If you have a craving for a bold, juicy, and utterly satisfying meal, this Carne Asada Tacos Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Juicy, marinated flank steak grilled to perfection, paired with fresh, zesty toppings served on warm corn tortillas, creates a mouthwatering combination that’s both authentic and easy to make at home. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, these tacos deliver layers of flavor and a little fiesta in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet powerful, each playing a crucial role to build the complex flavors and authentic texture of your carne asada tacos. From the aromatic spices to the fresh lime and cilantro, this list ensures you get every element just right.
- Flank steak or skirt steak (1 ½ pounds): The star of the show, perfect for grilling with tender juiciness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the marinade penetrate the meat and keeps it juicy while grilling.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Adds a punch of savory depth that flavors the steak throughout.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings an earthy warmth essential for traditional carne asada.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Offers a mild heat with smoky undertones.
- Paprika (1 teaspoon): Enhances color and imparts a slightly sweet peppery taste.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle, savory backbone to the marinade.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Provides acidity that tenderizes the meat and refreshes the flavor.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Contributes umami and saltiness, making the flavor pop.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (1 tablespoon): Brings a vibrant herbaceous note to the marinade.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the aromatic spices.
- Corn tortillas (8 small): The traditional base for authentic tacos, warming perfectly on the grill.
- Toppings: Diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, and optional avocado add crunch, brightness, and creaminess.
How to Make Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by combining garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mixing these ingredients well will create a marinade that’s bursting with flavor and ready to transform the steak into something extraordinary.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Rub this vibrant marinade all over your flank or skirt steak, ensuring every inch is coated. Cover it and place it in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to four hours if you want those flavors to deeply infuse the meat. This step is key to tender, flavorful carne asada.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Once it’s nice and hot, place the steak on it. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, depending on how done you like your meat (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium). The high heat will give you that irresistible char and smoky aroma.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful. Then slice the steak thinly against the grain for the best texture in your tacos.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
While the steak rests, warm your corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re soft and slightly charred. This step enhances their flavor and makes them pliable for holding your hearty filling.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Place several slices of sliced carne asada on each tortilla. Top with diced onions, fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, salsa, and avocado if you’re using it. These toppings add brightness and contrasting textures that elevate these tacos to a whole new level.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while everything is fresh and warm. Trust me, once you try this Carne Asada Tacos Recipe, it will become a staple in your meal rotation!
How to Serve Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa make all the difference. They brighten the rich steak flavor with fresh, zesty, and slightly crunchy notes. Adding creamy sliced avocado adds a luscious contrast that complements the smoky meat.
Side Dishes
For a perfect meal, serve your tacos with classic Mexican sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or grilled street corn. These sides carry the same festive spirit and satisfy the hunger with complementary flavors and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, serve these tacos family-style with a taco bar setup. Lay out the meats, tortillas, toppings, and sides so everyone can build their perfect taco. For a fun twist, try serving the sliced carne asada over a fresh salad or in a crunchy taco salad bowl instead.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover carne asada, keep the grilled meat separate from the tortillas and toppings. Store sliced steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked, sliced steak in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze portions individually if possible to thaw only what you need later. The steak should keep well for up to two months in the freezer.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the steak slices in a hot skillet or microwave until warm. Warm your tortillas on the stove or grill, then assemble fresh tacos with your leftover sides and garnishes for an easy second meal.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Carne Asada Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank and skirt steak are traditional due to their flavor and texture, you can use sirloin or ribeye if preferred. Just be mindful of cooking times, as thicker cuts take longer to cook through.
How long should I marinate the steak?
Ideally, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in. For a deeper taste, up to four hours in the fridge works wonderfully. Avoid marinating more than 8 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
What’s the best way to slice the steak?
Always slice the steak thinly against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers, making your carne asada tender and easy to bite through in the tacos.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce and corn tortillas, which are typically gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.
How do I get the perfect char on my steaks?
To achieve that signature char, make sure your grill or pan is really hot before placing the steak on it. Avoid moving the meat too much so it forms a nice crust. High heat is key to locking in flavor and creating those tasty grill marks.
Final Thoughts
This Carne Asada Tacos Recipe is everything you want in a homemade taco meal—flavorful, fresh, and unbelievably satisfying. It’s a fantastic way to bring friends and family together around a shared love of bold, authentic Mexican flavors. Go ahead and give it a try; I promise you’ll be reaching for seconds and planning taco nights all week long!
Print
Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Carne Asada Tacos feature perfectly marinated and grilled flank or skirt steak, delivering a smoky, savory flavor profile perfect for a quick and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal. Served on warm corn tortillas and topped with fresh onions, cilantro, lime, salsa, and creaminess from avocado, these tacos are bursting with rich textures and vibrant tastes.
Ingredients
Steak 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
Taco Assembly
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Toppings: diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, and 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 everything thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the steak: Rub the marinade mixture all over the flank or skirt steak ensuring it’s evenly coated. Cover the steak and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor infusion.
- Preheat the grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure a nice sear and grill marks on the steak.
- Grill the steak: Place the marinated steak on the hot grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness—135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium.
- Rest and slice the steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Then slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Warm the tortillas: Place the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side until they are warm, soft, and slightly charred for added flavor.
- Assemble the tacos: Distribute the sliced carne asada evenly onto each tortilla. Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime, salsa, and avocado slices if desired.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and juicy steak at its best.
Notes
- For deeper flavor, marinate the steak longer, up to 4 hours.
- Use corn tortillas for authentic flavor, but flour tortillas can be substituted.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference by adding extra chili powder or fresh jalapeños.
- Resting the steak properly after grilling is crucial for juicy, tender meat.
- Leftover carne asada can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and is great for burritos or salads.
