Spicy Vietnamese Flank Steak Tacos with Herb Salad
Experience the bold and vibrant flavors of Vietnam with these Spicy Flank Steak Tacos. This culinary creation features tender flank steak marinated in a zesty, spicy Asian marinade, infused with fresh ginger, aromatic lemongrass, and A.1. Original Sauce. The steak is grilled to perfection, thinly sliced, and nestled in warm corn tortillas. Each taco is topped with a fresh and crunchy salad made from crisp cucumber, juicy grape tomatoes, creamy avocado, and nutrient-rich spinach, all tossed in a tangy citrus dressing. Complete your feast with garnishes of fresh cilantro, mint sprigs, and zesty lime wedges for a truly delightful meal that serves 6 people.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
29
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh garlic
3 tablespoons (finely chopped)
green onion
1 cup (thinly sliced, divided)
fresh ginger
1/4 cup (peeled and chopped)
Asian pear
1 cup (peeled and chopped)
A.1. Original Sauce
1/2 cup
soy sauce
1/2 cup
mirin
1/2 cup
lemongrass
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
fresh mint
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
sugar
2 tablespoons
sesame oil
1 tablespoon
fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon
kosher salt
2 teaspoons (divided use)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon
flank steaks
2 lbs (trimmed)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
seedless European cucumber
1 cup (thinly sliced)
fresh spinach
1 cup (thinly sliced)
grape tomatoes
1 cup (halved)
avocado
1 cup (peeled and medium diced)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons
lemon zest
2 teaspoons (finely grated)
corn tortillas
12 (warmed)
citrus ranch dressing
3/4 cup
fresh cilantro stems
12
fresh mint sprigs
12
lime wedges
12
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the fresh garlic, half of the green onions, fresh ginger, A.1. Sauce, soy sauce, mirin, lemongrass, fresh cilantro, mint, sugar, sesame oil, lime juice, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Blend until the marinade is smooth and well combined.
2
Place the flank steak into a shallow pan and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
3
Preheat a charcoal grill until the briquettes are covered in ash. Remove the flank steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Generously spray the grill grates with nonstick cooking oil. Season the steak with the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ground black pepper, and place it on the grill.
4
Grill the flank steak for approximately 6 minutes on each side, basting with the marinade while cooking. Cook until the steak reaches medium rare, then remove from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes.
5
In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining green onions, cucumber, spinach, grape tomatoes, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar. Toss to coat and refrigerate for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6
Using a serrated knife, slice the rested flank steak diagonally into thin strips. Place two warmed tortillas on each of 6 serving platters, and arrange the steak strips evenly on top.
7
Using a slotted spoon, creatively layer the herb salad over the steak on each tortilla. Evenly sprinkle diced avocado on top of the tacos.
8
For the finishing touch, drizzle the Citrus Ranch Dressing over the tacos, and garnish each plate with fresh cilantro stems, mint sprigs, and lemon wedges for an added burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Spicy Vietnamese Flank Steak Tacos?
The main protein used in this recipe is 2 lbs of trimmed flank steak.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
How long should the flank steak be marinated?
The steak should be refrigerated and marinated for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
What ingredients are used in the spicy Asian marinade?
The marinade consists of garlic, green onions, ginger, Asian pear, A.1. Original Sauce, soy sauce, mirin, lemongrass, mint, cilantro, sugar, sesame oil, lime juice, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes.
How should the flank steak be cooked?
The steak should be grilled on a charcoal grill for approximately 6 minutes on each side until it reaches medium rare.
What type of tortillas are used for these tacos?
The recipe calls for 12 warmed corn tortillas.
What is included in the herb salad topping?
The herb salad is made from green onions, seedless European cucumber, fresh spinach, and grape tomatoes tossed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
How long should the steak rest after grilling?
After removing the steak from the grill, allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
What is the recommended way to slice the steak?
Use a serrated knife to slice the rested flank steak diagonally into thin strips.
What final garnishes are suggested for this dish?
The tacos are finished with Citrus Ranch Dressing, diced avocado, fresh cilantro stems, mint sprigs, and lime wedges.
Is a food processor necessary for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend the garlic, ginger, lemongrass, and other marinade ingredients into a smooth consistency.
What kind of grill is recommended?
A charcoal grill is recommended, specifically waiting until the briquettes are covered in ash.
How do you prepare the avocado?
The avocado should be peeled and medium diced before being sprinkled on top of the tacos.
What gives the marinade its zesty citrus flavor?
The zesty citrus flavor comes from fresh lime juice and lemongrass in the marinade.
How much ginger is required for the marinade?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of peeled and chopped fresh ginger.
Are there any specific instructions for the grill grates?
Yes, you should generously spray the grill grates with nonstick cooking oil before placing the steak on the grill.
What should be done to the steak after taking it out of the marinade?
You should remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning and grilling.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh garlic.
What type of vinegar is used for the herb salad?
Balsamic vinegar is used to dress the herb salad.
Is there any lemon used in the recipe?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon zest and lemon wedges are used for flavor and garnishing.
What is the purpose of the Asian pear in the marinade?
Asian pear is often used in Asian meat marinades to help tenderize the meat and provide a subtle sweetness.
How should the cucumber be prepared for the salad?
One cup of seedless European cucumber should be thinly sliced.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 29 ingredients listed for this Spicy Vietnamese Flank Steak Taco recipe.
What kind of sauce provides the base flavor for the steak?
A.1. Original Sauce and soy sauce provide the primary savory base for the steak marinade.
How long should the herb salad sit before serving?
The herb salad should be refrigerated for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld before assembly.
Is sesame oil included in the recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil is blended into the marinade.
How do you handle the green onions?
The green onions are divided: half are blended into the marinade, and the other half are tossed into the herb salad.
What provides the heat in this 'spicy' recipe?
The heat comes from 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes included in the marinade.
What is the total amount of kosher salt used?
A total of 2 teaspoons of kosher salt is used, divided between the marinade and the seasoning for the steak.
How are the grape tomatoes prepared?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of grape tomatoes, which should be halved.