Unforgettable Caribbean Steak Tacos: Grilled Perfection with Zesty Pineapple Salsa, Creamy Guacamole, and Rich Queso Fundido

Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary journey with these Caribbean Steak Tacos. Bursting with an incredible depth of flavor from a meticulously crafted marinade, the succulent grilled steak is nestled in warm tortillas, complemented by a vibrant Pineapple Salsa, smooth, creamy Guacamole, and a luscious Caribbean Queso Fundido. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a must-try, bucket-list-worthy experience that promises truly epic results. This post was sponsored.

This recipe was originally posted October 2017, then updated April 2020.

As the seasons change, or sometimes in Florida, stay wonderfully warm and sunny, it’s always a perfect time to fire up the grill! There’s something undeniably satisfying about the smoky aroma and the sizzle of steak transforming into a tender, flavorful masterpiece. Today, we’re diving into what I consider to be the ultimate steak taco recipe, designed to transport your palate straight to the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean.

These tacos are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, all culminating in a truly unforgettable bite. Each component plays a crucial role, creating a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, tangy, and a touch of heat that will have you reaching for another. Let’s walk through this incredible recipe for the best steak tacos imaginable, shall we?

The Caribbean Inspiration Behind These Flavorful Tacos, Powered by El Yucateco Hot Sauce

This recipe for Caribbean Steak Tacos draws deep inspiration from the resilience and vibrant culture of the Caribbean. In times of challenge, there’s a profound appreciation for home, community, and the simple joys of a shared meal. This dish is a tribute to that spirit, infused with the bright, bold, and complex flavors characteristic of Caribbean cuisine. It’s a way to send warmth and good thoughts, reflecting the richness and beauty of the islands through every ingredient.

To achieve this authentic and incredible flavor profile, I’ve proudly partnered with El Yucateco®, a hot sauce family I deeply admire. While many know and love their classic Green and Red Habanero sauces – which I frequently use for everything from breakfast eggs to my famous Bloody Marys – their Caribbean Sauce truly shines in this recipe. It’s not just about heat; it’s about adding a remarkable depth of flavor that elevates every element of these tacos.

The El Yucateco® Caribbean Sauce introduces a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes, enhancing the marinade without overpowering the steak. It’s a flavor that hits you “in your face, with no shame,” as I like to say, but in the most delightful way. When combined with the creamy queso-beer sauce, the fresh pineapple salsa, and the tender grilled steak, it creates a symphony of tastes that is truly unparalleled. Each bite is a perfectly orchestrated blend, leaving you craving more.

What makes El Yucateco sauces so special? For me, it’s their authentic depth. They go beyond mere spiciness, delivering a robust flavor that can transform any dish. Whether it’s the bright kick of the Green Habanero on eggs, the rich heat of the Red Habanero in my weekend cocktails, or the exotic warmth of the Caribbean Sauce in these tacos, they consistently provide that extra layer of deliciousness that you simply don’t get from other brands. It’s why I always have a bottle on hand, ready to elevate my cooking and even bring on camping trips!

Crafting Culinary Excellence: The Components of These Unforgettable Tacos

What elevates these Caribbean Steak Tacos from great to truly unforgettable? It’s the meticulous combination of perfectly crafted components, each contributing its unique texture and flavor to create a harmonious and delightful experience:

• Grilled Steak with Caribbean Marinade: The heart of our tacos. The steak is infused with the most exquisite Caribbean marinade, a blend of citrus, herbs, and warm spices that tenderizes the meat and imbues it with a complex, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. Grilling it to perfection adds that irresistible smoky char.
• Fresh Pineapple Salsa: A bright and zesty counterpoint. This salsa offers a wonderful balance of sweet, juicy pineapple, tart tomato, and a satisfying crunch from finely diced red onion. It cuts through the richness of the steak and cheese, adding a refreshing burst of tropical flavor.
• Creamy Guacamole: An essential for any taco. Our guacamole is simple yet perfect – smooth, rich, and made with ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, and cilantro. Its creamy texture and cooling effect provide a comforting base that ties all the other elements together beautifully.
• Irresistible Caribbean Queso Fundido: The ultimate indulgence. This isn’t just any cheese sauce; it’s a rich, smooth queso made with beer and a touch of El Yucateco® Caribbean Sauce. The beer adds a subtle depth and tang, while the hot sauce infuses it with that signature Caribbean warmth and complexity, creating a creamy, cheesy dream that coats every ingredient.

Yes, there are a few steps involved in bringing this symphony of flavors to life, but don’t let that deter you! Each stage is straightforward, and the process is incredibly rewarding. We’ll start by creating our incredible Caribbean marinade, which might boast a number of ingredients, but rest assured, each one serves a vital purpose in developing that signature, mouth-watering taste. You’ll thank me when you taste the results!

Once the steak is luxuriating in its magnificent marinade, absorbing all those incredible Caribbean flavors overnight, we move on to preparing the delightful accompaniments. First up is our easy Pineapple Salsa. This vibrant concoction is simply a matter of dicing and combining fresh ingredients, yielding a sweet and tangy burst that provides a refreshing contrast to the rich steak.

Next, we craft our smooth and cooling guacamole. This classic dip comes together quickly and effortlessly, offering that perfect creamy texture and fresh avocado flavor that everyone adores. It’s the ideal soothing element to balance the bold spices and savory steak.

Now, let’s talk tortillas. While you might be tempted to skip this step, if you’re using corn tortillas, a quick toast is a game-changer. Without it, they can fall apart, leading to a less-than-ideal taco experience. A light spray of cooking oil and a quick sizzle in a hot skillet or directly on the grill renders them pliable and sturdy. Of course, if you prefer, you can opt for flour tortillas, which are inherently more resilient and a popular choice in my own family.

Then comes the star of the show: grilling the steak. You’ll want your grill screaming hot to achieve a beautiful sear and a perfect medium-rare interior. Cook for just 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of your chosen cut. Once grilled, it’s crucial to let the steak rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender and succulent.

While the steak rests, we whip up our magnificent Caribbean Queso Fundido. This cheesy, beer-infused sauce comes together quickly, ready to drench your tacos in a rich, flavorful blanket. With all components prepared, you’re ready to assemble and savor these extraordinary Caribbean Steak Tacos.

Imagine the crisp freshness of romaine lettuce, the sweet tang of pineapple salsa, the creamy coolness of guacamole, and the ridiculously flavorful, tender steak – all embraced by a warm tortilla and drizzled generously with the savory, cheesy queso. It’s a flavor sensation that is genuinely hard to put into words. This recipe fills me with such pride; it’s creative, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to earn you rave reviews from anyone you share it with.

Your Roadmap to Creating These Spectacular Tacos

Let’s quickly review the straightforward steps that will lead you to taco perfection:

1. Marinade the steak: Allow ample time for the Caribbean flavors to penetrate the meat, ideally overnight.
2. Prepare the Pineapple Salsa: A quick chop and mix for a burst of sweet and tangy freshness.
3. Craft the Guacamole: Mash, season, and enjoy this creamy, cooling essential.
4. Whip up the Queso Fundido: A simple roux and melt creates a rich, cheesy sauce.
5. Toast the tortillas: Ensure sturdy, pliable shells, especially for corn tortillas.
6. Grill the steak: Achieve that perfect sear and tender interior on a hot grill.

While this recipe might seem to have several elements, rest assured that each step is surprisingly quick and easy. The salsa and guacamole come together in minutes, requiring minimal effort. The queso is a breeze to make, even adaptable to a small crockpot for convenience. And grilling steak? That’s typically the fastest part! So, despite the comprehensive list of ingredients and steps, every individual component is simple to execute, culminating in a collection of perfectly balanced, sensationally flavorful taco bites.

There you have it! These Caribbean Steak Tacos, served with their vibrant Pineapple Salsa, luscious Guacamole, and rich Caribbean Queso Fundido, are a true triumph. They are fantastic to make, a joy to eat, and promise an explosion of flavors that will leave a lasting impression. Dive in and enjoy every single bite!

More Delicious Recipes for the Grill

• Grilled Philly Cheesesteak Pizza
• Bistro Skirt Steak with Garlic Butter Mushrooms
• Citrus Grilled Chicken
• Grilled Steak with Horseradish Dijon Cream
• Orange and Cilantro-Marinated Chicken Tacos

Epic Steak Tacos Caribe with Pineapple Salsa, Guacamole, and Caribbean Queso Fundido

Steak tacos in a Caribbean marinade with SO much flavor, then grilled and served up in tacos with Pineapple Salsa, Guacamole, and Caribbean Queso Fundido.

5 from 2 votes

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: caribbean, caribe, tacos

Keyword: caribbean marinade, steak tacos

Prep Time: 45 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Authur: Erica

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 991kcal

Ingredients

For the Epic Steak Marinade

• juice of 1 lemon
• juice of 1 lime
• juice of 1 orange
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 2 Tbs El Yucateco® Caribbean Habanero sauce
• 2 large cloves garlic
• 2 Tbs chopped cilantro
• 2 Tbs chopped parsley
• 1 bunch green onion, thinly sliced white and green parts
• 1-1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp allspice
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp fresh cracked pepper
• 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

For the Pineapple Salsa

• 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
• ½ cup diced red onion
• juice of half a lime
• 4 oz pineapple tidbits, drained
• pinch kosher salt

For the Guacamole

• 2 ripe avocados, mashed
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• juice of a lime, or half a lime if large and juicy
• pinch kosher salt

For the Caribbean Queso Fundido

• 2 Tbs unsalted butter
• 2 Tbs all-purpose flour
• 1 12 oz beer (see Notes)
• 8 oz shredded Monterey jack cheese
• 1 Tbs El Yucateco® Caribbean Habanero sauce

For the tacos

• 1 lb steaks (see Notes)
• 1 head Romaine lettuce, cut into fine shreds
• yellow corn tortillas
• cooking spray

Instructions

• In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the marinade. Add the steaks, cover, and refrigerate overnight.
• In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the Pineapple Salsa. In a separate bowl, mash together the ingredients for the Guacamole.
• Heat a small, nonstick skillet over high heat. Spray corn tortillas with cooking spray and toast both sides in the skillet. Set aside.
• Heat the grill to screaming high heat. Grill the steaks, 2 to 3 minutes per side depending on thickness, to medium rare. Remove from the grill and set to rest 5 minutes.
• While steaks are resting, prepare the Caribbean Queso Fundido: heat the butter and flour in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, whisking until smooth. Allow to cook 1 minute to make a roux. Add the beer and heat to a simmer. Whisk in the cheese and El Yucateco® Caribbean Habanero sauce until smooth. Remove from the heat.
• Slice the steak in THIN slices against the grain.
• To assemble the tacos, layer in each corn tortilla: Guacamole, shredded Romaine lettuce, steak, Pineapple Salsa, and Caribbean Queso Fundido. Yields: 4 servings.

Notes

I have used NY strip, rib-eye, and Top Sirloin steaks to make this recipe, and all worked well. Flank steak would be another great option. Whichever cut of steak you choose, just remember to slice against the grain and THIN because when eating a taco, you don’t want to be battling chewy steak.

This marinade is phenomenal. As in spectacular. So good, that any steak, marinated, grilled, and served with a side of fresh guacamole alone would be epic.

For the beer, I usually go to a stout for cheese sauces like this, but for this recipe that would have overpowered everything else going on here. Instead, I used a hefeweizen and it was perfect with great flavor but not too much like a stout would have been. So, I recommend a medium-bodied beer for this recipe like a hefeweizen or IPA.

Nutrition

Calories: 991kcal

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