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
Scale
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.
