Tender & Flavorful Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos: Your Ultimate Guide to a Quick & Delicious Meal
Get ready to discover your new favorite taco recipe! These Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos are a game-changer, delivering incredibly tender, juicy meat infused with vibrant flavors, all made effortlessly in your Instant Pot. Topped with a zesty cilantro lime slaw, these tacos are ready in minutes, making them perfect for any day of the week, not just Taco Tuesday!
While tacos are a year-round delight, many of my most cherished taco recipes evoke memories of warm, relaxed summer evenings on the patio. From my light and refreshing Fish Tacos with Avocado Mango Salsa to the smoky goodness of 21 Day Fix Grilled Pork Tacos with Avocado Peach Salsa, tacos are synonymous with good times and incredible flavor. This Instant Pot Flank Steak Taco recipe easily earns its place among these beloved favorites, offering a burst of fresh taste that’s hard to resist.
I’ve been incredibly eager to share this recipe with you, but summer has brought its own delightful distractions. My two little ones, Max and Mia, keep me happily busy, and I’m soaking up every moment. My daughter is heading into second grade this year, and it truly feels like time flies by faster than a quick-release on an Instant Pot!
Despite the wonderful chaos, I truly miss blogging when I’m away from it. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about sharing recipes and connecting with you all. It’s a joy to love what you do this much, and even in my moments of absence, know that you’re always on my mind!
Now, let’s get back to the star of the show: these incredible Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos
There are countless reasons why these Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos have quickly become a staple in my kitchen. Beyond their incredible taste, they offer a perfect blend of convenience, versatility, and health benefits, making them an ideal choice for any home cook:
- Unbelievably Tender and Flavorful Steak: The Instant Pot works its magic, transforming flank steak into melt-in-your-mouth tender strips. Infused with a vibrant marinade, the steak boasts a rich, savory flavor that’s both authentic and utterly delicious. Forget tough, chewy steak; this recipe guarantees a succulent result every time.
- Perfect for Any Day of the Week: While “Taco Tuesday” is a beloved tradition, these tacos are so easy and quick that you won’t want to reserve them for just one day. They’re an excellent solution for busy weeknights when you crave a homemade, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Effortless Cooking with the Instant Pot: One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is the use of the Instant Pot. It simplifies the cooking process dramatically. No need for constant supervision, no outdoor grill to tend – just set it and let it do the work. This hands-off approach frees up your time to focus on other things or simply relax.
- Highly Customizable to Your Taste: This recipe provides a fantastic foundation for your perfect taco. While the cilantro lime slaw adds a brilliant freshness, you can easily customize your toppings. Whether you prefer extra spice, different cheeses, or an array of fresh vegetables, these tacos adapt to your culinary whims, allowing for endless delicious variations.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Flank steak is a lean cut of meat, providing excellent protein. Combined with fresh vegetables and a light slaw, these tacos offer a balanced and nutritious meal. They can easily be adapted for various dietary needs, including gluten-free (with corn tortillas) and dairy-free (by skipping dairy toppings like Greek yogurt).
- Impressive Results with Minimal Effort: You’ll be amazed at how such a simple recipe can yield such restaurant-quality results. The deep flavors and tender texture will impress your family and friends, making these tacos a go-to for casual entertaining or a special weeknight treat.
Essential Ingredients for Your Delicious Flank Steak Tacos
Crafting the perfect Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor that make these tacos truly exceptional. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:
For the Instant Pot Flank Steak
- Flank Steak: The star of the show! Flank steak is known for its rich beefy flavor. For best results, cut it into thin slices (about 1/2-inch strips) against the grain. This cut becomes wonderfully tender when pressure cooked. Alternative Cuts: Skirt steak is another popular choice for tacos, offering similar flavor and texture. For a more budget-friendly option, a chuck roast can also be slow-cooked or pressure-cooked until shreddable.
- Fresh Lime: Freshly squeezed lime juice is non-negotiable for authentic, bright taco flavors. It provides essential acidity that tenderizes the meat and brightens the entire dish. Don’t skip the zest either, as it contains potent citrus oils.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil helps carry the flavors of the marinade and ensures an even cook. Avocado oil can be a great alternative for its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth that is fundamental to Mexican-inspired cuisine. If fresh garlic isn’t available, a good quality garlic powder (use about 1/2 teaspoon per clove) can be used in a pinch, though fresh is always preferred for maximum impact.
- Salt-Free Taco Seasoning: Using a salt-free blend gives you complete control over the sodium content of your dish. I highly recommend having a batch of homemade salt-free taco seasoning ready in your pantry for quick and healthy meals. It’s a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, and oregano that creates that classic taco taste.
- Can of Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This convenient ingredient adds a subtle heat, tanginess, and moisture to the Instant Pot. It acts as the liquid base for pressure cooking and infuses the steak with its robust flavor. Substitution: Fresh pico de gallo can also be used for an even fresher flavor profile, though you might need to adjust the liquid content for the Instant Pot.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the meat and enhancing all the other flavors. I prefer kosher salt or sea salt for their clean taste and texture. Adjust to your personal preference.
- Fresh Cilantro: This herb is synonymous with tacos, offering a bright, distinctive, and herbaceous note. If you’re not a fan (due to the “soap gene”), feel free to omit it; your tacos will still be incredibly flavorful with the other spices and lime.
- Corn Tortillas: The traditional choice for street-style tacos, corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free and develop a lovely texture when warmed. Alternative: Flour tortillas are also a popular option if gluten is not a concern for your family.
- Optional Toppings: Don’t forget to get creative with your toppings! Sliced avocado or a dollop of creamy guacamole, extra fresh cilantro, a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt (a healthy stand-in for sour cream), or your favorite hot sauce can elevate these tacos to new heights.
For the Best Ever Cilantro Lime Slaw
This vibrant, refreshing slaw is the perfect counterpoint to the rich, savory steak. It adds a delightful crunch and a burst of citrusy flavor:
- Coleslaw Mix (or chop your own cabbage): A pre-packaged coleslaw mix is a fantastic time-saver, typically containing shredded green and red cabbage, and sometimes carrots. If you prefer, you can finely chop fresh green cabbage for a crispier texture.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite and a beautiful pop of color to the slaw.
- Jalapeño: Diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat, or left in for more) provides a fresh, subtle kick that complements the lime.
- Cilantro: More fresh cilantro enhances the herbaceous theme and brings a vibrant green color.
- Lime Juice and Zest: The combination of fresh lime juice and zest is crucial for that bright, tangy, and aromatic “lime” in cilantro-lime slaw.
- Maple Syrup (or Honey): A touch of natural sweetener balances the acidity of the lime and the sharpness of the onion and jalapeño, adding a nuanced depth to the dressing.
- Chili Powder: This is an optional addition that introduces an extra layer of warm, smoky flavor to the slaw, making it even more dynamic.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fantastic Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos
Preparing these incredibly tender and flavorful Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos is simpler than you might imagine. Follow these easy steps to create a show-stopping meal that’s packed with taste and ready in no time:
- Prepare the Steak Marinade: Begin by combining the juice and zest of one fresh lime, 2 teaspoons of olive oil, two minced garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of your favorite salt-free taco seasoning directly in the Instant Pot liner. This creates a vibrant and aromatic marinade. Add your thinly sliced flank steak, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the steak to marinate for a few minutes while you gather your other ingredients – this brief marination time is key for infusing the meat with robust flavor.
- Pressure Cook the Steak: After the steak has had a few minutes to soak up the marinade, add the 10 oz. can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to the Instant Pot. These tomatoes provide essential liquid for pressure cooking and a wonderful depth of flavor. Secure the Instant Pot lid, making sure the sealing vent is in the “Sealing” position. Cook on manual (or pressure cook), high pressure, for 12 minutes. Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the steak to naturally release pressure for 5 minutes. This natural release period is important for tenderizing the meat and preventing it from drying out. After 5 minutes, carefully switch the vent to “Venting” for a quick release of any remaining pressure. Wait until the float valve drops before safely opening your pot.
- Assemble the Cilantro Lime Slaw: While your flank steak is pressure cooking, take this time to prepare the refreshing cilantro lime slaw. In a medium bowl, combine the coleslaw mix (or finely chopped cabbage), thinly sliced red onion, diced jalapeño (remember to remove seeds for less heat), 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro, the juice from one lime, 1-2 teaspoons of maple syrup (or honey) for a touch of sweetness, and a sprinkle of salt. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Allow the slaw to sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld and deepen. If you enjoy a hint of smoky spice, sprinkle on some chili powder before serving.
- Warm Tortillas and Serve: Heat your corn tortillas on a grill pan, a dry skillet, or even in the microwave until they are warm and pliable. This improves their texture and flavor. To assemble your tacos, spoon a generous amount of the tender flank steak into each warm tortilla, followed by a dollop of plain Greek yogurt (if using), and a heap of the fresh cilantro lime slaw. Finish with slices of creamy avocado and a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and savor every bite of these fantastic tacos!
Expert Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos
Achieving restaurant-quality tacos at home is easier than you think with these helpful tips:
- Ensuring Steak Tenderness: If, after the initial cooking and release, your flank steak still feels a bit tough, don’t worry! This can sometimes happen if the steak was particularly thick or the Instant Pot wasn’t fully up to pressure. Simply turn the Instant Pot back to the sauté setting for a few extra minutes, or leave it on the “Keep Warm” setting. The steak will continue to cook and tenderize in the flavorful juices. For my recipe, 12 minutes of high pressure yielded perfectly tender results.
- Natural Release for Maximum Tenderness: While a quick release saves time, if you have the luxury of extra minutes, opt for a full natural pressure release. This allows the meat to rest slowly in the Instant Pot, continuing to cook gently and reabsorb its juices, resulting in an even more incredibly tender and moist steak.
- Slicing Against the Grain: Always slice flank steak thinly and against the grain. This is crucial for tenderness, as it shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite much easier to chew and enjoy.
- Marination Matters: Even a short marination period (5-10 minutes) greatly enhances the flavor of the flank steak. The lime juice not only infuses flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. If you have more time, feel free to marinate the steak for 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Doubling the Recipe for a Crowd: Planning a party or feeding a larger family? You can easily double the amount of flank steak without needing to double all the other marinade ingredients. The existing amount of liquid and seasoning is usually sufficient to flavor a larger batch of meat. Just ensure your Instant Pot isn’t overfilled and that there’s enough liquid for pressure building.
- Don’t Overstuff Your Tortillas: While it’s tempting to pile on the fillings, avoid overstuffing your tortillas. This makes them difficult to eat and prone to breaking. A balanced amount of steak, slaw, and toppings ensures a perfect bite every time.
Storing Your Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos for Later Enjoyment
One of the great things about these Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos is how well the components can be stored, making them excellent for meal prep or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Proper storage ensures the ingredients remain fresh and delicious.
- Separate Storage is Key: For the best quality and to prevent sogginess, it’s highly recommended to store the cooked flank steak, cilantro lime slaw, and tortillas separately. Assemble your tacos just before eating.
- Refrigerating the Steak: Store any leftover cooked flank steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
- Storing the Slaw: The cilantro lime slaw, with its fresh ingredients, will stay crisp for 2-3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you anticipate making a large batch, you might consider storing the dressing separately from the cabbage mix until ready to serve, to maintain maximum crunch.
- Tortilla Storage: Keep any unused tortillas in their original packaging or an airtight bag at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Warm them just before serving.
- Freezing the Steak (Optional): While best enjoyed fresh, the cooked flank steak can be frozen for longer storage. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Quick Storage Tip: If you’re only storing for a very short period (e.g., a few hours), you can loosely cover the assembled ingredients with a layer of plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out, but for longer periods, separate airtight containers are always the best way to maintain that great flavor and texture.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve Alongside Your Flank Steak Tacos
While these Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos are incredibly satisfying on their own, pairing them with the right sides can elevate your meal to a true feast. Here are some fantastic suggestions to complement the rich flavors of the steak and the fresh crunch of the slaw:
- Versatile Burrito Bowls: For a gluten-free or low-carb option, skip the tortillas entirely and serve the tender flank steak and slaw over a bed of fluffy rice or a lighter Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. This creates a hearty and customizable burrito bowl.
- Creamy Mexican Street Corn Salad: My Mexican Street Corn Salad is an absolutely delicious and vibrant side dish that perfectly complements the flavors of these tacos. It adds a touch of sweetness, tang, and creamy texture that you’ll adore.
- Simple Cilantro-Lime Rice: A classic pairing, a simple rice pilaf infused with fresh cilantro and lime juice provides a light and aromatic accompaniment that balances the richness of the steak.
- Black Beans or Refried Beans: A side of warm black beans (perhaps seasoned with a touch of cumin and garlic) or creamy refried beans adds a comforting and traditional element to your taco spread.
- Fresh Guacamole & Salsa: You can never go wrong with extra homemade guacamole and a vibrant fresh salsa (like pico de gallo or a chunky salsa verde) for dipping chips or adding to your tacos.
- Grilled Vegetables: Simple grilled bell peppers and onions, or even zucchini and corn, can add a healthy and flavorful component to your meal.
- Lime Wedges: Always have extra lime wedges on hand! A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating brightens all the flavors and adds that essential zing. It’s a simple detail that makes a big difference.
- Sweet Potato Fries: For a heartier side, a batch of crispy sweet potato fries seasoned with a touch of chili powder makes a delicious and fun addition.
We often keep it simple by just serving our tacos with warm corn tortillas and the incredible cilantro-lime coleslaw – which, by the way, is so good it could be a standalone dish! But if you’re looking to expand your meal, these pairings offer fantastic options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos
The beauty of tacos lies in their versatility! For these particular tacos, we highly recommend sliced avocado (or guacamole), a sprinkle of extra fresh cilantro, and a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy contrast. Beyond that, feel free to get creative! Fresh garden tomatoes, a vibrant salsa (like pico de gallo or a spicy habanero salsa), crumbled cotija cheese, or pickled red onions are all fantastic additions. Just remember to account for your chosen toppings if you are following specific dietary programs like 21 Day Fix or Weight Watchers.
Absolutely! To ensure these tacos are gluten-free, simply use corn tortillas, which are naturally free of gluten. Many brands offer excellent corn tortilla options. For a dairy-free meal, just omit the optional Greek yogurt topping, and the rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free. This makes them a wonderfully accommodating option for various dietary needs.
Yes, you certainly can adapt this recipe for your slow cooker! While the Instant Pot offers a quicker cooking time, the slow cooker will yield equally tender and flavorful results. To convert, simply combine all the ingredients for the steak portion of the tacos directly in your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for approximately 8-10 hours, or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the flank steak is fork-tender and easily shreddable. The slaw can be prepared fresh just before serving.
Yes, without a doubt! This cilantro lime coleslaw is so fresh, zesty, and delicious that it makes a fantastic side dish all on its own. It’s incredibly refreshing and a great complement to many other meals. If you plan to serve it independently, I recommend doubling the recipe to have plenty for everyone. It would be a perfect crisp and tangy side for dishes like 21 Day Fix Pulled Pork with Maple BBQ Sauce (Crock Pot/Instant Pot) or alongside crispy Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders.
If you love a little extra heat, there are several ways to amp up the spice in your flank steak tacos. You can add an extra diced jalapeño (with seeds for maximum heat) to the Instant Pot along with the tomatoes and chilies. Alternatively, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the marinade will also do the trick. For serving, offer extra hot sauce on the side or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who dare!
Meal prepping parts of this recipe is an excellent idea for even faster weeknight dinners! You can slice the flank steak and prepare the marinade a day in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cilantro lime slaw can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, though for maximum crunch, you might want to add the dressing just before serving. Having these components ready to go means dinner can be on the table in under 30 minutes once you start the Instant Pot!
Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos
Nancylynn
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
For the Tacos
- 1.5 lbs flank steak trimmed of any fat and sliced thin – about 1/2 inch strips
- 1 lime
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon salt free taco seasoning
- 10 oz. can of diced tomatoes with green chilies
- salt to taste
- 2 tbsp cilantro
- 1 package corn tortillas warmed
- Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, plain Greek yogurt
For the Cilantro Lime Slaw
- 2 cups coleslaw mix or chop your own cabbage
- 1/4 red onion cut into skinny strips
- 1/2 jalapeno diced and seeds removed
- 2 tbsp cilantro
- 1 lime
- 1-2 tsp maple syrup or honey
- chili powder optional
Instructions
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Mix juice and zest of one lime, 2 tsp of olive oil, garlic, salt, 2 Tbsp of chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp of salt and 1 Tbsp of taco seasoning together in the Instant Pot. Add in Flank Steak and let it marinate together for a few minutes, coating both sides of the steak.
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After a couple of minutes, add the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies to the Instant Pot, place the cover on top and cook on manual, high pressure for 12 minutes. Once cook time is over, let meat sit for five minutes before carefully switching to quick release. Let steam escape before opening your pot.
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While meat is cooking, put together the coleslaw by mixing together the coleslaw mix, red onion, jalapeno, 2 Tbsp of chopped cilantro, juice from one lime, maple syrup or honey, and a sprinkle of salt. Mix well and let flavors sit. Sprinkle on some chili powder, if desired.
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Warm tortillas on a grill pan, then serve tacos with yogurt, meat, coleslaw and top with avocado and some extra cilantro. Enjoy!
Notes
21 Day Fix: 1 YELLOW, 1 RED, 2/3 GREEN, 1/2 TSP, optional 1/2 BLUE (per serving)
WW: 10 points (per serving) [Calculated using 1 tsp maple syrup]
Nutrition