Go Back
grilled steak tacos plate on the cutting board

Steak Tacos with Creamy Chipotle Sauce

Juicy grilled steak with smoky dry rub, topped with Oaxaca cheese, raw onion, cilantro, and homemade chipotle crema on charred corn tortillas
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ lbs skirt steak or flank steak
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce minced
  • 1 tbsp adobo sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp honey
  • Pinch of salt
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded Oaxaca cheese
  • ½ cup finely diced raw white onion
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Mix dry rub ingredients in small bowl: chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
  • Pat steak dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil over both sides, then coat generously with dry rub, pressing spices into meat. Let rest at room temperature 15-20 minutes.
  • Make chipotle sauce: Combine sour cream, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, honey, and salt in bowl. Whisk until smooth. Refrigerate until serving.
  • Preheat grill or cast iron skillet to high heat for 10-15 minutes until very hot.
  • Sear steak 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare (130-135°F internal temp). Don't move the meat during cooking to develop proper crust.
  • Remove steak from heat and rest 5-10 minutes loosely tented with foil.
  • Slice steak thinly against the grain at a slight angle for maximum tenderness.
  • Char corn tortillas directly over gas flame or in hot cast iron skillet until scattered black spots appear, about 30-45 seconds per tortilla. Stack in towel to keep warm.
  • Assemble tacos using two overlapped tortillas per taco. Layer sliced steak, Oaxaca cheese, raw white onion, and fresh cilantro.
  • Drizzle generously with creamy chipotle sauce and serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

Slice against the grain for tender bites
Make chipotle sauce ahead - flavors improve overnight
Oaxaca cheese melts beautifully but substitute mozzarella if needed
Use two tortillas per taco for better structure