Name: Thai Beef Tacos with Lime Cilantro Slaw Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Thai Fusion
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar; 1½ teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger; 1½ teaspoons fish sauce; ½ teaspoon chili garlic sauce (add more if you like it spicy!); ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 2 medium garlic cloves, minced; 1 pound flank steak, trimmed; 3 cups packaged angel hair slaw; 2 cups packaged matchstick cut carrots; ¼ cup sliced green onions; ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro; ¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice; 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon granulated white sugar; 1½ teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger; 1½ teaspoons fish sauce; ½ teaspoon chili garlic sauce; 2 medium garlic cloves, minced; Eight 6-inch flour tortillas (warmed in oven or microwave)

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If you’ve been searching for a dish that brilliantly marries bold Thai flavors with the casual fun of tacos, your quest ends here. This Thai Beef Tacos with Lime Cilantro Slaw Recipe bursts with spicy, tangy, and fresh notes all wrapped in a warm tortilla, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a party crowd-pleaser. The tender marinated flank steak pairs beautifully with a crisp, zesty slaw that adds just the right amount of crunch and brightness, delivering a mouthwatering experience that feels both exotic and familiar.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass baking dish at the bottom center holding a raw, rectangular piece of red meat with white fat streaks. Surrounding it are small glass bowls and white measuring cups with ingredients: shredded purple and white cabbage on the left, shredded orange carrots on the right, and minced white garlic and ginger in two small bowls nearby. A bright green lime and a small bunch of fresh green cilantro sit near the top, along with two tall clear salt and pepper shakers. There are four wooden measuring spoons with metal heads on the left side, and a small glass bowl with amber liquid near the top left. A single green onion stalk lies horizontally on the right side. All items rest on a white marbled surface, with a white cloth with black lines in the bottom left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors while adding layers of texture and vibrant colors. From the fragrant ginger to the crisp slaw mix, these simple yet essential components come together effortlessly.

Granulated white sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the spicy and savory elements.
Minced peeled fresh ginger: Infuses the marinade and slaw dressing with a warm, zesty kick.
Fish sauce: Provides authentic umami depth essential to Thai cuisine.
Chili garlic sauce: Offers a spicy punch—adjust the amount to your heat preference.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the steak marinade.
Minced garlic cloves: Boosts aroma and flavor intensity in the marinade and slaw.
Flank steak, trimmed: A lean and tender cut that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
Packaged angel hair slaw: Delivers a light, crunchy base with a hint of sweetness.
Packaged matchstick cut carrots: Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness to the slaw.
Sliced green onions: Brings freshness and mild onion flavor to the slaw.
Chopped fresh cilantro: Adds herbal brightness and iconic Thai flair.
Freshly squeezed lime juice: Imparts essential tang that lightens the slaw dressing.
Rice wine vinegar: Balances acidity and complements the lime in the dressing.
Six-inch flour tortillas (warmed): Soft, warm, and perfectly sized to cradle the steak and slaw.

How to Make Thai Beef Tacos with Lime Cilantro Slaw Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Start by combining the granulated sugar, minced ginger, fish sauce, chili garlic sauce, black pepper, and garlic in a large zip-top plastic bag. This powerful blend locks in complex Thai flavors and tenderizes the flank steak beautifully. Add the steak to the bag and seal it tightly. Let it sit in the refrigerator for 20 minutes, turning occasionally to make sure the flavors penetrate evenly. This step is the secret to juicy, flavor-packed beef.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

Prepare your grill or broiler ahead of time to get it hot and ready. Remove the flank steak from its marinade, discarding the excess liquid to avoid flare-ups or bitterness. Place the steak on a grill rack or broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Cook it for 5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your preferred doneness level. Once done, let the steak rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before slicing thinly across the grain, ensuring tenderness with every bite.

Step 3: Prepare the Lime Cilantro Slaw

In a large bowl, mix together the angel hair slaw, matchstick carrots, green onions, and fresh cilantro for vibrant colors and a refreshing crunch. Then, whisk together freshly squeezed lime juice, rice wine vinegar, sugar, minced ginger, fish sauce, chili garlic sauce, and garlic in a glass measuring cup to create the flavorful dressing. Pour this over the slaw and toss well to coat everything evenly, infusing the salad with tangy, spicy, and aromatic notes that complement the steak.

Step 4: Assemble Your Thai Beef Tacos with Lime Cilantro Slaw Recipe

Lay out your warmed flour tortillas and divide the sliced steak evenly among them. Top each portion with around half a cup of the zesty lime cilantro slaw. Fold the tortillas in half and serve immediately while everything is still warm and fresh. The interplay between the tender beef and crisp, tangy slaw wrapped in a soft tortilla is downright addictive.

How to Serve Thai Beef Tacos with Lime Cilantro Slaw Recipe

A close-up view of a white plate with two pieces of cooked steak, each topped with a thick, dark reddish-purple mushroom sauce full of sliced mushrooms and herbs. One piece of steak is near the bottom center, showing a browned, textured surface, while the second piece is partly covered by a spoon full of sauce positioned slightly above it. To the right side of the plate, there are two sprigs of fresh green thyme resting on the white marbled surface. In the background, a white ramekin filled with more of the mushroom sauce and a silver spoon lie on the white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes elevates the tacos visually and flavor-wise. Sprinkle additional chopped cilantro or sliced green onions on top for extra brightness. A wedge of lime on the side invites guests to add a fresh squeeze of citrus to brighten each bite further. For those who crave heat, a drizzle of sriracha or a few thinly sliced fresh chilies works beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with simple sides that won’t compete with the bold taco flavors. Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice complements the Thai-inspired elements well. A light cucumber salad or crispy spring rolls offer a refreshing contrast. You could also serve crisp tortilla chips with a sweet chili dipping sauce to keep the festive mood going.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, serve these tacos family-style on a large platter with small bowls of extra slaw, lime wedges, and garnishes, letting everyone build their own. Alternatively, try serving the beef and slaw as a filling in lettuce cups for a low-carb twist that’s just as delicious. For a small gathering, mini tortillas with bite-sized portions make perfect party finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover steak slices and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart helps retain the freshness and texture of the slaw without it becoming soggy.

Freezing

While the cooked steak freezes well, the slaw does not maintain its crispness after thawing. Freeze sliced steak in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months for future easy meals. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat steak slices gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave just until warmed through, to avoid overcooking. Add the slaw fresh when ready to serve to keep its delightful crunch and vibrant flavors intact.

FAQs

Can I substitute flank steak with another type of beef?

Absolutely! Skirt steak or sirloin can be great alternatives for this recipe. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on thickness and cut.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?

The recipe has a moderate heat level from the chili garlic sauce, but it’s very easy to adjust. Add more sauce for extra spice or omit it for a milder version that still has plenty of flavor.

Can I make the lime cilantro slaw ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the slaw and dressing separately and combine them about 30 minutes before serving. This ensures the slaw stays crisp and fresh when you’re ready to eat.

What type of tortillas work best?

Flour tortillas around 6 inches in size work best to hold the fillings without breaking. If preferred, small corn tortillas can be used but may be more delicate when loaded.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

By swapping out the flour tortillas for gluten-free alternatives or lettuce wraps, and checking that your chili garlic sauce and fish sauce are gluten-free, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

You’re going to love the incredible blend of flavors and textures in this Thai Beef Tacos with Lime Cilantro Slaw Recipe. Whether for a relaxed weeknight meal or entertaining guests, these tacos deliver big on taste with minimal fuss. Grab your ingredients, fire up the grill or broiler, and get ready to share a meal that’s vibrant, fresh, and simply unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to try it!