapple juice; ¼ cup olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 jalapeño peppers, seeds removed and chopped; 1 small garlic clove, minced; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 cup sour cream; Salt and pepper for seasoning; 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced small; ¼ cup olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Cilantro Lime Flank Steak; Crispy Roasted Sweet Potatoes; Jalapeño Crema; 1 cup baby spinach or kale; 10 to 12 taco size tortillas (corn or flour); Optional: Additional lime wedges or cilantro for garnish

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 14 reviews

Get ready for a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to a sunny street taco stand—Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos | Jalapeño Crema combine juicy, marinated steak, zippy jalapeño crema, and sweet roasted potatoes. Every bite is loaded with bright, bold, and balanced tastes, thanks to the fresh cilantro and lime, pineapple-kissed marinade, and that creamy, spicy sauce. These tacos are a dream for easy weeknight dinners or festive gatherings with friends, and they’re so simple you’ll want to make them again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos | Jalapeño Crema Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos | Jalapeño Crema comes from a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients that work together to create something truly mouthwatering. Each element has a purpose, and the beautiful colors and textures guarantee these tacos look as fantastic as they taste.

Flank Steak: This versatile cut is perfect for marinating and cooks up tender and juicy after a quick sear.
Lime Juice: Bright and tangy, it infuses both the steak and crema with zesty freshness.
Cilantro Leaves: Provides a vibrant, herbal lift that pairs beautifully with citrus and spice.
Pineapple Juice: Adds subtle sweetness and helps tenderize the steak as it marinates.
Olive Oil: Essential for both the marinade and roasting, it ensures every component gets golden and flavorful.
Garlic: Those little minced cloves add so much depth and aromatic savoriness.
Kosher Salt: Brings all the flavors together and helps season everything to perfection.
Jalapeño Peppers: For the crema, they add just the right kick—adjust the amount if you love more heat.
Sour Cream: Makes the jalapeño crema lusciously smooth and cooling.
Sweet Potatoes: Roasted until crispy, these add a pop of color and natural sweetness to each taco.
Baby Spinach or Kale: A fresh, leafy layer that amps up the nutrition and texture.
Corn or Flour Tortillas: Choose your favorite for that essential taco shell—don’t forget to warm them!
Additional Garnishes: Extra lime wedges or chopped cilantro make the finished tacos absolutely stunning.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos | Jalapeño Crema

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade

Start by combining the lime juice, cilantro, pineapple juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt in a food processor. Just a few pulses and a quick blend will unleash a whirlwind of fragrance—this isn’t your average marinade! Pour it over the flank steak in a ziplock bag or container, then let it soak up all those flavors in the fridge for at least 8 hours (or up to 2 days if you want to plan ahead).

Step 2: Sizzle the Jalapeño Crema

Next, bring the heat—literally! Sauté chopped jalapeños and garlic in olive oil until fragrant, then blend them up with sour cream, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Give the mixture a whirl in your blender or food processor until it’s ultra-smooth and creamy. That’s it! Tuck it away in the fridge while you prep everything else (and try not to sneak too many taste tests).

Step 3: Roast Up Those Sweet Potatoes

For the perfect sweet-savory taco combo, roast your diced sweet potatoes in the oven at 425°F with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The key is cutting them small so they fit snugly inside your tortillas—aim for bite-sized cubes. Roast until they’re golden and crispy, stirring once or twice for even caramelization. You’ll want to eat them by the handful, but save some for the tacos!

Step 4: Sear and Slice the Flank Steak

Let your marinated steak come to room temperature, then sear it in a ripping hot cast iron skillet or grill pan. Just a few minutes per side is all you need for gorgeous char on the outside and juicy, flavorful meat inside. Let the steak rest before slicing it thin against the grain—this ensures melt-in-your-mouth bites every time.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas and Assemble

Warm your tortillas right over a gas burner, in a skillet, or wrapped in a damp towel in the oven—they’ll be pliable and ready for taco action. Now for the fun part: layer baby spinach or kale, a generous spoonful of steak, some crispy sweet potatoes, and a luscious drizzle of jalapeño crema. Garnish with extra cilantro or lime, and serve immediately.

How to Serve Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos | Jalapeño Crema

Garnishes

Amp up the wow factor with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, a squeeze of bright lime, or even a few sliced radishes for crunch. A shower of crumbly queso fresco or cotija cheese over the top will take these Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos | Jalapeño Crema to the next level—presentation truly matters!

Side Dishes

Pair these tacos with sides that echo the fresh, Mexican flavors: try classic elote (Mexican street corn), a cool cucumber and avocado salad, or just-simple chips and fresh guacamole. The creamy jalapeño crema doubles as a dip for veggies or chips, so set out any extras for grazing.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting friends or planning a taco bar? Lay out the steak, veggies, crema, and extras buffet-style so everyone can build their own masterpiece. Or, for a playful twist, turn Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos | Jalapeño Crema into sliders by scooping the filling into small lettuce cups for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra steak, sweet potatoes, and jalapeño crema in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The flavors hang on beautifully for a couple of days, and leftovers make an amazing lunch—just assemble fresh tacos when you’re ready to eat.

Freezing

The marinated, uncooked flank steak freezes beautifully, so you can prep ahead for busy nights. Once cooked, it’s best to freeze just the steak (not the crema or potatoes) in slices, tightly wrapped or stored in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently rewarm steak slices in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep them juicy—just a minute or two, covered, will do the trick. The sweet potatoes can be revived on a sheet pan in a hot oven for a few minutes. Give the jalapeño crema a good stir after it comes out of the fridge, and you’re set!

FAQs

Can I grill the steak instead of pan-searing?

Absolutely! Firing up the grill adds even more smoky char to the steak. Just make sure the grill is screaming hot, and follow the same timing for each side—the steak will cook in a flash.

What if I want a milder jalapeño crema?

Simply remove all the seeds (and even the membranes if you love things extra mild) from your jalapeños before sautéing. You can also swap one jalapeño for a milder green pepper if you prefer a hint of spice without the heat.

Can I use a different protein?

Definitely! While the Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos | Jalapeño Crema combo is a winner, thinly sliced chicken thighs or portobello mushrooms also taste fabulous with the same marinade and toppings.

How long can I marinate the steak?

A solid 8 hours gives the best flavor, but you can leave the steak in the marinade for up to 2 days—it just gets more tender and flavorful with time. This makes it a perfect make-ahead option!

What should I do if my sweet potatoes aren’t getting crispy?

Make sure your sweet potato cubes are evenly sized and spaced out on the baking sheet—crowding causes steaming instead of roasting. If you want extra crispiness, pop them under the broiler for the last few minutes.

Final Thoughts

There’s really nothing like the party of flavors you get with Cilantro Lime Flank Steak Tacos | Jalapeño Crema. It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave whenever you want to impress, nourish, or simply treat yourself to a fresh, fun, and unforgettable meal. Gather your favorite people and dig in—you’re about to make tacos that everyone will talk about!