I love a good steak, but sometimes, I want to kick things up a notch—and that’s where this Mexican Spiced Steak with Pico de Gallo comes in.
It’s got bold, smoky flavors, a little hint of citrus, and just the right touch of spice. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make.
We’re talking about a quick marinade, a fast sear, and boom—dinner is served.
Whether you’re making this for a weeknight meal or impressing someone special, this one’s a winner.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Big Flavor, Minimal Effort – Bold spices, a hint of citrus, and that perfect steak sear—all in just 20 minutes. No fuss, just delicious.
✔ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Juicy, tender ribeye with layers of smoky, warm spices? Feels fancy, but trust me, it’s easy enough for a weeknight.
✔ Healthy & Satisfying – High in protein, low in carbs, and packed with flavor. Perfect if you’re keeping things gluten-free, dairy-free, or low-carb.
✔ Pico de Gallo Magic – The fresh, zesty kick from the Pico takes this steak to another level. It’s the combo you didn’t know you needed.
✔ Customizable to Your Taste – Want it spicier? Add some chili flakes. Prefer chicken? Swap it in. This recipe is yours to play with!
Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making steak like this all along! 😎🔥
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What You’ll Need To Make
A great steak is all about bold flavors and simple, quality ingredients. Here’s why these key players make this dish a total knockout:
→ Ribeye Steak 🥩 – Rich, juicy, and packed with flavor, ribeye is the king of steaks. That marbling? That’s where all the magic (aka flavor) happens!
→ Lime Juice 🍋 – A little citrus goes a long way! The lime juice adds a fresh, zesty kick and helps tenderize the steak for that melt-in-your-mouth bite.
→ Mexican Spices 🌶 – The combo of cumin, allspice, oregano, and cinnamon creates a warm, smoky, and slightly sweet spice rub that makes this steak unforgettable.
→ Pico de Gallo 🍅 – Fresh, vibrant, and zesty! The mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños adds a cool, refreshing contrast to the rich steak.
Put them all together, and you’ve got a meal that’s bold, balanced, and ridiculously delicious—without a ton of effort!
NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.
What You’ll Need To Do
Time required: 20 mins
1| Mix it up! Grab a small bowl and mix half of the lime juice with the cumin, allspice, oregano, and cinnamon. Add a good pinch of salt and pepper—because seasoning is life!
2| Marinate that steak! Brush your steak all over with the spice mix and let it sit. This is the perfect time to whip up a quick side—like fresh Pico de Gallo!
3| Sizzle time! Heat up a pan with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Cook the steak for about 2 minutes per side (or longer if you like it more well-done). Give it another sprinkle of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
4| Slice & serve! Let the steak rest for a minute, then slice it up and serve with a generous helping of Pico de Gallo—or whatever sides you love. Dig in and enjoy!
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Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks
Want to mix things up? Here are some easy swaps and tweaks to customize this Mexican Spiced Steak with Pico de Gallo to your taste!
Protein Swaps:
1| Try Chicken 🍗 – Swap ribeye for boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Same seasoning, just cook a little longer until fully done.
2| Go for Pork 🐷 – Pork chops or tenderloin work great with this spice blend—juicy and full of flavor!
3| Plant-Based Option 🌱 – Use portobello mushrooms or firm tofu for a vegetarian-friendly twist. Just marinate and grill for a smoky, meaty bite.
Spice Tweaks:
1| Make It Spicier 🔥 – Add chili powder, cayenne, or a little smoked paprika for extra heat.
2| Dial It Down 🧂 – Skip the allspice or cinnamon if you prefer a more classic, earthy spice mix.
3| Citrus Twist 🍊 – Swap lime juice for orange juice for a slightly sweeter, tangy marinade.
Serving Upgrades:
1| Make It a Taco Night 🌮 – Slice up the steak and load it into warm tortillas with Pico de Gallo and avocado.
2| Turn It into a Bowl 🥗 – Serve over cauliflower rice, mixed greens, or quinoa for a healthy, balanced meal.
3| Add a Sauce 🥑 – Drizzle with chipotle crema, avocado salsa, or a squeeze of extra lime for a little something extra.
However you tweak it, this recipe is a guaranteed flavor bomb. Have fun experimenting! 😋🔥
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Helpful Tips for Success
Want to make this steak even better? Keep these simple tips in mind:
1| Let the Steak Rest Before Slicing 🥩 – After cooking, give it at least 5 minutes to rest. This keeps all those delicious juices inside instead of running onto your plate.
2| Use a Hot Pan for a Perfect Sear 🔥 – A cast-iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan works best. You want that pan hot before adding the steak—this gives you that crispy, golden crust.
3| Don’t Overdo the Lime Juice 🍋 – A little is great for flavor and tenderizing, but too much can break down the meat too quickly, making it mushy.
4| Season Generously 🧂 – Don’t be shy with salt and pepper! It brings out the bold flavors in the spice mix and enhances the steak’s natural taste.
5| Check for Doneness Like a Pro 👌 – Use a meat thermometer for accuracy:
Rare – 125°F
Medium-rare – 130-135°F
Medium – 140-145°F
Well-done – 160°F+ (but let’s be honest, ribeye is best medium-rare!)
6| Pico de Gallo Hack 🍅 – Make it fresh at least 15 minutes ahead so the flavors can meld together. Even better? Let it sit in the fridge for an hour for peak deliciousness!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a steak that’s juicy, flavorful, and restaurant-worthy every time! 😋🔥
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Diet-Friendly Variations
This Mexican Spiced Steak with Pico de Gallo is already low in carbs, but here’s how you can tweak it to be fully Keto, Low-Carb, and Paleo-friendly while keeping all that bold flavor intact.
Keto Version 🥩
✅ Already Keto-Friendly! The steak and spices are naturally low in carbs. However, to make sure it’s 100% keto-approved:
- Check your Pico de Gallo – Store-bought versions sometimes have added sugars. Make it fresh at home with just tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime, and jalapeños.
- Boost the Fats – Drizzle the steak with extra olive oil or melted butter after cooking for that extra keto goodness.
- Serve with Avocado 🥑 – Adds healthy fats and makes the meal even more satisfying.
Low-Carb Version 🍽
✅ This recipe is naturally low-carb, but if you want to keep carbs even lower:
- Reduce the Tomatoes in the Pico de Gallo since they have some natural sugars. Swap in diced bell peppers for extra crunch.
- Pair with Low-Carb Sides – Instead of rice or tortillas, serve it over cauliflower rice, sautéed spinach, or zucchini noodles.
Paleo Version 🌿
✅ Almost perfect for Paleo as-is! Just a couple of small tweaks:
- Use Fresh-Ground Spices – Some store-bought spice blends have hidden additives. Make sure your cumin, allspice, oregano, and cinnamon are 100% pure.
- Swap Olive Oil for Avocado Oil – Avocado oil is Paleo-friendly and has a higher smoke point, making it great for searing.
- Skip Any Dairy-Based Toppings – If you’re adding sauces, avoid sour cream or cheese and go for a fresh avocado salsa or guacamole instead.
Whichever version you go with, you’re still getting a juicy, flavorful steak with bold Mexican spices—no compromise on taste! 🔥😋
Serving Ideas
This steak is already a flavor bomb, but the right sides can take it to the next level. Here are some easy, delicious serving ideas:
Classic & Simple 🍽
- Pico de Gallo & Avocado Slices 🥑 – Keep it fresh, light, and zesty!
- Grilled Veggies 🌶 – Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus make a great side.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly 🥩
- Cauliflower Rice 🍚 – A perfect swap for regular rice, plus it soaks up all the steak juices!
- Zucchini Noodles (“Zoodles”) 🥒 – Toss them in olive oil and lime for a fresh, low-carb side.
- Avocado & Cucumber Salad 🥗 – Cool, creamy, and refreshing against the warm spices.
For a Hearty Meal 🌯
- Taco Style 🌮 – Slice the steak and serve in low-carb or corn tortillas with extra Pico de Gallo and guacamole.
- Steak Bowl 🍲 – Serve over cilantro-lime rice or quinoa, add black beans, grilled corn, and top with a squeeze of lime.
- Loaded Steak Nachos 🧀 – Chop up the steak and pile it onto tortilla chips with cheese, jalapeños, and guac.
For a Light & Fresh Twist 🥗
- Steak Salad 🥗 – Toss it over mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and red onions with a zesty lime dressing.
- Cabbage Slaw 🥬 – A crunchy, tangy slaw made with shredded cabbage, lime juice, and cilantro pairs beautifully.
No matter how you serve it, this steak brings the flavor—so mix it up and enjoy! 🔥😋
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Perfect Drink Pairings for Mexican Spiced Steak 🍷🍹🥤
This bold, spiced-up steak deserves a great drink to match—whether you’re sipping on wine, cocktails, or non-alcoholic options. Here are some perfect pairings:
🍷 Wine Pairings
Malbec – A smooth, fruity red with hints of spice that balances the bold flavors of the steak.
Zinfandel – Juicy, peppery, and full-bodied—perfect for smoky, spiced dishes.
Cabernet Sauvignon – If you love a classic steak-and-red-wine combo, this one’s bold enough to handle the flavors.
Tempranillo – A Spanish red with earthy notes that pairs beautifully with Mexican spices.
🍹 Cocktail Pairings
Classic Margarita 🍋 – Lime, tequila, and a salted rim? A no-brainer with this steak.
Spicy Paloma 🍊🔥 – Tequila, grapefruit juice, lime, and a dash of chili for a refreshing, citrusy kick.
Mezcal Mule 🥃 – Smoky mezcal with ginger beer and lime—a bold and refreshing combo.
🥤 Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Hibiscus Iced Tea (Agua de Jamaica) 🌺 – Tart, slightly sweet, and super refreshing.
Lime & Mint Sparkling Water 🍋 – Light, fizzy, and perfect for cutting through the richness of the steak.
Virgin Mojito 🌿 – Fresh lime, mint, and soda water make for a crisp, refreshing drink.
Horchata 🥛 – A creamy, cinnamon-spiced rice milk drink that balances the heat beautifully.
Whether you’re going for wine, cocktails, or something alcohol-free, these drinks will complement the spices and richness of the steak for a perfect pairing. Cheers! 🥂🔥
How to Store & Reheat Your Mexican Spiced Steak 🥩🔥
Got leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to store and reheat your steak while keeping it juicy and flavorful.
Refrigeration (Short-Term Storage) ❄️
- Steak: Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in foil/plastic wrap. Keeps fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Pico de Gallo: Store in a sealed container and refrigerate for 1-2 days—but the fresher, the better!
Freezing (Long-Term Storage) 🧊
- Steak: Wrap in plastic wrap + foil or store in a freezer-safe bag/container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Pico de Gallo: Not ideal for freezing—it gets watery. Instead, make a fresh batch when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating (Without Drying It Out!) 🔥
- Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium-low heat, add a splash of oil or butter, and warm for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Oven: Wrap steak in foil and reheat at 275°F for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave (Last Resort!) – Place steak on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short 20-second bursts to avoid drying it out.
💡 Pro Tip: Slice the steak after reheating to keep it from drying out!
With these storage tips, you’ll have delicious steak ready to go whenever you need it! 😋🔥
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Final Thoughts
And just like that, you’ve got yourself a killer steak packed with flavor. The Pico de Gallo adds that fresh, zesty kick, and honestly, this meal feels like a restaurant-quality dish without the fancy price tag. So go ahead, dig in, and enjoy every juicy, spiced-up bite. If you try it, let me know how it turned out—did you add your own twist? I’d love to hear! Now, who’s ready for steak night? 🍽🔥
Recipe Card
Mexican Spiced Steak with Pico de Gallo
Steak night just got an upgrade! 🥩✨ This Mexican Spiced Ribeye is smoky, zesty, and packed with flavor—served with fresh Pico de Gallo for the perfect bite. Quick, easy, and seriously delicious!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Prepare the marinade.
In a small bowl, combine half of the lime juice with the cumin, allspice, oregano, and cinnamon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Marinate the steak.
Evenly brush the steak with the prepared spice mixture. Allow it to rest while you prepare any accompanying side dishes, such as Pico de Gallo.
-
Cook the steak.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the steak in the pan and cook for approximately 2 minutes per side, or until the desired doneness is reached. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
-
Serve and enjoy your meal
Remove the steak from the pan and allow it to rest for a minute before slicing. Serve alongside Pico de Gallo or your preferred side dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 455kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 31g48%
- Total Carbohydrate 13g5%
- Protein 31g62%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
