When I think of Carne Asada Tacos, I’m instantly transported to a bustling street vendor in Mexico, where the scent of marinated steak sizzling on the grill mingles with the sound of tortillas warming over an open flame. This dish is the ultimate celebration of bright citrus, smoky spice, tender beef, and punchy toppings all wrapped up in a warm, soft tortilla. Whether you’re hosting a casual taco night with friends or spicing up a cozy family dinner, these Carne Asada Tacos deliver vibrant, irresistible flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Carne Asada Tacos lies in their simplicity—every ingredient has a mission, from juicy oranges and zesty limes that tenderize your steak, to fresh cilantro and onion that enliven every bite. Make sure you use everything for the best flavor and experience!
- Orange juice (1/3 cup): Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the steak for a juicy bite.
- Lime juice (1/4 cup, about 2 limes): Fresh lime is key for the zesty, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): Helps the marinade permeate the meat and adds silkiness to the final texture.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): A splash of umami makes the beef deeply savory and perfectly seasoned.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Don’t hold back—garlic brings boldness to the marinade.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Helps caramelize the steak on the grill for delicious char.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): The earthy backbone brings classic taco flavor.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and that classic taco aroma.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Smokiness is essential for that just-off-the-grill character.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the seasoning with subtle heat.
- Flank or skirt steak (1 1/2 pounds): Choose whichever you love—both are tender after marinating and cook up quickly.
- Corn tortillas (10–12 small): Listen for that soft snap when you bend a fresh tortilla—it’s the perfect vessel.
- Diced white onion (1/2 cup): Brings sharp, sweet crunch to each taco.
- Chopped cilantro (1/2 cup): Pops of vivid green and aromatic freshness are a must!
- Lime wedges: Squeeze over just before eating for a burst of brightness.
- Salsa or hot sauce (optional): Turn up the heat and tang with your favorite salsa.
- Crumbled cotija cheese (optional): Adds creamy, salty richness that’s irresistible.
How to Make Carne Asada Tacos
Step 1: Mix Your Marinade
Start by whisking together the marinade ingredients—orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, brown sugar, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper—in a medium bowl. Take a second to inhale; it already smells like something to celebrate! This magical blend not only infuses the steak with flavor but also helps tenderize it for that melt-in-your-mouth taco experience.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place your flank or skirt steak in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade right over the steak, ensuring every inch is coated. Seal it up and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better if you want a seriously robust Carne Asada Tacos flavor. The longer it sits, the more flavor and tenderness you get!
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or a cast iron skillet over high heat until it’s good and hot. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels (this is the secret to that gorgeous sear). Lay the steak on the hot grill and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and your preferred doneness. You want those lovely charred edges and juicy steak inside.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute so nothing gets lost! Once rested, slice the steak thinly, making sure to cut against the grain for the most tender, easy-to-chew bites that Carne Asada Tacos are famous for.
Step 5: Warm Tortillas and Assemble
As the steak rests, warm your corn tortillas directly on the grill or in a dry skillet until they’re soft and ever so slightly charred. Fill each tortilla with those glistening steak slices and then top with diced onions, cilantro, and any extras you love—like salsa, cotija cheese, or a splash of fresh lime juice.
How to Serve Carne Asada Tacos
Garnishes
The right garnishes truly elevate Carne Asada Tacos from a simple meal to something unforgettable. Classic options like chopped fresh cilantro and diced white onion add color, texture, and freshness. For even more flair, offer lime wedges for squeezing, crumbled cotija cheese for a creamy, salty finish, and a variety of salsas to suit everyone’s spice level. Thin slices of avocado or a dash of hot sauce can personalize each taco to taste.
Side Dishes
Round out your Carne Asada Tacos feast with sides that balance and complement the bold flavors. Classic elote (Mexican street corn), a crisp jicama salad, refried beans, or a festive bowl of Mexican rice are all fantastic options. If you’re feeling playful, chips and guac or a tangy pineapple salsa also bring that extra “fiesta” spirit to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving Carne Asada Tacos can be as fun and lively as eating them! Arrange the sliced steak and all your toppings on a large platter for a build-your-own taco bar—an absolute crowd-pleaser at any gathering. If you’re making these for date night, try serving tacos family-style on a cutting board with vibrant toppings in little bowls. Or, for a cozy night, simply pile up hot tacos and let everyone dig in straight from the skillet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you wind up with leftover carne asada, lucky you! Slice any remaining steak and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep toppings and tortillas separate to preserve freshness and texture. When you’re ready for round two, you’ll have everything ready for a quick meal.
Freezing
Carne Asada Tacos are freezer friendly, especially the steak itself. Let the cooked steak cool completely, then transfer slices to a freezer-safe bag or container. Mark the date and enjoy within 2–3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight when cravings strike.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm steak slices in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep things juicy. Tortillas reheat best on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. Refresh cold toppings just before serving to keep that “made fresh today” feel.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for Carne Asada Tacos?
Absolutely! While flank and skirt steak are traditional and deliver that classic texture and flavor, you can also use sirloin or flat iron steak with excellent results. Just be mindful to slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
How long should I marinate the steak?
At least 2 hours is a must for flavor and tenderness, but overnight is ideal if you have the time. Don’t marinate longer than 24 hours, though, or the citrus can start to break down the meat too much.
Do I have to grill the steak or can I use a pan?
No grill? No problem! A heavy cast iron skillet works beautifully for pan-searing. Get it super hot and cook the steak as you would on the grill—just make sure to open some windows for ventilation!
Can I make Carne Asada Tacos with flour tortillas?
You certainly can! Corn tortillas are classic and bring authentic flavor and texture, but if you prefer flour tortillas, go for it. Just be sure to warm them before filling to keep them pliable and soft.
What toppings go best with Carne Asada Tacos?
Besides the basics of onion and cilantro, experiment with avocado slices, radishes, pickled red onions, or your favorite salsa. For cheese lovers, cotija or even a sprinkle of queso fresco adds extra pizzazz.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never treated yourself (or your favorite people) to homemade Carne Asada Tacos, now is the time. This recipe is my go-to for bright, zesty, crowd-pleasing flavor, and I can’t wait for you to make it a staple in your own home. Roll up your sleeves, fire up the grill, and get ready for seriously delicious taco memories!
Print
Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Carne Asada Tacos are a delicious and authentic Mexican street food favorite. Tender, marinated grilled steak is thinly sliced and served in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Steak:
- 1 1/2 pounds flank or skirt steak
For the Tacos:
- 10–12 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- lime wedges
- salsa or hot sauce (optional)
- crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: Whisk together the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Place the steak in a bag or dish, pour the marinade over it, seal, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat grill or skillet over high heat. Remove steak from marinade, pat dry, and grill 4–6 minutes per side. Let rest before slicing thinly.
- Assemble Tacos: Warm tortillas, fill with carne asada slices, top with onion, cilantro, and desired toppings. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- For a bolder flavor, marinate overnight.
- Leftover carne asada is great for burritos or salads.
- Flour tortillas can be used if preferred.
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