If you’re craving something that bursts with bold flavors, tender meat, and a festive vibe in every bite, you’ve got to try this Carne Asada Tacos Recipe. These tacos feature perfectly marinated flank or skirt steak grilled to juicy perfection, nestled inside warm corn tortillas, and topped with fresh, zesty garnishes for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re making a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe delivers all the authentic Mexican street food charm right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to making these Carne Asada Tacos shine. Each element plays an important role, from the spices that build deep complexity to the fresh herbs that brighten the dish. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand to create this mouthwatering feast.
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or skirt steak: Choose a cut with good marbling for juicy, flavorful meat.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to tenderize the steak and carry the marinade flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant and savory kick that’s essential in any good carne asada.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings warmth and earthiness to the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Injects a subtle heat and smoky depth.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Enhances color and adds mild peppery notes.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: A sweet and savory undertone that rounds out the spices.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the marinade and balances richness with fresh acidity.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Imbues a touch of umami and salty depth for well-rounded flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro: Infuses herbaceous freshness straight into the meat.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that make all the other flavors pop.
- 8 small corn tortillas: The perfect vessel to hold the juicy carne asada and toppings.
- Toppings (diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, avocado – optional): Each adds layers of texture and flavor for the ultimate taco experience.
How to Make Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining the garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This aromatic blend is the heart of your Carne Asada Tacos Recipe, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Rub this vibrant marinade all over your flank or skirt steak. Cover the meat and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, though 4 hours in the fridge will deepen the taste beautifully. This step guarantees the steak soaks up all those incredible spices and herbs.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, lay your marinated steak down and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Aim for medium-rare at 135°F if you want it tender and juicy, or 145°F for a medium doneness. The grill marks add a delightful smoky char.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Once cooked, take the steak off the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute evenly, ensuring every slice is tender. Then slice against the grain very thinly—this makes all the difference in texture.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
While the steak rests, warm your corn tortillas on the grill for roughly 30 seconds per side. They should be soft with a slight char, perfect for folding around your carefully sliced carne asada.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Now for the fun part! Lay a few slices of the perfectly grilled steak on each tortilla. Top with diced onions, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, your favorite salsa, and creamy avocado if you like. Each ingredient brings its own magic to the classic Carne Asada Tacos Recipe.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your tacos immediately while everything is warm and fresh. The combination of smoky meat, fresh toppings, and soft tortillas is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes transform these tacos from great to unforgettable. Classic diced onions and chopped cilantro add crunch and brightness, while lime wedges provide a tangy pop that balances the meat’s richness. Salsa introduces a bit of heat and sweetness, and avocado slices add creamy richness that everyone loves.
Side Dishes
Pair your Carne Asada Tacos with traditional sides like Mexican rice and refried beans for a hearty meal. A fresh cabbage slaw adds a delightful crunch and cool contrast, while grilled corn with a sprinkle of cotija cheese and chili powder can elevate the festive vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the steak, tortillas, and all the toppings family-style so everyone can build their own tacos. Alternatively, lay out the tacos on a vibrant platter garnished with lime wedges and fresh herbs for a colorful, inviting presentation that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tortillas and toppings separate to maintain freshness and texture when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Freezing
If you want to save the grilled steak for longer, wrap it tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to help preserve flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat sliced steak gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a damp paper towel to maintain moisture. Warm tortillas separately on a pan or in the oven to revive their softness without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this Carne Asada Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank or skirt steak is traditional due to its flavor and tenderness when cooked correctly, other cuts like sirloin or flat iron can also work well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How long should I marinate the steak?
At minimum, marinate for 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate. For the best results, marinate up to 4 hours in the fridge. Avoid exceeding 8 hours or the acid in the lime juice can start to break down the meat’s texture too much.
What can I use if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem! A grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stovetop will do the trick perfectly well. Just make sure to preheat it over medium-high heat to get those nice seared edges.
Are corn tortillas necessary, or can I use flour tortillas?
Corn tortillas are traditional and lend a wonderful authentic flavor and texture to carne asada tacos. However, if you prefer, flour tortillas work just fine—especially if you want a softer, more pliable wrap.
Can I make the marinade dairy-free and gluten-free?
Yes! The marinade in this Carne Asada Tacos Recipe is naturally dairy-free. To keep it gluten-free, ensure your soy sauce is tamari or a certified gluten-free brand.
Final Thoughts
This Carne Asada Tacos Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration every time you make it. The combination of juicy grilled steak, vibrant spices, and fresh toppings creates a meal everyone will ask for again and again. So fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and dive into making these utterly delicious tacos—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Carne Asada Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful Mexican dish featuring juicy, marinated flank or skirt steak grilled to perfection. Served on warm corn tortillas and topped with fresh onions, cilantro, lime, salsa, and optional avocado, they make for a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any taco night.
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
Toppings & Serving
- 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 to create a well-blended marinade.
- Marinate the steak: Rub the marinade all over the flank or skirt steak, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover the steak and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours to deepen the flavor.
- Grill the steak: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Place the marinated steak on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, aiming for an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium doneness.
- Rest and slice the steak: Remove the steak from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Warm the tortillas: Place the corn tortillas on the grill and warm for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and slightly charred.
- Assemble the tacos: Place a few slices of the grilled carne asada on each warmed tortilla. Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, salsa, and optional avocado slices.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately while warm and enjoy the fresh, smoky flavors.
Notes
- Marinating the steak for longer (up to 4 hours) enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for perfect doneness.
- For a spicier kick, add chopped jalapeños to the toppings.
- Flank or skirt steak can be substituted with sirloin if preferred.
- Leftover carne asada can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and tastes great in burritos or salads.
