Okay, friends, let’s talk about tacos. Specifically, *carne asada* tac If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably tried a few different recipes, and maybe even felt like you had to. I was a little Some are bland, some are too complicated, and some don’t taste like that. Some just taste good. What are some of the best tacos you get at your favorite taqueria? These? These are *it*. Imagine eating a warm, perfectly grilled tortilla overflowing with tender, juicy, marinated meat. What’s better than carnitas tacos? What are some of the easiest recipes to make at home? I promise, once you try it, you’ll never go back.
What is Carne Asada?
What is carne asada? What’s more important than just throwing a steak on the grill? What is the best grilled steak you have ever had? It’s essentially thin cuts of beef, typically skirt or flank steak, that are marinated in a citrusy, mild flavor. What is the garlicky, herby, and What is the magic of marinade? Is it the star of countless Mexican dishes? What is a fiesta in every bite?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best ways to make carne asada tacos?
- Flavor explosion: WhatWhat is marinade? What is a vibrant blend of citrus, garlic, cilantro, and spices that creates the most incredible flavor. Every bite is bursting with zesty, savory goodness. I’ve tweaked this marinade for years to get it just right.
- Easy peasy:What is a fancy name for this recipe? What is the best marinade for grilling? What is the hardest part of marinating a steak? I always do this step the night before to make things even easier.
- Budget friendlyCan you use more expensive cuts for flank steak? What goes a long way when it’s packed with flavor?
- Versatile:What are some good taco recipes? Can you use carne asada in burritos, salads or even just served with rice? I’ve chopped it up and tossed it into scrambled eggs for a killer breakfast. What I love most about this is how adaptable it is – you can really make it your own. If you love grilled flavors like in a good chicken fajita, you’ll love this too!
What is the best recipe for a game changer? What are some of the best Mexican food recipes?
How do I make Carne Asada Tacos?
Quick Overview
How do you make tacos? First, you whip up a flavorful marinade and let the steak soak in it for at least 30 minutes (but not longer). Longer is better! I like my steak medium-rare, but you can cook it to your liking. What’s your favorite topping for tortillas? The whole process takes less than an hour, and the results are unbelievably delicious. What is the key here is marinade – don’t skimp on the ingredients, and be patient while it works its magic.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed) is best!
- 1/4 cup lime juice (ditto on fresh)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (I use low-sodium) ..
- 1/4 cup olive oil. 1 tbsp
- I love garlic, so I sometimes add an extra clove or two to it. I like to mince it, but I don’t like the smell of garlic.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. 1 cup serving.
- 1 jalapeo, seeded and minced (optional, for a little kick!)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin. 1 tablespoon roasted cum
- 1 teaspoon chili powder. 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. 1 teaspoon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.
For the Carne Asada:
- 1.5 – 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
For the Tacos:
- I prefer corn tortillas but it’s totally up to you!
- Toppings of your choice: chopped onion, cilantro, salsa, guacamole, lime wedges, etc.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a large bowl or ziplock bag, combine all the marinade ingredients: salt, pepper, cumin, and pepper. Serve immediately. Lemon juice, lime juice , soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, jalapeo (if using), cumin, chili powder. Powder, smoked paprika, Black Pepper. Whisk or shake well to combine. I always taste the marinade at this point and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes I add a little extra lime juice or salt.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place the steak in the marinade, making sure it’s fully coated. If using a ziplock bag, squeeze out any excess air. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours. The longer it marinates, the more tender it will be. I usually marinate it overnight for best results.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Is it possible to use a charcoal grill or gas grill?
Step 4: Grill the Steak
Remove the steak from the marinade and discard it. Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer. I prefer it cooked more. What is the exact cooking time of a steak? I use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s cooked to the perfect temperature. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
Step 5: Rest the Steak
What is the best way to remove a steak from the grill? This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. How do you keep it warm? Tent it loosely with foil.
Step 6: Slice the Steak
With a sharp knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain. This is crucial for tender tacos! If you slice with the grain, the steak will be tough and chewy. I always double-check the direction of the grain before I slicing.
Step 7: Warm the Tortillas
What are some ways to warm tortillas in the microwave? I prefer to cook them in a dry skillet for charred flavor. Just heat them for a few seconds per side until they’re warm and pliable.
Step 8: Assemble the Tacos
How do you fill a tortilla with carne asada? I like to make this simple with chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Can you add salsa, guacamole, cheese, or whatever your heart desires?
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
What is the best way to serve carne asada tacos? What are some good side dishes to serve hot off the grill?
What to Serve It With
These carne asada tacos are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with some tasty sides! Here are a few of my favorite pairings:
Classic Sides: Rice and beans are always a good choice. I like to make Mexican rice and refried beans for a truly authentic experience.
Fresh and Light: A simple salad with a lime vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak. I also love serving these tacos with a side of pico de gallo or guacamole.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add some pickled jalapeños or a spicy salsa to your tacos. I also love serving them with a side of grilled corn on the cob with chili powder and lime.
For a Fiesta: Make it a full-blown fiesta with some margaritas or Mexican beer! And don’t forget the churros for dessert!
When we have taco night at my house, it’s always a potluck-style affair. Everyone brings their favorite toppings and sides, and we have a blast creating our own unique taco combinations. It’s a fun and easy way to get everyone involved in the cooking process!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Carne Asada Tacos
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making the *best* carne asada tacos. Here are my top tips:
Choose the Right Cut of Steak: Flank steak and skirt steak are the most common choices for carne asada. Flank steak is leaner and more readily available, while skirt steak is more flavorful but can be a bit tougher. If you’re using skirt steak, be sure to slice it very thinly against the grain.
Don’t Skip the Marinade: The marinade is what makes carne asada so flavorful and tender. Don’t skip it! And the longer you marinate the steak, the better it will be. I recommend marinating it for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal. I once tried marinating it for 24 hours and it was almost *too* tender, so I don’t recommend going that long!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange and lime juice make a huge difference in the flavor of the marinade. And fresh cilantro is a must! I’ve tried using dried cilantro in a pinch, and it just doesn’t compare.
Don’t Overcook the Steak: Carne asada is best served medium-rare to medium. Overcooked steak will be tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to the perfect temperature.
Slice Against the Grain: This is the most important tip for tender tacos! Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak easier to chew. If you slice with the grain, the steak will be tough and chewy.
Warm Your Tortillas: Warm tortillas are softer and more pliable, making them easier to fill and fold. Plus, they just taste better! I like to warm them in a dry skillet for a slightly charred flavor.
Get Creative with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings! The possibilities are endless. Some of my favorites include chopped onion, cilantro, salsa, guacamole, cheese, pickled jalapeños, and lime wedges.
I also like to add a little bit of the marinade to the steak while it’s grilling. This helps to keep it moist and adds even more flavor. Just be careful not to add too much, or it will cause the grill to flare up.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover carne asada, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I usually chop it up before storing it, so it’s ready to go for tacos, burritos, or salads.
To reheat the carne asada, you can microwave it, pan-fry it, or grill it. I prefer to pan-fry it in a little bit of olive oil for a slightly crispy texture. Just be careful not to overcook it, or it will be dry.
You can also freeze leftover carne asada for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I usually make a big batch of carne asada and freeze half of it for later. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
I don’t recommend freezing the tortillas, as they tend to get soggy when thawed. But you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
If you’re planning to make these tacos ahead of time, you can marinate the steak and prepare the toppings in advance. Just store everything separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill and assemble the tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Okay, my friends, that’s it! I hope you love this carne asada Tacos Recipe as much as my family and I do. It’s truly one of my all-time favorite recipes, and I know it will become a staple in your kitchen too. The combination of the flavorful marinade, tender steak, and fresh toppings is simply irresistible. If you’re looking for a delicious, easy, and crowd-pleasing meal, look no further! If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my recipes for chicken fajitas or grilled shrimp tacos. They’re all packed with flavor and perfect for a summer cookout.
Happy grilling, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And don’t forget to rate this recipe and share it with your friends! I’d love to see your own variations, so tag me in your photos on social media!
Carne Asada Tacos
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Flank Steak
- 0.5 cup Lime Juice
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 12 count Corn Tortillas
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Marinate flank steak in lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and chili powder for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill or pan-fry the steak to your desired doneness.
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain.
- Warm the tortillas and fill with the sliced carne asada.
