
I absolutely love sharing The Ultimate Steak Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that instantly transports you to a summer backyard party – even if you’re just cooking in your kitchen. The combination of juicy, marinated filet mignon with that vibrant, tangy pineapple salsa is a flavor bomb that s both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a household favorite, especially for gatherings. It s perfect for busy days when you prep ahead, and the marinade does all the magic while you go about your day. Plus, the pineapple salsa adds a freshness that perfectly balances the rich, smoky steak.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor Explosion: The marinade tenderizes the steak while infusing it with smoky and sweet notes, paired with a bright pineapple salsa that wakes up your taste buds.
- Simple Prep, Big Payoff: Marinate ahead to save time and grill in just minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or weekend get-togethers.
- Fresh and Healthy: This recipe balances protein, fresh fruit, and herbs, so you get a nutritious meal without feeling heavy.
- Customizable and Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone I ve served it to asks for seconds – plus it s easy to tweak for spice levels and sides.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in The Ultimate Steak Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe plays a role-from juicy pineapple juice in the marinade to the crisp radishes in the salsa, everything works in harmony to create that perfect blend of textures and flavors. Here’s a bit about what you’ll want to keep an eye out for when shopping.
- Filet mignon: I prefer filet for its tenderness, but flank or skirt steak can work too if you want a bit more chew.
- Pineapple juice: This adds natural sweetness and helps tenderize the meat; fresh is best but bottled works fine.
- Tamari or gluten-free soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami punch-tamari is my go-to for gluten-free options.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic gives a punch of flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Smoked paprika: This smoky spice deepens the marinade and complements the grilled steak beautifully.
- Pineapple (for salsa): Fresh pineapple diced small brings a juicy pop to the salsa.
- Radish: Adds crunch and a peppery bite, balancing the sweetness of pineapple.
- Red onion: Provides a subtle sharpness; soaking it briefly in cold water can mellow the flavor.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds that classic taco herbaceous note-don t skip it!
- Lime juice: Brightens the salsa and keeps the flavors lively.
- Jalapeño: For heat; adjust based on your spice preference, and remember to remove seeds if you want it milder.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor in the salsa and marinade.
- Tortillas (corn or flour): I usually pick soft corn tortillas for authenticity, but flour works great too for flexibility.
- Avocados: Creamy slices that mellow the heat and add richness to each bite.
Variations
I love how flexible The Ultimate Steak Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe is because you can easily tweak it to your tastes or what you have on hand. Whether you want to add some smoky heat or make it vegetarian-friendly, it s all about having fun and making it yours.
- Spicy Upgrade: I sometimes add chipotle powder to the marinade for a deeper smoky heat that my family can t get enough of.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or seitan and keep the pineapple salsa – it s just as delicious!
- Seasonal Salsa: In cooler months, I like adding diced mango or pomegranate seeds to the pineapple salsa for a different fruity twist.
- Cheese Toppings: Crumbled cotija or queso fresco sprinkled on top adds a creamy, salty finish that’s irresistible.
How to Make The Ultimate Steak Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marinade and Marinate the Steak
Start by combining pineapple juice, tamari, minced garlic, and smoked paprika in a small bowl and whisking well. This marinade tenderizes the filet mignon while layering in a lovely balance of sweet and smoky flavors. Place your filet mignon into a large ziplock bag, pour the marinade over, seal it tightly, and massage to coat the steak evenly. I always recommend marinating for at least 4 hours, but overnight brings out the best flavor and tenderness-trust me on this!
Step 2: Prepare the Radish Pineapple Salsa
While the steak marinates, toss together diced pineapple, radish, red onion, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, jalapeño, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Stir everything gently so the flavors meld without bruising the ingredients. This salsa is where the bright, fresh contrast comes in and it keeps beautifully chilled until you re ready to serve.
Step 3: Grill the Steak Perfectly
Preheat your grill to medium-high, aiming for about 375°F to 400°F. To keep the steak from sticking, spray the grill grates with cooking spray or rub them with an olive oil-soaked rag – I learned this trick after regretting steaks stuck to a grill once! Place the marinated steak on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You re aiming for a nice char outside while keeping the inside slightly pink and juicy. Once done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes; this step is crucial to let those flavorful juices redistribute.
Step 4: Assemble Your Delicious Tacos
Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain and lay slices onto warmed tortillas. Add creamy avocado slices for richness, then top generously with your homemade pineapple salsa. Serve immediately and watch your family and friends go crazy for these vibrant, tasty tacos!
Pro Tips for Making The Ultimate Steak Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
- Marinate Overnight: I found marinating the steak overnight makes it unbelievably tender and flavorful, so don t rush this step.
- Rest the Steak: Always let it rest after grilling to keep the meat juicy and avoid dry edges.
- Warm Your Tortillas: Heat tortillas on the grill or skillet to make them pliable and add a subtle smoky flavor.
- Adjust Salsa Spice Thoughtfully: Begin with jalapeño seeds removed for a mild kick; you can always add more heat as you go.
How to Serve The Ultimate Steak Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
I m a big fan of adding a squeeze of fresh lime over the tacos right at the table; it brightens everything up. Sometimes I sprinkle a little crumbled cotija cheese on top for a salty contrast, or chopped fresh cilantro for extra freshness – those little touches really elevate the experience.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with these steak tacos include black beans simmered with garlic and cumin and a simple Mexican street corn salad. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs beautifully to keep things light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinner parties, I like setting up a taco bar with bowls of pineapple salsa, guacamole, cheese, and lime wedges – it s so fun watching everyone build their own perfect taco. Layering the steak slices on small wooden boards lined with banana leaves gives it a festive, authentic vibe if you want to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover steak slices and salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keeping them apart helps maintain the fresh texture of the salsa and prevents the tortillas from getting soggy when assembling later.
Freezing
If I m freezing leftovers, I wrap the sliced steak tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, placing it in a freezer-safe bag. The salsa doesn t freeze well because of the fresh veggies, so I usually make a fresh batch next time.
Reheating
The best way I ve found to reheat steak slices is in a hot skillet with a splash of water and covered loosely with foil to keep them moist. I warm tortillas separately on a dry pan or in the oven wrapped in foil to keep them flexible.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of steak for The Ultimate Steak Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe?
Absolutely! While filet mignon is great for its tenderness, you can substitute flank, skirt, or sirloin steak. Just be mindful that these cuts might need slightly longer marinating or different grilling times to get the best texture.
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Is it necessary to marinate the steak overnight?
Overnight marinating definitely amps up the flavor and tenderness, but if you’re short on time, 4 hours will work fine. I just find the deeper flavor and softer texture totally worth the wait.
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What can I substitute for tamari if I don t have any on hand?
Soy sauce is the closest substitute, though tamari is a bit less salty and gluten-free. If using soy sauce, adjust the amount slightly to taste since some brands are saltier.
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Can I make the pineapple salsa ahead of time?
Yes! I usually make the salsa a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. It tastes great chilled and the flavors meld nicely, but try to add avocado just before serving to avoid browning.
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What s the best way to warm tortillas for serving?
I heat tortillas briefly over an open flame for a few seconds on each side if I have a gas stove, or in a hot dry skillet. Wrapping warm tortillas in a clean towel keeps them soft and warm until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
The Ultimate Steak Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you want to gather friends and family around the table to share something truly tasty and fresh. I love how easy it is to prepare yet how special it feels when you bite into those juicy steak slices paired with that zingy, crunchy salsa. Seriously, give it a try-you ll find it s a perfect recipe to keep in your back pocket for nights when you want something effortless but memorable.
PrintThe Ultimate Steak Tacos with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 12 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 12 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Ultimate Steak Tacos with Pineapple Salsa offer a flavorful and juicy filet mignon marinated in a tangy pineapple and tamari blend, grilled to perfection, then topped with a fresh and vibrant radish pineapple salsa. Served with creamy avocado slices inside warm tortillas, this recipe is a perfect blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors that bring a bright twist to classic steak tacos.
Ingredients
Steak Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs. filet mignon
- 6 oz. pineapple juice
- 1/3 cup tamari (or gluten-free soy sauce)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Radish Pineapple Salsa:
- 1 cup diced pineapple
- 1/2 cup diced radish
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon diced jalapeno
- Salt to taste
For the Tacos:
- 12 tortillas (corn or flour)
- 2 avocados, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together pineapple juice, tamari, minced garlic cloves, and smoked paprika until fully combined to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Filet Mignon: Place the filet mignon into a large ziplock bag or airtight container. Pour the marinade over the steak, seal the bag, and mix to ensure the steak is evenly coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight to maximize flavor infusion.
- Make the Radish Pineapple Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine diced pineapple, radish, red onion, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, lime juice, diced jalapeno, and salt. Toss thoroughly with a spoon until ingredients are evenly mixed. Set the salsa aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high, around 375°F to 400°F. Lightly oil the grill grates with cooking spray or an olive oil-soaked rag to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Steak: Remove the filet mignon from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the steak on the hot grill and cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes, aiming for a slight char while keeping the interior slightly pink and juicy.
- Rest and Slice the Steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, flavorful meat. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas if desired. On each tortilla, layer slices of avocado, followed by the grilled steak slices, and finish with a generous scoop of the radish pineapple salsa. Serve immediately for best results.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the steak.
- Adjust the jalapeno quantity in the salsa based on your preferred spice level.
- Use gluten-free tamari if avoiding gluten.
- Warm the tortillas before assembling for more pliable tacos.
- Leftover steak slices can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 9 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg