Street Tacos de Carne Asada
Bring the bold flavors of a Mexican street corner right into your kitchen with these Street Tacos de Carne Asada. Juicy, tender steak marinated with traditional seasonings, seared to perfection, and tucked into warm corn tortillas—this recipe delivers irresistible flavor in every bite. Topped simply with fresh onions and cilantro, these tacos are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Authentic Flavor – Made with traditional seasonings and beer for a true street taco experience.
Quick Marinade – Just 15–60 minutes of marinating still delivers deep flavor.
Simple Ingredients – Nothing fancy, just fresh and flavorful components.
Perfect for Parties – Makes over 30 tacos, ideal for gatherings or taco night.
Customizable – Add your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or a squeeze of lime.
Key Ingredients
Carne Asada – A thinly sliced, flavorful cut of beef (like skirt or flank steak) ideal for grilling or pan-frying.
Cumin, Garlic Powder, Salt, Cracked Pepper – A bold, balanced spice blend that enhances the meat.
Serrano Pepper – Adds a bit of heat to the marinade.
Roma Tomato & White Onion – Fresh ingredients that contribute moisture and flavor.
Dos Equis Beer – Infuses the meat with a malty depth and tenderizes it.
Canola Oil – For sautéing the marinated meat to perfection.
Corn Street Taco Tortillas – The perfect size and flavor for traditional street tacos.
Cilantro & White Onion – Classic garnishes that add freshness and crunch.
Expert Tips
Cut Before Marinating: Dicing the meat before marinating allows for faster, more even flavor absorption.
High Heat = Better Browning: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the meat. You want that nice sear.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your pan is small, cook in batches to ensure the meat browns instead of steams.
Beer Substitute: If you prefer no alcohol, use beef broth or sparkling water with a splash of lime juice.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs carne asada
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 serrano pepper, sliced
- ½ roma tomato, diced
- ½ white onion, finely diced
- 6-8 oz. Dos Equis beer
- 32 street taco tortillas
- ½ cup white onion, diced (for garnish)
- ½ cup cilantro, roughly chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, kosher salt, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper. This simple but flavorful spice blend will bring the carne asada to life.
Step 2: Season and Dice the Meat
Coat the carne asada evenly with the spice mixture. Slice the beef into thin strips, then dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. The smaller pieces help the meat cook more evenly and absorb more of the delicious flavors.
Step 3: Marinate the Carne Asada
Transfer the seasoned meat to a large resealable plastic bag or a covered bowl. Add the sliced serrano pepper, diced tomato, and finely chopped white onion. Pour in the beer and mix everything thoroughly to combine. Let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes, or for a deeper, more robust flavor, marinate it for up to 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Step 4: Cook the Meat
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the entire marinated mixture—meat, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and all—into the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the meat is browned and cooked through, about 20 minutes. This allows the meat to soak up all the beer and spice flavors while getting that perfect sear.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
While the carne asada cooks, warm the street taco tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame for a few seconds on each side to give them a little char and enhance their flavor.
Once the meat is ready, spoon the carne asada into each warm tortilla, making sure each taco gets a hearty serving of that perfectly seasoned beef. Top with diced white onion and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for the ultimate taco experience.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Street Tacos De Carne Asada immediately with your favorite sides, like rice, beans, or a squeeze of lime. These tacos are perfect for a casual meal, a taco Tuesday gathering, or just when you want to enjoy something delicious and filling.
Important Notes When Making This Recipe
Use Thinly Sliced Meat: Authentic carne asada is typically made from skirt or flank steak—avoid thick cuts.
Marinate with Care: The marinade has acidic and spicy components; over-marinating can break down the texture too much.
Warm the Tortillas Properly: Use a dry skillet or comal to warm tortillas; don’t skip this step or they’ll crack and break.
Serve Immediately: Tacos are best served hot—keep tortillas warm in a clean towel if needed.
Nutrition Information\ (Per 2 tacos; approx.)
Calories: 310
Protein: 22g
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 480mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What cut of beef is best for carne asada?
A: Skirt steak or flank steak is traditional. They’re flavorful and cook quickly when sliced thin.
Q: Can I grill the meat instead of pan-frying?
A: Absolutely! Grill over high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, then dice before serving.
Q: How long can I marinate the meat?
A: Ideally 30–60 minutes. You can go up to 2 hours, but avoid overnight marinating, especially with acidic ingredients.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes. Cooked carne asada freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
Q: What toppings go best with these tacos?
A: Diced onion, cilantro, lime wedges, avocado, pickled jalapeños, and your favorite salsa.