If you’re craving something bursting with bold flavors and that perfect balance of charred and juicy, look no further than this Carne Asada Tacos Recipe. This dish takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a fiesta of taste with tender, marinated steak seared to perfection, wrapped in warm corn tortillas, and topped with a fresh medley of classic garnishes. Whether you’re making tacos for a family dinner or impressing friends at a casual get-together, these Carne Asada Tacos are an absolute winner that never fail to bring people together and keep everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting a great Carne Asada Tacos Recipe starts with a handful of essential ingredients that each play a vital role in building depth, texture, and brightness. From the juicy steak that’s the star of the show to the fresh herbs and spices that elevate every bite, these ingredients are simple yet powerful in creating an unforgettable meal.
- Flank or skirt steak: These cuts are lean, flavorful, and perfect for slicing thin after grilling to ensure tender tacos.
- Olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the meat while adding a subtle richness.
- Garlic: Adds a savory punch that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Ground cumin: Brings warm, earthy notes that are classic in Latin cooking.
- Chili powder: Offers a gentle heat and smoky complexity.
- Paprika: Adds color and a mild sweetness to the marinade.
- Onion powder: Contributes an additional layer of savory depth without overpowering.
- Lime juice: Cuts through the richness with bright acidity and helps tenderize the meat.
- Soy sauce: Introduces umami and saltiness, making the flavor well-rounded.
- Fresh cilantro: Provides herbaceous freshness both in the marinade and as a topping.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Corn tortillas: Traditional and slightly sweet, they perfectly complement the savory steak.
- Toppings (onions, cilantro, lime, salsa, avocado): Fresh and vibrant, these elevate each taco to its full potential.
How to Make Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing together the garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This mixture is your flavor bomb that will soak into every inch of the steak, giving it that classic, irresistible taste.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Rub the marinade generously all over the flank or skirt steak, covering every surface. Wrap it up and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or if you have the time, up to 4 hours. The longer rest time allows all those vibrant flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, resulting in mouthwatering tenderness and richness.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat until it’s sizzling hot. Place the marinated steak on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. The aim here is to get beautiful grill marks and that smoky char while keeping the inside juicy. For medium-rare, look for an internal temperature around 135°F, or 145°F for medium.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Once grilled, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Then, slice the steak thinly against the grain for the most tender and easy-to-eat pieces.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
While the steak is resting, heat the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side. Soft, warm tortillas with just a hint of char give the perfect vehicle to hold your savory carne asada.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Load each tortilla with a generous helping of the sliced steak. Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, salsa for a little zing, and creamy avocado if you like. These toppings add layers of freshness and texture that bring every bite to life.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Carve out a moment to savor these tacos fresh off the grill. Each bite is a celebration of flavors and textures that make this Carne Asada Tacos Recipe a go-to for taco night or any casual gathering.
How to Serve Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of simple garnishes! Diced onions and chopped cilantro add a burst of brightness and crunch that contrast beautifully with the rich, smoky steak. Lime wedges are a must-have for a fresh squeeze of acidity that elevates every bite, while salsa adds a spicy or tangy element depending on your choice. Creamy avocado or guacamole can add a smooth, mellow counterpoint to the bold meat.
Side Dishes
To round out your Carne Asada Tacos Recipe meal, consider serving with Mexican street corn (elote), a fresh cabbage slaw, or even a side of black beans and rice. These sides complement the tacos with additional textures and flavors to create a satisfying, well-balanced feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next dinner? Serve the tacos on a large platter garnished with extra lime wedges and cilantro sprigs. You can also offer a taco bar style setup where guests create their own perfect taco combination. Another fun idea is to cut the tacos in half and arrange them like little boats filled with carne asada and toppings for a party appetizer vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Carne Asada Tacos Recipe, store the sliced steak and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Steak will stay good for up to 3 days. Keeping components separate prevents sogginess and maintains the best textures when you reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked, sliced steak by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the tortillas, as their texture changes drastically with freezing and thawing.
Reheating
Gently reheat the steak slices in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Warm tortillas can be refreshed on a hot, dry skillet or in the oven wrapped in foil. Assembling with fresh toppings after reheating keeps the tacos tasting vibrant and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef instead of flank or skirt steak?
Absolutely! While flank or skirt steak are ideal for their tenderness and flavor, you can use sirloin or ribeye too, though cooking times and results may vary. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain.
How long should I marinate the steak for best flavor?
The minimum is 30 minutes, which already adds a nice flavor boost. For deeper, richer taste and more tender meat, marinate for 2 to 4 hours. Overnight might overpower the meat due to the acidity in the marinade.
Can I make this recipe indoors without a grill?
Yes! A grill pan or heavy skillet on the stovetop can achieve excellent results. Just make sure to get the pan very hot to mimic the searing effect of a grill for that lovely crust.
What are the best toppings to use for Carne Asada Tacos?
Classic toppings include diced onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa. Adding avocado or guacamole is optional but highly recommended for creaminess. Feel free to customize with radishes, pickled jalapeños, or shredded cabbage for extra crunch.
How many tacos does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 8 tacos, which typically serves 4 people. You can easily scale up depending on your group size or appetite!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a well-made Carne Asada Tacos Recipe that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be serving up vibrant, mouthwatering tacos that bring everyone around the table closer together. So fire up that grill, gather your loved ones, and treat yourself to this delicious celebration of flavors!
Print
Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Delicious and authentic Carne Asada Tacos made with marinated flank or skirt steak grilled to perfection, served warm on corn tortillas with classic toppings like onions, cilantro, lime, salsa, and avocado. Perfect for a quick and flavorful meal that embodies traditional Mexican street food.
Ingredients
Marinade and Steak
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tortillas and Toppings
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Diced onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Salsa
- Avocado (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated.
- Marinate the Steak: Rub the marinade mixture evenly all over the flank or skirt steak. Cover the bowl or wrap the steak and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours to allow deep flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook the Steak: Place the marinated steak on the grill and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until it reaches your preferred doneness (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Rest and Slice the Steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. Then slice the meat thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Warm the Tortillas: Place the corn tortillas on the grill and warm them for about 30 seconds on each side until soft and slightly charred.
- Assemble the Tacos: Lay a few slices of carne asada on each warmed tortilla. Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, salsa, and avocado if desired.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately and enjoy the authentic flavors of this classic Mexican dish.
Notes
- Marinate the steak longer for more intense flavor, up to 4 hours or overnight if time permits.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best bright, citrusy taste in the marinade.
- For a smoky flavor, use a charcoal grill instead of a gas grill or grill pan.
- Make sure to slice the steak against the grain to keep meat tender.
- Customize toppings to your preference; adding pickled jalapeños adds a spicy kick.
- If corn tortillas are unavailable, flour tortillas are a suitable substitute, though flavor will vary.
