Authentic Carne Asada Tacos Recipe: Easy & Flavorful Mexican Tacos
Carne Asada Tacos are Mexican favorite dishes because of the intense and bright colors. This is as close to traditional recipes as it gets – the juicy grilled steak rubbed in spiced lime juice and garlic. Juicy carne asada and fresh vegetables make these tacos delicious and close to what you’d get at an authentic Mexican street stand. From a family dinner to a backyard barbeque, Carne Asada Tacos are a perfect way to make your guests go wow while investing very little effort.
What Makes Carne Asada Tacos Special?
Carne Asada Tacos are simple, yet delicious and the main ingredient is the marinated flank (or skirt) steak, which is grilled to the desired tenderness and then sliced for the taco filling. The use of marinade is a sure way of adding flavor to the beef preparation. Lime juice brings a zesty flavor to the taco; garlic, cumin, and chili powder bring the natural savory and spicy taste to the taco. The steak is normally grilled to acquire some burn on it to provide that extra umami to the overall flavor of the food. Besides the flavor, grilling also makes the steak very soft when it reaches our mouth, so soft when bitten into.
By the time you have your steak ready, the real excitement takes over; adding your Carne Asada Tacos toppings. These selections may include onions, fresh coriander leaves, raw salsa, avocado, or lime rind. These toppings enhance the taste of the commodities especially the grilled animal protein foods since they have a way of balancing the strong oily essence of the grill. The ingredients you select for your taco can be fixed or changed further with the aid of cheese, sour cream, hot sauce, etc.
Why You’ll Love Making Carne Asada Tacos
That said, it is very simple to prepare Carne Asada Tacos at home, and the end product is always satisfying. The basic ingredients are few and most are common in any kitchen, at least if you have a modicum of your three basic staples: flour, sugar, and milk. Carne asada is easy to prepare and the biggest weapon in carne asada is in the marinade since most, if not all, of the work involving the seasoning is done here. Leaving the steak to sit in the marinade for at least 2 hours up to overnight if possible, before cooking the steak takes just a few minutes. Even if you cook the steak on a barbecue outside, or use a stovetop grill pan, the tacos turn out in a flash.
One of the many brilliant things about Carne Asada Tacos is that they can served in a variety of ways. You can eat them as regular informal food items or make them gourmet if you want them to be. These go very well with basic Mexican dishes such as rice or beans, or you can offer them with chips and dip-like guacamole. These are even ideal for occasions like Taco Tuesdays summer barbeques or any occasion when you want to serve food that’s delicious yet easy on the pocket yet satisfying to the taste buds.
Health Benefits of Carne Asada Tacos
Moreover, for Health-conscious people, Carne Asada Tacos are very nutritious containing protein from steak which is comparatively low in calories. Corn tortillas are gluten-free by default so, this meal is ideal for consumers with gluten intolerance. You can make the tacos less heavy by replacing the fats with vitamins and fiber products such as salsa, lettuce, and avocado.
Try More Recipe:- Tinga De Pollo: The Ultimate Guide to Mastering this Mexican Classic
It would be better if you mentioned that Mexican meat tacos served in maize tortillas are hot and are marinated and grilled beef are Carne Asada Tacos that are yummy people. The steak is tender, juicy, and flavored to the utmost degree possible through its marinade, making these tacos the best possible quick delicious snack available. Complete with the freshest ingredients of one's choosing for a taco that imparts a real experience!
- 1 lb flank steak (or skirt steak)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, chopped (optional)
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 small corn tortillas
- Chopped onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced avocado
- Salsa or hot sauce
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream
- Queso fresco or grated cheese
- Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Steak:
Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Grill the Steak:
Preheat your grill (or stovetop grill pan) over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and shake off any excess. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness (medium-rare is recommended). Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Warm the Tortillas:
While the steak is resting, heat the corn tortillas. You can do this directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side to char them slightly, or use a dry skillet to warm them up until pliable.
- Slice the Steak:
Once the steak has rested, thinly slice it against the grain to ensure tenderness. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat easier to chew.
- Assemble the Tacos:
Take a warm tortilla, add a few slices of the carne asada, and top with your favorite toppings such as chopped onions, cilantro, avocado slices, salsa, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Carne Asada Tacos immediately while the steak is still warm. Add hot sauce or any extra toppings as desired.
Servings 5
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 345kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 67mg23%
- Sodium 870mg37%
- Potassium 995mg29%
- Total Carbohydrate 38g13%
- Dietary Fiber 12g48%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin C 32 mg
- Calcium 126 mg
- Iron 5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Jalapeño adds a spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Smoked paprika gives a subtle smoky taste. You can also grill the tortillas for added texture and flavor.
- Flank steak is the traditional cut, but skirt steak or even ribeye can be used for a richer flavor.
- Marinade time: For the best results, marinate the steak for at least 2 hours or overnight.