Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
If you’re craving bold flavor and the lively spirit of Mexican street food, look no further than Carne Asada Tacos. These tacos offer juicy, marinated steak nestled in warm corn tortillas, topped with a symphony of fresh onion, cilantro, and salsa. Every bite delivers smoky char, zesty citrus, and vibrant herbs—making them an irresistible choice for gatherings or a fun weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Carne Asada Tacos might seem impressive, but the magic comes from a handful of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component brings a unique burst of flavor or texture, from the tender steak down to the smallest sprinkle of cilantro. Here’s everything you need to get started:
- Flank or skirt steak (1 1/2 pounds): These cuts are naturally beefy, soak up marinade beautifully, and stay tender when grilled quickly.
- Orange juice (1/4 cup): Adds a subtle sweetness and helps tenderize the beef while infusing a gentle citrus note.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Brings brightness and tang, making the steak extra juicy and flavorful.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the marinade cling to the steak and adds a hint of richness.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Boosts savory depth and ensures a gorgeous brown crust when grilled.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons): Offers a garden-fresh pop and unmistakable Latin flair.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Infuses the steak with robust aroma and sharpness.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Contributes earthy warmth with a distinctly Mexican character.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Provides mild heat and beautiful color, rounding out the marinade.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for highlighting every flavor in the mix.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness.
- Corn tortillas (8 small): The perfect base—soft, slightly nutty, and gluten-free.
- Diced onion: For topping; adds crunch and a sharp, refreshing finish.
- Chopped cilantro: Sprinkled on top for color, aroma, and a little extra herbaceous magic.
- Lime wedges: A final squeeze brings the tacos to life right before your first bite.
- Salsa, for serving: Choose your favorite to finish things off with tang and spice.
How to Make Carne Asada Tacos
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by combining orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl or zip-top bag. Give it a whisk to blend well, then add the steak and make sure it’s fully coated. Let this magic rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours—or up to 8 hours if you have time. The longer the steak marinates, the more flavor and tenderness you’ll unlock in your Carne Asada Tacos.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare for Grilling
Once you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels—this ensures you’ll get that irresistible, caramelized crust when it hits the grill.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
Lay the steak on the hot grill and listen for that satisfying sizzle. Grill for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and how well done you like your meat. The sugars from the orange juice and soy sauce will help form lovely charred bits, which are the hallmark of fantastic Carne Asada Tacos. Once done, transfer the steak to a plate to rest for 5 minutes—this keeps all the juices where you want them.
Step 4: Slice the Steak
Using a sharp knife, slice the steak thinly across the grain. This step is crucial for maximum tenderness and makes the meat perfect for piling into tortillas. Take a moment to admire those juicy slices and the whisper of crisp char around the edges!
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
Before assembling, warm your corn tortillas. Toss them on the grill for about 30 seconds per side, or heat them in a dry skillet until they’re soft and supple. This makes a world of difference and ensures your Carne Asada Tacos have that authentic street-taco soul.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Spoon a generous amount of sliced carne asada onto each tortilla. Top with diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a spoonful of your favorite salsa. Serve with lime wedges on the side for that final, crave-worthy squeeze. Get ready to fall in love bite after bite!
How to Serve Carne Asada Tacos
Garnishes
The right garnishes take Carne Asada Tacos from great to extraordinary. Freshly diced white onion and chopped cilantro are non-negotiable for classic flavor. A final squeeze of lime brightens everything, and your choice of salsa—whether smoky, spicy, or tangy—lets you customize each taco to your mood.
Side Dishes
Pair your Carne Asada Tacos with sides that celebrate Mexican cuisine. Try a scoop of zesty Mexican street corn, a side of creamy guacamole, or a simple black bean salad. These additions make the meal festive and satisfying, whether you’re serving a crowd or treating yourself.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your taco night extra special by serving the steak and toppings family-style—let everyone build their own Carne Asada Tacos to taste! For parties, mini tacos are fun finger food. Or, turn leftovers into steak taco bowls with rice, beans, and plenty of fresh veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra carne asada, let it cool before sealing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days, making lunch, snack, or next-day tacos a breeze.
Freezing
Carne asada freezes surprisingly well. Cool the cooked steak, slice it as directed, and freeze in a freezer bag (press out as much air as possible). It’ll stay delicious for up to two months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
For juicy, tender meat, reheat slices of carne asada in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water. Cover for a couple of minutes, just until warmed through. Warm tortillas the same way or directly over your burner’s open flame for a little extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Carne Asada Tacos?
Absolutely! While flank and skirt steak are traditional and best for tenderness, sirloin or flat iron steaks can also work well. Just be mindful of slicing thinly against the grain for the best texture.
How long should I marinate the steak?
For juicy, flavorful Carne Asada Tacos, marinate the steak for at least 2 hours. If you’re planning ahead, 6 to 8 hours gives maximum depth of flavor, but going much longer can start to break down the texture.
Can I cook the steak indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes! A heavy grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet works perfectly. You’ll still get beautiful browning and smoky flavor, especially if you let the pan get nice and hot before adding the steak.
Are Carne Asada Tacos gluten-free?
The recipe as written uses corn tortillas, which are naturally gluten-free. Double-check your soy sauce, as some brands contain wheat. Tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce keeps the recipe friendly for gluten-intolerant eaters.
What other toppings go well with these tacos?
Besides the classic onion, cilantro, and salsa, try avocado slices, crumbled queso fresco, thinly sliced radishes, or a splash of hot sauce. Personalizing Carne Asada Tacos with your favorite toppings keeps every taco night exciting!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re throwing a backyard fiesta or just celebrating dinner at home, Carne Asada Tacos promise explosive flavor and unbeatable freshness. Don’t be surprised if they become a regular request—give them a try, and let yourself savor every juicy, smoky, citrusy bite!
Print
Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 8 tacos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Carne Asada Tacos are a delicious and classic Mexican dish featuring marinated grilled steak served in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 1/2 pounds flank or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Diced onion
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Salsa for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl or zip-top bag. Add steak, marinate for 2-8 hours.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill steak 4-6 minutes per side. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Prepare the Tacos: Warm tortillas, fill with carne asada, top with onion, cilantro, and salsa. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- For extra char, finish the steak over high heat.
- Both flank steak and skirt steak work well.
- Do not overcook the steak.
- Enhance with avocado or queso fresco.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
