Street Tacos de Carne Asada

Street tacos de Carne Asada are a classic and beloved Mexican street food. They’re simple but packed with flavor, featuring grilled marinated beef served in small corn tortillas with a few fresh toppings. Here’s a delicious recipe to make them at home!

Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Carne Asada Marinade:

• 1.5 to 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak (you can also use sirloin)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for umami)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)

For the Tacos:

• Corn tortillas (about 12 small tortillas, or 6 large tortillas if you prefer bigger tacos)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Salsa verde or salsa roja (optional, for topping)
• Avocado slices or guacamole (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Radishes (optional, for a crunchy, tangy addition)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Carne Asada:
   • In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, soy sauce, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
   • Place the flank steak or skirt steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (ideally, 4 hours to overnight for the best flavor).
2. Grill the Carne Asada:
   • Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
   • Remove the steak from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
   • Grill the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for your preferred level of doneness. If you’re using skirt steak, be careful not to overcook, as it can become tough.
   • Once grilled, let the meat rest for about 5 minutes to lock in the juices.
3. Slice the Carne Asada:
   • After the steak has rested, thinly slice it against the grain to ensure the meat is tender and easy to eat. Cut into strips or small bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference for taco filling.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
   • While the carne asada is resting, warm your corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they’re soft and slightly charred.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
   • Place a few slices of the carne asada in the center of each tortilla.
   • Top with fresh chopped cilantro, red onion, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and any optional toppings such as salsa, avocado slices, or radishes.
6. Serve:
   • Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and salsa on the side. You can also offer additional toppings like crema or a few dashes of hot sauce for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Carne Asada Tacos:

• Meat Choice: Flank steak and skirt steak are the traditional cuts for carne asada. They both have great flavor and cook quickly, but they can be a bit tougher. Make sure to slice against the grain to maximize tenderness.
• Marinade Time: If you don’t have time to marinate the meat, 30 minutes will still add great flavor, but the longer you marinate, the more the flavors will infuse the meat.
• Grilling: Make sure your grill is nice and hot to get a good sear on the meat. Don’t flip the steak too many times—just once or twice—to keep those beautiful grill marks.
• Tortilla: While corn tortillas are traditional, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer a softer, larger base for your taco.

Serving Suggestions:

• Salsa: Top your carne asada tacos with either a salsa verde (made with tomatillos) for a tangy kick or a salsa roja (made with roasted tomatoes and dried chilies) for a smokier flavor.
• Side Dishes: Serve with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or grilled corn on the cob for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Carne Asada Street Tacos!