Carne Asada Tacos

These carne asada tacos are a must-try for any taco lover! Filled with robust flavors from the marinade, they promise to tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for gatherings, casual dinners, or even taco night at home, these tacos stand out with their tender meat and vibrant toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The marinade enhances the meat’s taste, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these tacos up in no time.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize each taco with your favorite toppings, from pico de gallo to guacamole.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a party, these tacos will impress your guests.
• Healthy Choice: Made with fresh ingredients and lean meat, these tacos are a balanced meal option.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: Essential for achieving that perfect char on the carne asada, enhancing the flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Necessary for marinating the flank steak, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures easy slicing of the cooked meat for serving.
• Tongs: Ideal for flipping the meat on the grill without tearing it apart.

Ingredients

These are the best carne asada tacos! They are packed with incredibly flavor thanks to the marinade, which also helps to tenderize the meat. Serve with your favorite toppings.

For the Steak

• 2 pounds flank steak (excess fat trimmed)

For the Tacos

• 12 corn tortillas (or 24 tortillas if stacking 2 tortillas per taco)

For Serving

• Pico de gallo (homemade or store-bought)
• Guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

For the Marinade

• Juice of 2 limes
• Juice of 1 orange
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

How to Make Carne Asada Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

1. In a mixing bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add flank steak to the bowl and ensure it is fully coated in the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Prepare Your Grill

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

1. Remove the steak from marinade and shake off excess liquid.
2. Place steak on the hot grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.
3. Let it rest for a few minutes after grilling.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

1. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
2. Warm corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
3. Assemble tacos by placing sliced steak on tortillas and topping them with pico de gallo and guacamole.

Enjoy your delicious carne asada tacos!

How to Serve Carne Asada Tacos

Carne asada tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can elevate their flavor and texture with a variety of toppings and sides to create a perfect meal. Here are some serving suggestions to delight your taste buds.

Fresh Toppings

• Pico de gallo – A fresh mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime adds brightness.
• Guacamole – Creamy avocado goodness pairs perfectly with the savory beef.
• Sour cream – A dollop of sour cream can mellow the spices and enhance creaminess.

Salsas

• Tomatillo salsa – The tanginess of tomatillos complements the meat well.
• Chipotle salsa – This smoky sauce adds a kick that many taco lovers enjoy.

Garnishes

• Chopped onions – Raw onions provide crunch and a bit of bite.
• Cilantro sprigs – Fresh cilantro enhances the taco’s freshness and aroma.

Lime Wedges

• Lime wedges – A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating brightens the flavors.

How to Perfect Carne Asada Tacos

To achieve the best carne asada tacos, focus on marinating the meat and choosing the right toppings. Here are some tips to help you create mouth-watering tacos.

• Marinate overnight – Allowing the meat to marinate for at least 8 hours enhances flavor and tenderness.
• Use high-quality flank steak – A good cut of meat makes all the difference in texture and taste.
• Cook on high heat – Searing the steak at high heat locks in juices and gives a beautiful crust.
• Rest the meat before slicing – Letting the meat rest for a few minutes ensures it remains juicy when sliced.
• Warm tortillas properly – Heating tortillas enhances their flavor and prevents them from cracking when filled.

Best Side Dishes for Carne Asada Tacos

Pair your carne asada tacos with these delicious side dishes for a complete meal. Each option complements the flavors of your tacos beautifully.

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices adds substance to your meal.
2. Refried Beans – Creamy refried beans offer protein and pair wonderfully with tacos.
3. Street Corn (Elote) – Grilled corn topped with cheese, lime, and chili powder is a flavorful side that’s hard to resist.
4. Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a great appetizer or snack.
5. Grilled Vegetables – Seasoned grilled peppers and onions bring color and nutrition to your plate.
6. Black Bean Salad – A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, and lime dressing is both healthy and tasty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making carne asada tacos can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can hinder your results. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Using Low-Quality Meat: Always choose a good cut of flank steak. Quality meat enhances the flavor and tenderness of your carne asada tacos.
• Skipping the Marinade Time: Don’t rush the marinating process. Allow at least 2 hours for the flavors to penetrate the meat properly.
• Overcooking the Steak: Avoid cooking the steak too long, as it can become tough. Aim for medium-rare for the best texture.
• Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using stale tortillas or old toppings can ruin your dish. Always opt for fresh corn tortillas and vibrant toppings.
• Forgetting About Resting Time: Make sure to let the steak rest before slicing. This helps retain juices, making each taco flavorful.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store carne asada in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Carne Asada Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Carne Asada Tacos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in intervals of 30 seconds until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Warm each taco for about 1-2 minutes on each side until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about carne asada tacos that may help you perfect your recipe.

What should I serve with carne asada tacos?

You can serve carne asada tacos with pico de gallo, guacamole, lime wedges, or any other toppings you enjoy.

Can I use other cuts of beef for carne asada tacos?

Yes, you can use skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye if preferred. Each cut offers a unique flavor profile.

How do I make homemade pico de gallo?

To make pico de gallo, combine diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Are carne asada tacos gluten-free?

If you use corn tortillas, then yes! Just ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

What is the best way to customize carne asada tacos?

Feel free to add different toppings like cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or even pickled vegetables based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

Carne asada tacos are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various toppings and sides to suit your taste. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos will surely impress everyone at your table!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Carne Asada Tacos

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people (12 tacos total) 1x

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Description

Savor the irresistible flavors of carne asada tacos, perfect for any taco lover! This easy recipe features tender flank steak marinated in a zesty blend of lime, orange juice, garlic, and spices. Grilled to perfection, these tacos are served in warm corn tortillas and topped with fresh pico de gallo and creamy guacamole.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds flank steak
• 12 corn tortillas
• ¼ cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 limes
• Juice of 1 orange
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Pico de gallo (homemade or store-bought)
• Guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, and spices. Add flank steak and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).
2. Prepare Your Grill: Preheat the grill over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
3. Cook the Steak: Remove steak from marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes per side until medium-rare. Let rest before slicing.
4. Assemble Tacos: Slice steak against the grain and place on warmed tortillas. Top with pico de gallo and guacamole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tacos (about 200g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 65mg