Authentic Carne Asada Tacos: A Step-By-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds flank or skirt steak
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice (about 1 orange)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream

Steps and instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, minced jalapeno, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
  2. Place the steak in a large dish and pour the marinade over it. Turn the steak to ensure it is coated on all sides. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
  3. Preheat a grill to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak more well done.
  4. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
  5. Heat the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are warm and slightly charred.
  6. To assemble the tacos, place some steak strips onto each tortilla. Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add additional toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream if desired.
  7. Serve the tacos immediately, accompanied by the remaining lime wedges.

Tools for making

  • Grill - A grill will be needed to cook the steak.
  • Large Dish - A large dish will be used to marinate the steak.
  • Tongs - Tongs will be useful for flipping the steak on the grill.
  • Bowl - A bowl will be used to mix the marinade.
  • Knife - A knife will be needed to slice the cooked steak.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board will be used as a surface for slicing the steak.
  • Skillet or Grill Pan - A skillet or grill pan can be used to heat the tortillas if a grill is not available.
  • Plates and Serving Utensils - Plates and serving utensils will be needed to serve the tacos.

Recipe variations

  • Use different cuts of meat such as ribeye, sirloin, or hanger steak.
  • Marinate the meat with additional spices or seasonings such as chili powder, paprika, or oregano.
  • Add sliced bell peppers or onions to the grill alongside the steak for added flavor and texture.
  • Try using flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for a different taste and texture.
  • For a healthier option, use lettuce wraps or cabbage leaves instead of tortillas.
  • Replace the meat with grilled shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a seafood, poultry, or vegetarian variation.
  • Experiment with different salsa flavors such as mango salsa, pineapple salsa, or roasted tomato salsa.
  • Add avocado slices or guacamole as a topping for extra creaminess.
  • For a spicy kick, drizzle the tacos with hot sauce or sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
  • Serve the tacos with a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.

Recipe overview

Indulge in the flavors of Mexico right in your kitchen with this Carne Asada Tacos recipe. Carne Asada, or "grilled meat", is a simple yet flavorful steak marinated in a mix of citrus, garlic, cilantro, and spices, then grilled to perfection. These tacos are then assembled with the thinly sliced steak nestled in warm corn tortillas and topped with fresh onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Optional toppings such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream add an extra layer of flavor. This recipe is easy to follow, and the marinade does most of the work for you, infusing the steak with an irresistible flavor. Whether you're hosting a party or just want a family-friendly dinner, these Carne Asada Tacos are sure to be a hit!

Common questions

  1. How long should I marinate the steak? - It is recommended to marinate the steak for at least 2 hours, but overnight marinating will give the best flavor.
  2. Can I use a different cut of meat? - Yes, you can use flank steak or skirt steak for this recipe. However, you can also use other cuts of beef such as sirloin or ribeye if you prefer.
  3. Should I remove the excess marinade before grilling? - Yes, it is recommended to let any excess marinade drip off the steak before grilling to prevent flare-ups on the grill.
  4. How long should I grill the steak? - Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness.
  5. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas? - Traditional carne asada tacos are made with corn tortillas, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer.
  6. What toppings can I add to the tacos? - You can top the tacos with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Additional toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream can also be added according to your taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Grill - A grill is necessary for cooking the steak for the carne asada.
  • Large dish - A large dish is needed to marinate the steak in the marinade.
  • Tongs - Tongs are useful for flipping and handling the steak on the grill.
  • Knife - A sharp knife is required for slicing the cooked steak into thin strips.
  • Cutting board - A cutting board is needed for slicing the steak and other preparation tasks.
  • Grill or skillet - Either a grill or a skillet can be used to heat up the corn tortillas.
  • Plates - Plates are necessary for serving the assembled tacos.
  • Serving utensils - Utensils such as forks or tongs are helpful for assembling and serving the tacos.
  • Napkins - Napkins are always handy to have when enjoying messy tacos.

Origin stories

Carne Asada tacos are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, with a rich history that dates back to the indigenous people of Mexico. The use of corn tortillas comes from the Aztecs, who considered corn a sacred plant. As time passed and the Spanish arrived, they introduced cattle to Mexico, which eventually led to the creation of dishes like Carne Asada. Translated, "Carne Asada" simply means "grilled meat", but its role in Mexican cuisine and culture far exceeds this simple translation. From family barbecues to street food stalls, Carne Asada tacos have become a symbol of community and celebration. Each home and each region might have their own way of preparing it, but its essence remains the same - flavorful marinated beef, charred to perfection, served on warm corn tortillas with a sprinkle of onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. This humble yet vibrant dish encapsulates the spirit of Mexican cuisine, where simple ingredients are transformed into something truly extraordinary.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.