Street Tacos de Carne Asada

Street Tacos de Carne Asada are one of the most iconic and beloved street foods in Mexico. They feature tender, grilled steak (usually flank or skirt steak), sliced thin and served in soft corn tortillas with simple, fresh toppings like cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime. They’re full of flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for any casual gathering.

Here’s a recipe for making Carne Asada Street Tacos from scratch:

Ingredients for the Carne Asada Marinade:

• 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak (about 1-inch thick)
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
• 1/4 cup orange juice (fresh-squeezed, if possible)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for marinade)
• 1/4 cup white or red onion, finely chopped (optional, for marinade)

For the Tacos:

• 10-12 small corn tortillas (or flour, if preferred)
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 small white onion, finely diced
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Salsa of your choice (salsa verde, red salsa, or pico de gallo)
• Optional toppings: radishes, avocado, or a little crumbled queso fresco

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Carne Asada:

1. Prepare the marinade:
   • In a large bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, coriander, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. If you’re using cilantro and onion in the marinade, add them here too.
2. Marinate the steak:
   • Place the flank or skirt steak into the bowl with the marinade. Coat the steak thoroughly in the marinade and cover it with plastic wrap.
   • Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally 4-6 hours (or overnight for maximum flavor). You can also marinate it for up to 24 hours for a deeper taste.

2. Grill the Carne Asada:

1. Prepare your grill:
   • Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the steak in a grill pan or cast iron skillet on the stovetop.
2. Grill the steak:
   • Once the grill is hot, remove the steak from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium (depending on the thickness of the steak and your preference for doneness).
   • Tip: To get a nice char and grill marks, avoid moving the steak too much while it’s cooking. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
3. Rest the steak:
   • Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the steak tender.

3. Slice the Carne Asada:

1. Slice the steak:
   • After the steak has rested, slice it against the grain into thin strips. This is important because slicing against the grain ensures the steak is more tender and easier to bite into.

4. Assemble the Tacos:

1. Warm the tortillas:
   • Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are hot and pliable.
2. Assemble the tacos:
   • Place a few slices of the grilled carne asada on each tortilla.
   • Top with freshly chopped cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
   • Add salsa or any additional toppings like sliced radishes, avocado, or a sprinkle of queso fresco.

5. Serve:

• Serve the Carne Asada Street Tacos immediately with extra lime wedges and your favorite salsa on the side. Enjoy them with a cold beverage like a Mexican beer, a margarita, or agua fresca for the full street food experience!

Tips:

• Tortillas: For an authentic experience, use corn tortillas, but flour tortillas are fine if that’s your preference.
• Grilling alternatives: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the carne asada in a cast-iron skillet or grill pan on the stovetop. Make sure the pan is very hot before you add the steak.
• Salsa options: Classic salsas like salsa verde (tomatillo-based), salsa roja (tomato-based), or even pico de gallo work great on these tacos.
• Resting the steak: Resting the steak after grilling is crucial to keeping it juicy and flavorful, so don’t skip this step.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side dishes: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad of lettuce, radishes, and cucumbers.
• Drinks: These tacos pair wonderfully with Mexican beer, a michelada (beer with lime and hot sauce), or a classic margarita.

These Street Tacos de Carne Asada are juicy, flavorful, and full of that authentic street-food flair. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or making a simple dinner at home, they’re sure to be a hit!