Carne Asada Street Tacos

Okay, friends, let’s talk tacos. Not just any taqueria, but also a lot of it.Carne Asada Street Tacos. The kind that makes your eyes roll back in your head because they’re just that good. What are some of the best late night taco runs? Well, we’re bringing that magic home, and trust me, these are even better. They rival any taco truck I’ve ever visited and they blow plain GROUND BEEF out of the water. I always make these when I want something truly satisfying and flavorful, but don’t want to spend a lot of time on it. All day in the kitchen. What is all in the marinade, and I’m sharing all my secrets with you!

What is Carne Asada?

What exactly is carne asada? What is essentially thinly sliced, grilled beef, typically skirt or flank steak, that’s been marinated and smoked. In a citrusy, savory blend of spices. In Spanish, the name “carne asada” means “grilled meat” which pretty much sums it up. What is grilled meat? It’s a taste of summer, and the perfect filling for this delicious, authentic, sourdough sandwich. Is it healthy to eat it in burritos? What is the best way to cook meat straight off the Is it the MVP of my grilling repertoire?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start?Carne Asada Street TacosWhat are some of the best recipes ever made? The marinade infuses the beef with so much deliciousness – a vibrant mix of citrus, garlic, and spices. What are some good things about cilantro, and a little kick from the jalapeo? Is it savory, tangy, and just a little bit spicy, creating an irresistible taste? What I love most about this is how ridiculously easy it is. What is the best marinade for beef? Is it safe to sleep for a few hours What is the best part about cooking on the grill? Is it perfect for a busy weeknight when you crave something amazing but don’t have time? Another plus? It’s incredibly cost-effective. Flank steak is relatively budget-friendly, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. What is versatility? Can you serve tacos with any toppings you like – salsa, guacamole, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime? What are the possibilities of lime? If you love grilled flavors and satisfying tacos as much as I do, this will be your new go-to. They’re similar to shrimp tacos in their ease of preparation but pack a much heartier, beefier meat.

How do I make Carne Asada Street Tacos?

Quick Overview

Making these Carne Asada Street Tacosis surprisingly straightforward. What’s a good marinade? What is the best way to cook flank steak? Once marinated, it’s a quick trip to the grill (or hot skillet, if the weather isn’t cooperating)! ) Finally, you’ll chop the steak and load it into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings. What is the magic of marinade? Is it easier to order a sandwich online than ordering Ice Cream?

Ingredients

For the Carne Asada Marinade:

1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed for the best flavor!
1/4 cup lime juice, fresh is key. Don’t skimp on this!
What is the best olive oil to use?
I’m generous with the garlic. 4 cloves garlic, minced. If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add more!
1 jalapeo, seeded and minced (optional, for a little heat). If you like it spicy, leave some seeds in!
1/2 cup cilantro, roughly chopped. Don’t be shy with cilantro; it adds so much freshness.
1 tablespoon soy sauce, low sodium is best.
1 teaspoon cumin, ground.
1 teaspoon chili powder.
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground.

For the Carne Asada:

1.5 pounds flank steak, trimmed of excess fat. Flank steak is my favorite, but skirt steak works well too.

For the Street Tacos: What are some good

I prefer corn tortillas for that authentic street taco vibe.
Optional toppings: chopped white onion, cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, guacamole. What are some creative toppings?

How do I follow step

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice and Olive Oil, minced garlic, jalapeo, and salt. Set aside. (if using), chopped cilantro, soy sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is nicely combined. Why does the marinade smell so good?

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place the flank steak in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. How do you marinate a steak? Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer the steak marinates, the more tender it is. I usually marinate it in the morning so it’s ready to go by dinner time.

Step 3: Grill the Steak

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard it. How long should the steak be grilled? What is the level of doneness? How do you measure meat temperature? I like mine medium-rare, around 130-135°F.

Step 4: Rest and Slice the Steak

What’s the best way to slice a steak? This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. What is the best way to slice a steak thinly against the grain? Look closely at the direction of the muscle fibers and cut perpendicular to them.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

What are the best ways to cook corn tortillas in the microwave? How do you fill a tortilla with carne asada? I like to serve this with chopped white onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. What is your favorite Salsa Recipe? What are the best tacos to serve fresh off the grill?

What should I serve it with?

These Carne Asada Street TacosIs it better to have the right side of your body? I love serving my meals with: ham, ketchup, or a salad.

Mexican Rice:What is a classic pairing that never fails? What’s a good taco recipe?

Refried Beans:Creamy, comforting, and oh- I often make my own refried beans, but canned ones work just fine in a pinch.

Guacamole:What’s a taco night without guacamole? I like mine chunky and packed with avocado, lime juice, cilantro, and a little bit of jalapeo.

Pico de Gallo:What are some good salsas for tacos? What are some good ways to make a tomato soup with just tomatoes, onion, cilantro, jalapeo, and lime juice?

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites): What areGrilled corn kernels mixed with mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. What’s a fun twist on street corn?

Growing up, my grandma always made a big batch of Mexican Rice whenever we had tacos. It’s a tradition I’ve carried on, and it just makes the meal feel extra special. A cold Mexican beer or a refreshing agua fresca is the perfect drink to wash it all down!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Carne Asada Street Tacos

Okay, let’s talk pro tips for making these Carne Asada Street Tacos truly unforgettable. I’ve learned these over years of taco-making trial and error:

Marinade Magic: Don’t skimp on the marinade time! The longer the steak marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be. Overnight is ideal, but at least 2 hours is a must. I once tried marinating it for just an hour, and it wasn’t nearly as good.

Steak Selection: Flank steak or skirt steak are the best choices for carne asada. They’re thin, flavorful, and cook quickly on the grill. Make sure to trim off any excess fat before marinating.

Grilling Guru: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before grilling the steak. This will give it a nice sear and lock in the juices. Don’t overcook the steak! It’s best served medium-rare or medium for the most tender result. I always use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Slicing Secrets: This is super important! Always slice the steak thinly against the grain. This will make it much easier to chew and prevent it from being tough. I learned this the hard way after serving some chewy tacos to my family one night.

Topping Temptation: Get creative with your toppings! Chopped white onion, cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, guacamole, pickled onions…the possibilities are endless. I like to set out a variety of toppings so everyone can customize their own tacos.

Tortilla TLC: Warm the tortillas before serving. This will make them more pliable and prevent them from tearing. You can warm them on a dry skillet, in the microwave, or even on the grill. I prefer the skillet method for that slightly charred flavor.

Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or use a hotter jalapeño. You can also add a drizzle of hot sauce to your tacos.

Citrus Boost: Don’t be afraid to add a little extra lime juice to the tacos before serving. The citrus adds a bright and refreshing flavor that complements the savory steak perfectly.

Soy Sauce Substitute: If you’re sensitive to soy, you can substitute coconut aminos for the soy sauce in the marinade. It has a similar savory flavor but is soy-free and gluten-free.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Carne Asada Street Tacos like a pro:

Storing the Carne Asada: Let the sliced carne asada cool completely before storing it. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. I always try to use it up within a few days for the best flavor and texture.

Storing the Tortillas: Store the corn tortillas in a resealable bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate them for longer storage, but they may become a bit dry. I usually just buy enough tortillas for one meal to ensure they’re fresh.

Freezing the Carne Asada: For longer storage, you can freeze the sliced carne asada. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating the Carne Asada: The best way to reheat carne asada is in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little bit of oil or water to prevent it from drying out. Cook for a few minutes until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it. I always prefer the skillet method for the best texture.

Reheating the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas again before assembling the tacos. You can use a dry skillet, microwave, or grill. I usually give them a quick toast on the skillet to warm them up and give them a slightly charred flavor.

Assembling Leftover Tacos: When assembling leftover tacos, I like to add a little bit of fresh toppings to brighten them up. Chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice are always a good idea.

Don’t Freeze Assembled Tacos: I don’t recommend freezing assembled tacos, as the tortillas can become soggy. It’s best to store the carne asada and tortillas separately and assemble them when you’re ready to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of steak?

While flank and skirt steak are traditional, you can use other cuts like sirloin or even hanger steak. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. I’ve used sirloin in a pinch, and it worked just fine, but flank steak is still my top choice.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! The carne asada can be marinated and cooked ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when you’re ready to eat. The marinade actually gets even better the longer it sits, so prepping in advance is a great idea.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can cook the carne asada in a hot skillet on the stovetop. Just make sure the skillet is well-ventilated and preheated before adding the steak. A cast-iron skillet works best for getting a nice sear.

Can I make this spicier?

Definitely! Add more jalapeño to the marinade, or use a hotter variety. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to your tacos. I sometimes add a few dashes of my favorite chili-garlic sauce for an extra kick.

What kind of salsa should I use?

That’s totally up to you! I love using a fresh pico de gallo or a smoky chipotle salsa. You can also use a store-bought salsa, but homemade is always better. Experiment with different salsas to find your favorite pairing!

Final Thoughts

These Carne Asada Street Tacos are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and good times. I truly believe that anyone can make these, and they’re guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. The marinade is the secret weapon here, transforming a simple piece of beef into a tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful delight. If you love these, you might also enjoy my recipe for Grilled Fish Tacos or Spicy Shrimp Tacos – both are equally delicious and easy to make. So, fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of authentic street tacos in your own kitchen. I can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations of this recipe. Happy cooking!