Street Tacos de Carne Asada
Nothing compares to the rich, smoky, and zesty flavors of authentic Street Tacos de Carne Asada! These tacos are simple yet bursting with boldness, making them a hit at gatherings, family dinners, or even as a quick lunch option. Perfectly marinated steak, tender and juicy, nestled in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings—these tacos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Why These Tacos Are a Must-Try
- Flavor Explosion: The marinade blends citrus, soy, and spices for a bold and savory flavor.
- Customizable: Keep it simple with onion and cilantro, or add your favorite toppings for extra flair.
- Perfect for Sharing: Quick to make and easy to serve, they’re great for parties or casual dinners.
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 Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, jalapeño, chopped cilantro, and the seasonings (cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt).
- Place the steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor).
Step 2: Grill the Steak
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
- Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches your preferred doneness (medium-rare is ideal).
- Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
Step 3: Slice the Steak
- Using a sharp knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain for tender bites.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet until soft and pliable.
- Fill each tortilla with slices of carne asada.
- Top with diced onion and chopped cilantro. Add optional toppings like salsa, avocado, or radishes for extra flavor.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the tacos with lime wedges for an extra zesty kick.
Pro Tips for the Best Carne Asada Tacos
- Choose the Right Steak: Flank or skirt steak works best for its flavor and texture.
- Marinate Overnight: Letting the steak soak in the marinade overnight enhances the depth of flavor.
- Grill for Char: A hot grill adds that perfect smoky char that makes carne asada irresistible.
- Keep it Authentic: Stick to simple toppings like onion and cilantro for a classic street taco vibe.
Why These Tacos Shine
The marinade is the true star, delivering a perfect balance of citrusy tang, subtle heat, and earthy spices. Grilling the steak over high heat brings out its natural flavors while adding a smoky, caramelized edge. With just a few fresh toppings and a squeeze of lime, these tacos become a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
Perfect Pairings
- Sides: Mexican rice, refried beans, or elote (Mexican street corn).
- Drinks: A refreshing margarita, horchata, or a cold cerveza (beer).
- Salsas: Serve with salsa verde, pico de gallo, or a smoky chipotle salsa.
One Bite and You’re Hooked
These Street Tacos de Carne Asada are everything you love about Mexican street food—vibrant, bold, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
¡Buen provecho! 🌟 Ready to make these tacos a part of your dinner rotation? Let me know if you need side dish ideas!