If you’re craving an unforgettable burst of smoky, tangy, and vibrant flavors wrapped in soft corn tortillas, this Carne Asada Tacos Recipe is your go-to celebration on a plate. Juicy marinated flank steak grilled to perfection, paired with fresh toppings like cilantro and lime, makes every bite a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos bring warmth and excitement to your table with every single mouthful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Carne Asada Tacos Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role to build flavor, tenderness, and color in the final dish. From the punchy marinade spices to the fresh toppings, it’s all about balance and boldness.
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or skirt steak: Known for its robust flavor and perfect texture when sliced thin, this cut is ideal for carne asada.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the marinade cling to the meat and aids in creating a deliciously charred crust on the grill.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant and soulful base to the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Brings a warm, earthy note that defines traditional Mexican seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Lends a subtle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Enhances both color and smoky depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts savory flavor with a gentle aromatic sharpness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Offers a bright zest that tenderizes the meat and balances richness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Contributes umami and saltiness, elevating the marinade complexity.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro: A fresh herbal note that infuses the steak with Mexican character.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the meat properly.
- 8 small corn tortillas: The traditional vessel, soft with just enough chew, perfect to cradle your steak slices.
- Toppings (diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, and avocado – optional): Layers of freshness, crunch, creaminess, and acidity to customize every bite.
How to Make Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by creating a marinade that bursts with flavor. Combine minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This mixture is your flavor powerhouse, ensuring that every inch of the steak becomes rich and zesty.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Coat your flank or skirt steak thoroughly with the marinade. Give it a good rub so those spices can infiltrate the meat fibers. Cover the steak and let it soak up all those bold flavors for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, 4 hours in the fridge will deepen the taste even more, making it irresistibly tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat—this will give the steak a perfect sear. Grill the steak for 5 to 6 minutes per side, aiming for a beautiful char without overcooking. Medium-rare (about 135°F) keeps it juicy and tender, but you can adjust to your preferred doneness.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Once grilled, let your steak rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat for maximum juiciness. Then, slice it thinly against the grain. Slicing this way ensures every bite is tender, not chewy.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
Warm those corn tortillas over the grill for about 30 seconds each side so they become pliable with a slight char. This adds a subtle smokiness and ensures they hold up perfectly with your tasty steak.
Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos
Load each tortilla with a few slices of that gorgeous carne asada, then add diced onions, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and your favorite salsa. For an indulgent touch, add creamy avocado slices. Now you have the ultimate taco experience ready to be devoured.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your carne asada tacos immediately while everything is warm and vibrant. Gather your loved ones and watch how quickly these tacos disappear because they are just that good!
How to Serve Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are what take your Carne Asada Tacos Recipe from great to unforgettable. Fresh diced onions add crunch, chopped cilantro brings a burst of herbal brightness, and a squeeze of lime juice provides just the right acidity to cut through the richness. Salsa adds layers of flavor, while creamy avocado offers a cooling contrast that balances the smoky steak beautifully.
Side Dishes
The perfect side dishes elevate the meal even further. Consider serving your tacos alongside Mexican street corn (elote), a simple black bean salad, or a zesty Mexican rice. These sides complement the flavors in the tacos and add vibrant colors and textures to your plate, making every forkful a fiesta.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve your carne asada tacos family-style on a large platter with small bowls of toppings so everyone can customize their own. For a fun twist, turn them into taco bowls by layering the steak and toppings over a bed of rice and beans. Or, consider grilling the tortillas for a little extra crunch that’s hard to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover carne asada (though rare!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep your tortillas and toppings separate to preserve freshness. When ready to eat, simply reheat the meat gently and assemble fresh tacos.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked carne asada by placing thin slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen carne asada maintains its quality for up to 2 months, making it convenient for anytime taco cravings.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your carne asada is to warm it gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the meat moist. Avoid microwaving if you can, as slow reheating helps preserve luscious texture and flavor that the original Carne Asada Tacos Recipe is known for.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank or skirt steak are preferred for their flavor and texture, you can also use sirloin or ribeye if you like. Just keep in mind the cooking times and marinating process may change slightly to suit the cut.
How long can I marinate the steak?
The steak benefits from at least 30 minutes in the marinade, but for the deepest flavor, marinate up to 4 hours refrigerated. Avoid marinating too long beyond that to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the steak another way?
Definitely! A grill pan or cast-iron skillet works beautifully to achieve a great sear and flavor if you don’t have a grill. Just preheat your pan so it’s nice and hot before cooking.
Are corn tortillas essential for authentic Carne Asada Tacos Recipe?
Corn tortillas are traditional and bring an authentic texture and flavor, but flour tortillas can be used if preferred. Just note that corn tortillas often hold up better with juicy fillings like carne asada.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegan twist, substitute the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu infused with similar spices. While it won’t be a traditional Carne Asada Tacos Recipe, it will still be bursting with bold, smoky flavors.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Carne Asada Tacos Recipe, your taco nights will never be the same. The combination of flavorful grilled steak, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas is pure joy in every bite. It’s a simple recipe that delivers incredible results, perfect for sharing memorable moments with friends and family. Don’t wait to give it a try and experience these tacos’ magnetic charm yourself!
Print
Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos per serving)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Carne Asada Tacos feature marinated and grilled flank or skirt steak, sliced thin and served on warm corn tortillas with classic toppings like diced onions, fresh cilantro, lime, salsa, and avocado. This quick and flavorful Mexican-inspired recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Marinade
- 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 and Tortillas
- 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 these ingredients thoroughly to create the flavorful marinade for the steak.
- Marinate the steak: Rub the marinade mixture evenly all over the flank or skirt steak. Cover the steak and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the steak for up to 4 hours.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the steak. Ensure the grill is hot enough before placing the meat on it to achieve a good sear.
- Grill the steak: Place the marinated steak on the hot grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the desired doneness is reached — 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium. Monitor the cooking temperature for perfect results.
- Rest and slice the steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows juices to redistribute, making the steak juicier and tender. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Warm the tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and slightly charred, which adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the steak.
- Assemble the tacos: Place several slices of the grilled carne asada on each warmed tortilla. Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, salsa, and avocado slices if desired.
- Serve: Serve the assembled tacos immediately to enjoy the best flavors and textures. These tacos pair well with a side of rice or beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 4 hours to avoid breaking down the meat too much.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or cast-iron skillet can be used to cook the steak on the stovetop.
- Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of chili powder or adding fresh chopped jalapeños to the marinade.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best citrus flavor in the marinade and when garnishing the tacos.
- To keep tortillas warm before serving, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel.
