Carne Asada Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carne Asada Tacos are a bold and flavorful Mexican street food favorite featuring grilled marinated steak, chopped into tender bites, and tucked into warm corn tortillas. These tacos deliver smoky, zesty, and juicy flavors with every bite, and they’re perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or casual fiestas. Top them with fresh garnishes like onions, cilantro, and salsa for a true taste of Mexico.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

flank steak or skirt steakolive oilfresh lime juiceorange juicegarlicclovescilantrosoycumincorianderchilipowdersaltblack peppercorn tortillaswhite onionfresh cilantrolime wedgesyour favorite salsa

directions

In a bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, soy sauce, cumin, coriander, chili powder, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.

Add the steak to the marinade, coating well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over high heat.

Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached.

Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain and chop into bite-sized pieces.

Warm corn tortillas on the grill or in a skillet until soft and pliable.

Assemble tacos by placing carne asada in each tortilla and topping with chopped onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Serve with salsa on the side or drizzled over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 8 tacos.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 2–12 hours
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes–12 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Use flour tortillas for a softer wrap.
Add avocado slices or guacamole for creaminess.
Top with pickled red onions or jalapeños for a tangy kick.
Swap the beef for chicken or portobello mushrooms for a different protein option.
Grill with mesquite wood chips for extra smoky flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes.
Keep tortillas separate and warm before serving to maintain texture.
Freeze cooked carne asada for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What cut of meat is best for carne asada?
Flank or skirt steak are the most traditional cuts due to their bold flavor and tenderness when grilled.

Do I need a grill to make carne asada?
No, a cast-iron skillet or grill pan works well for indoor cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the meat overnight and cook it the next day for convenience.

How spicy are these tacos?
The spice level depends on your chili powder and salsa choice; you can adjust to your taste.

Can I use bottled citrus juice?
Fresh juice is preferred for flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Are carne asada tacos gluten-free?
Yes, if you use corn tortillas and gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I grill the tortillas too?
Yes, lightly charred tortillas add extra flavor and texture.

Should I trim the fat from the steak?
Leave a little fat for flavor, but trim excess before marinating.

How thin should I slice the steak?
Slice thinly against the grain for the most tender results.

Can I serve these with cheese?
While traditional carne asada tacos are cheese-free, feel free to add cotija or shredded cheese if desired.

Conclusion

Carne Asada Tacos bring the vibrant essence of Mexican street food straight to your kitchen. With their juicy, grilled steak and fresh toppings, these tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, they’re a must-try for anyone who loves bold, smoky flavors wrapped in a warm tortilla.

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