Carne Asada Tacos

These carne asada tacos are a must-try for any taco lover! Bursting with flavor from a zesty marinade, they’re perfect for casual dinners, parties, or taco nights. The tender flank steak pairs beautifully with fresh toppings like pico de gallo and guacamole, making these tacos stand out at any gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The marinade infuses the steak with zesty citrus and aromatic spices, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up these delicious tacos in no time.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your tacos with your favorite toppings—whether it’s fresh guacamole or spicy salsa, the choice is yours!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend fiesta, these carne asada tacos fit right in.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves tacos! These are sure to be a hit among kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best carne asada tacos, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill or grill pan: This tool allows for even cooking and gives the meat those beautiful grill marks while enhancing its flavor.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining your marinade ingredients thoroughly, ensuring every piece of steak is well-coated.
• Whisk: Use this to mix your marinade ingredients smoothly, ensuring an even consistency.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping the steak on the grill without piercing it, keeping all those juices locked inside.

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)
• 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

For Serving

• 12 corn tortillas (or 24 tortillas if stacking 2 tortillas per taco)
• Pico de gallo (homemade or store-bought)
• Guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

How to Make Carne Asada Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Place flank steak in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Make sure it’s fully coated.
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. Once hot, remove the steak from the marinade and let excess drip off.

Step 3: Grill the Steak

1. Place the flank steak on the grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side for medium-rare.
2. Remove from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Step 4: Warm Tortillas

1. While the steak rests, warm your corn tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.

Step 5: Assemble Tacos

1. Slice grilled steak thinly.
2. Place slices of steak onto warmed tortillas.
3. Top with pico de gallo and guacamole as desired.
4. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over top.

Enjoy these delicious carne asada tacos at your next meal!

How to Serve Carne Asada Tacos

Carne asada tacos are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on your preferences. These tacos pair beautifully with a variety of toppings and sides that enhance their rich flavors.

Fresh Toppings

• Pico de gallo: This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds a burst of freshness.
• Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole balances the savory flavor of the carne asada.
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream gives a cool contrast to the spiciness of the tacos.

Spicy Elements

• Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for some heat and crunch.
• Hot sauce: A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile.

Garnishes

• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro not only enhances the taste but also adds a pop of color.
• Lime wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over your tacos for an extra zing.

How to Perfect Carne Asada Tacos

To ensure your carne asada tacos are delicious, follow these helpful tips.

• Use high-quality meat: Selecting a well-marbled flank steak will yield more flavorful and tender tacos.
• Marinate overnight: Allowing the meat to marinate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) deepens the flavor.
• Cook on high heat: Searing the steak quickly on high heat keeps it juicy while developing a nice crust.
• Rest the meat: Letting the cooked steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing ensures maximum juiciness.

Best Side Dishes for Carne Asada Tacos

Pairing side dishes with carne asada tacos can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice is a tasty choice.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and pair well with tortillas.
3. Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements the flavors in your tacos beautifully.
4. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing adds nutrition and crunch.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa make for an excellent appetizer or side dish.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection offer a tasty way to add more veggies to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making carne asada tacos can be a delicious experience, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for.

• Bold Marinade Mistake: Not marinating the flank steak long enough can lead to tough meat. Aim for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Bold Tortilla Choice: Using the wrong type of tortilla can ruin your tacos. Opt for corn tortillas specifically designed for tacos, as they hold up better when filled.
• Bold Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Forgetting fresh toppings like pico de gallo or guacamole can make your tacos bland. Always prepare or purchase these essentials for added flavor and texture.
• Bold Overcooking the Meat: Cooking the flank steak too long can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.
• Bold Ignoring Resting Time: Cutting into the steak immediately after cooking lets juices escape. Let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover carne asada tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Carne Asada Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Carne Asada Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place tacos on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Carne Asada Tacos?

Carne asada tacos feature grilled marinated flank steak served in corn tortillas, often topped with fresh ingredients like guacamole and pico de gallo.

How do I make my carne asada more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, marinate the flank steak longer and use fresh herbs and spices in your marinade.

Can I prepare carne asada ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate the steak a day before cooking and store it in the refrigerator. You can also pre-chop toppings for convenience.

What toppings go well with Carne Asada Tacos?

Common toppings include pico de gallo, guacamole, cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and salsa.

Final Thoughts

These carne asada tacos are not only packed with flavor but also surprisingly easy to customize. You can adjust toppings or even substitute different proteins based on your preference. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious meal that everyone will love!

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: Amelia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 tacos 1x

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of carne asada tacos, a delightful dish perfect for any taco night or casual gathering. Tender flank steak is marinated in a zesty blend of lime and orange juice, infused with garlic and spices, then grilled to perfection. Each bite bursts with savory goodness, complemented by fresh toppings like pico de gallo and creamy guacamole. These tacos are not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing you to customize them with your favorite ingredients. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, these carne asada tacos will surely impress family and friends alike!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds flank steak
• 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
• 12 corn tortillas
• Pico de gallo
• Guacamole
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Coat the flank steak in the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Preheat your grill over medium-high heat.
4. Grill the marinated flank steak for about 6-7 minutes per side until medium-rare. Allow resting before slicing against the grain.
5. Warm corn tortillas in a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
6. Assemble tacos by placing sliced steak on tortillas and topping with pico de gallo and guacamole.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 taco
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 70mg