Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

Description

Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos are one of Mexico’s most beloved street foods, known for their bold flavors, juicy grilled steak, and simple yet fresh toppings. Thin slices of marinated flank or skirt steak are grilled over high heat until perfectly charred on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. The steak is then chopped into bite-sized pieces and tucked into warm corn tortillas before being topped with diced white onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Unlike heavily loaded tacos, authentic Mexican street tacos let the flavorful carne asada take center stage. The citrus-based marinade, made with fresh lime juice, orange juice, garlic, herbs, and spices, tenderizes the meat while adding incredible depth of flavor. These tacos are perfect for summer cookouts, Taco Tuesday, family dinners, or entertaining friends. Serve them alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, grilled street corn, fresh salsa, guacamole, or tortilla chips for a complete feast. Once you make authentic Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos at home, you’ll understand why they’re a favorite at taco stands across Mexico.

Ingredients For the Carne Asada Marinade

• 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Tacos

• 12 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup diced white onion
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Optional Toppings

• Salsa verde
• Pico de gallo
• Guacamole
• Sliced jalapeños
• Crumbled Cotija cheese
• Avocado slices
• Radishes

Instructions

1. In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk the marinade until well combined.
3. Add the steak and coat it thoroughly in the marinade.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
5. Remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking.
6. Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over high heat.
7. Lightly oil the cooking surface.
8. Grill the steak for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
9. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes.
10. Slice the steak thinly against the grain, then chop into small bite-sized pieces.
11. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet until soft and slightly charred.
12. Fill each tortilla with the chopped carne asada.
13. Top with diced white onion and chopped cilantro.
14. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges and your favorite toppings.

Tips

• Skirt steak delivers the most authentic street taco flavor.
• Always slice the meat against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Marinate overnight for the juiciest and most flavorful steak.
• Warm tortillas before serving to prevent cracking.
• Double the marinade if cooking for a larger crowd.
• Add grilled onions or peppers for extra flavor.
• Store leftover steak in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat quickly in a hot skillet to keep the meat tender.

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)

Servings: 6

Q&A

Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes. Flap steak, sirloin, or ribeye also work well, but flank and skirt steak are the traditional choices.

Can I cook the steak indoors?
Absolutely. A cast-iron skillet or grill pan produces an excellent char if an outdoor grill isn’t available.

What toppings are traditional for Mexican street tacos?
Authentic street tacos are typically served with diced white onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Salsa is usually offered on the side.

What should I serve with Carne Asada Tacos?
Mexican rice, charro beans, elote (Mexican street corn), guacamole, tortilla chips, salsa, and a fresh cucumber salad are all delicious accompaniments.

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 445
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 690mg
• Cholesterol: 85mg