Name: Carne Asada Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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; 8 small corn tortillas; Toppings: diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, and avocado (optional)

Carne Asada Tacos are the perfect combination of tender, juicy steak, and vibrant toppings, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. The flavors are bold and savory, making each bite a satisfying experience. Whether it’s taco night or a casual weekend meal, these tacos will always hit the spot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and flavorful these carne asada tacos are. The marinade creates such a rich and tangy flavor that seeps into the steak, making each bite mouthwateringly good. The simplicity of the dish, paired with fresh toppings like cilantro, lime, and salsa, makes for a perfectly balanced taco experience. Plus, I get to enjoy juicy steak without the need to visit a taco shop. It’s truly a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ pounds flank steak or skirt steak

1 teaspoon ground cumin

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon paprika

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon lime juice

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

8 small corn tortillas

Toppings: diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, and avocado (optional)

Directions

In a bowl, combine the garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Rub the marinade mixture all over the flank or skirt steak. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor.

Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the steak on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached (135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium).

Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Warm the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until soft and slightly charred.

Assemble tacos by placing a few slices of carne asada on each tortilla, and top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime, salsa, and avocado, if desired.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Add More Spice: If you like your tacos spicier, try adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade or as a topping.

Different Meat: You can also use other cuts of beef like ribeye or sirloin for a different texture and flavor.

Vegetarian Version: Swap the carne asada for grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu for a delicious vegetarian taco option.

Taco Shells: Try using flour tortillas or even lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative to corn tortillas.

Toppings: Feel free to mix up the toppings with shredded cheese, sour cream, or pickled onions for extra flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the steak and toppings separately to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.

Reheating: Reheat the steak on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Warm the tortillas on a skillet for a few seconds to bring back their softness and slight char.

Related Recipes:

Steak Chili Con Carne

FAQs

How do I know when the steak is done cooking?

To achieve the perfect doneness, I recommend using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 135°F, and for medium, it should be 145°F. For best results, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank or skirt steak is ideal, other cuts like ribeye or sirloin will also work well. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak.

Can I make the carne asada ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the steak ahead of time, up to 4 hours in the fridge. This allows the flavors to really soak in, making it even more delicious!

Can I use store-bought tortillas instead of making my own?

Of course! If you’re in a hurry, pre-packaged tortillas are a great shortcut. Just warm them up on the grill or in a pan for a few seconds before assembling your tacos.

What toppings are best for carne asada tacos?

I like to keep it simple with diced onions, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime, and a little salsa. If I want something extra, I add avocado or pickled jalapeños for an added kick.

Conclusion

These carne asada tacos are a delightful blend of savory flavors, juicy steak, and fresh toppings, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that I can make for a quick dinner or to impress guests at a gathering. I love how versatile and customizable this recipe is, so I can tweak it to fit my cravings any time.

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