Street Tacos de Carne Asada 🌮🔥
Introduction
When it comes to authentic Mexican street food, nothing captures the heart (and taste buds) quite like Street Tacos de Carne Asada. Juicy, marinated steak grilled to perfection, sliced thin, and tucked into warm corn tortillas—these tacos are simple, bold, and absolutely irresistible.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard cookouts, or game-day feasts, carne asada tacos deliver smoky flavors with a zesty kick from lime and fresh toppings. Serve them with a cold drink and some salsa, and you’ve got yourself a true fiesta on a plate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Mexican Flavor – Bold citrusy marinade with garlic, jalapeño, and spices.
- Simple and Quick – Only a few steps: marinate, grill, slice, and serve.
- Perfect for Parties – Serve taco bar-style with all your favorite toppings.
- Customizable – Add salsa, guacamole, or radishes for extra flair.
Ingredients
For the Carne Asada Marinade:
- 1½ lbs flank or skirt steak
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- ¼ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, chopped
- ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For the Tacos:
- Warm corn tortillas
- Diced onion
- Chopped cilantro
- Optional toppings: salsa, avocado slices, radishes
- Lime wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, and spices.
- Place steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over, coating well.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best for maximum flavor).
Step 2: Grill the Steak
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Grill for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until desired doneness (medium-rare recommended).
- Rest steak for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 3: Slice the Steak
- Using a sharp knife, slice steak thinly against the grain for tender bites.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet.
- Fill each tortilla with carne asada slices.
- Top with diced onion, cilantro, and optional toppings like salsa, avocado, or radishes.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve tacos hot with lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Marinating Time: For deeper flavor, marinate the steak overnight.
- Grill Alternative: No grill? Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan indoors.
- Meat Options: Substitute skirt steak with ribeye or sirloin if preferred.
- Taco Bar Idea: Serve toppings buffet-style so guests can build their own tacos.
- Spice Level: Adjust jalapeño amount or add a splash of hot sauce for more heat.
Important Notes
- Always slice steak against the grain—this ensures tenderness.
- Don’t skip the resting time after grilling; it keeps the meat juicy.
- Corn tortillas are more traditional, but flour tortillas work too.
Nutritional Information (per taco, without optional toppings)
- Calories: ~230
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make Carne Asada ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance. Grill just before serving for the best flavor.
Q2: How do I reheat leftover Carne Asada?
Slice and reheat quickly in a skillet over medium heat, or warm in the oven wrapped in foil. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.
Q3: What’s the best steak for Carne Asada?
Flank and skirt steak are traditional for their flavor and texture, but sirloin or ribeye also work well.
Q4: Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely! Add extra jalapeños, serranos, or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Q5: What sides go with Carne Asada Tacos?
They pair perfectly with Mexican rice, refried beans, elote (street corn), or chips and guacamole.