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Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carne Asada Tacos are a classic Mexican street food loved for their bold, savory flavors. The marinated steak is grilled to perfection, creating a smoky, tender filling for soft corn tortillas. With a few fresh toppings like cilantro, onion, and lime, these tacos make for a mouthwatering meal that’s both simple and satisfying.

Ingredients

Carne Asada Tacos Recipe this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Flank steak or skirt steak
  • Olive oil
  • Lime juice
  • Orange juice
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Jalapeño (optional)
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Chili powder
  • Salt and pepper
  • Corn tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • Diced onion
  • Lime wedges

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño (if using), cumin, paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place the flank or skirt steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for more flavor.
  3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade.
  4. Grill the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness.
  5. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
  6. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet.
  7. Assemble the tacos by placing slices of carne asada in the tortillas. Top with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Grilling time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

  • Add a slice of avocado or guacamole for extra creaminess.
  • Try a different marinade with ingredients like soy sauce or beer for a unique flavor.
  • Swap the cilantro for a bit of shredded lettuce for crunch.
  • Serve with salsa or hot sauce if you like it spicy.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, quickly warm the steak slices in a skillet or microwave. Reheat the tortillas briefly on the stovetop.

Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like ribeye or sirloin, though they may not be as tender as flank or skirt steak.

How do I make the tacos spicier?
Add more jalapeño to the marinade or use a spicy salsa as a topping.

Can I make the carne asada ahead of time?
Yes, the carne asada can be marinated and grilled ahead of time. Just slice it and store it in the fridge until ready to assemble the tacos.

Can I make these tacos with chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the carne asada with grilled chicken. Adjust the marinade to suit the chicken’s flavor.

Conclusion

Carne Asada Tacos are a perfect choice for any taco lover. The juicy, flavorful steak combined with fresh toppings is sure to be a hit at your next meal. This simple recipe delivers big flavor and is easy enough to make any day of the week.

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Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

  • Author: simplemealsbykim
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1-2 hours (including marinating time)
  • Yield: 4-5 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Carne Asada Tacos are a classic Mexican dish featuring flavorful grilled beef, usually served in soft corn tortillas with toppings like cilantro, onions, salsa, and lime. The marinade and grilling process give the meat a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh taco fillings.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped
  • 8–10 small corn tortillas
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • Optional toppings: salsa, avocado, radishes, additional cilantro, and onions

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and chopped cilantro. Mix well.
  2. Place the flank or skirt steak in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, preferably overnight.
  3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
  4. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side or until the meat reaches your desired level of doneness (medium-rare to medium is ideal for carne asada).
  5. Let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  6. While the steak rests, warm the corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
  7. Assemble the tacos by placing a few slices of carne asada on each tortilla. Top with chopped onions, cilantro, and optional toppings like salsa, avocado, or radishes.
  8. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos before serving.

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce as toppings.
  • You can substitute the flank steak with skirt steak or another cut of beef, but flank steak is typically preferred for its tenderness and flavor.
  • If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the carne asada on a stovetop grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.