Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

These Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos are a must-try for any taco lover! Perfect for casual dinners, game day gatherings, or any celebration, these tacos feature juicy, marinated steak that is seared to perfection. Served in warm corn tortillas and topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and lime, they offer an authentic taste of Mexico. Plus, you can customize them with your favorite toppings like salsa or guacamole for a unique twist.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Carne Asada:
• For the Tacos:
• For the Optional Salsa:
• How to Make Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos
• Step 1: Marinate the Steak
• Step 2: Preheat the Pan
• Step 3: Cook the Steak
• Step 4: Rest and Slice the Steak
• Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
• Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos
• Classic Toppings
• Salsas and Sauces
• Cheese Options
• Additional Garnishes
• How to Perfect Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos
• Best Side Dishes for Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos
• Reheating Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Carne Asada?
• How do I make my Carne Asada more flavorful?
• Can I use other meats instead of beef?
• Are these tacos gluten-free?
• What toppings go well with Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The marinade infuses the steak with zesty flavors from lime and spices.
• Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of cooking time, you can whip up a fantastic meal in no time.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your tacos with various toppings to suit every palate.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These tacos are great for family dinners or parties.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making these delicious carne asada tacos, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Resealable bag or shallow dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast-iron skillet: Provides high heat for searing the steak perfectly.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining the marinade ingredients efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife allows for easy slicing of the cooked steak against the grain.

Ingredients

For the Carne Asada:

• 1 ½ lbs flank steak or skirt steak
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste

For the Tacos:

• 12 small corn tortillas
• ½ cup diced white onion (or red onion for a stronger flavor)
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Crumbled cotija cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Optional toppings: Salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, or hot sauce

For the Optional Salsa:

• 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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How to Make Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Place the steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish:

1. Pour the marinade over the steak.
2. Seal the bag or cover the dish.
3. Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours (overnight is best).

Step 2: Preheat the Pan

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat until very hot. This step is crucial as it ensures a perfect sear on the steak.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Remove the steak from the marinade:

1. Let any excess marinade drip off.
2. Place the steak in the hot skillet.
3. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side based on desired doneness (medium-rare is around 130°F).

Step 4: Rest and Slice the Steak

Transfer cooked steak to a cutting board:

1. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
2. Slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

While your steak rests:

1. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat.
2. Heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

Fill each warm tortilla with sliced carne asada:

1. Top with diced onions and chopped cilantro.
2. Squeeze fresh lime juice over top.
3. Add optional toppings like salsa or guacamole as desired.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your carne asada tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side and any additional toppings you love!

How to Serve Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

These Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos are perfect for sharing and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them simple or loaded with toppings, there are plenty of options to elevate your taco night.

Classic Toppings

• Cilantro and Onions: A fresh mix that enhances the flavor of the carne asada.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos for a zesty kick.

Salsas and Sauces

• Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime for a crisp texture.
• Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that adds richness to each bite.

Cheese Options

• Cotija Cheese: Crumbled cheese that provides a salty finish.
• Queso Fresco: A mild cheese that complements the spicy flavors of the tacos.

Additional Garnishes

• Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for those who enjoy some heat.
• Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

How to Perfect Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

Creating the perfect Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your tacos are delicious every time.

• Marinate Overnight: Marinating the steak overnight infuses it with flavor and tenderness.
• Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat sears the steak quickly, locking in juices and flavor.
• Rest the Meat: Letting the steak rest after cooking helps retain moisture for a juicy result.
• Slice Thinly Against the Grain: This technique ensures each bite is tender and easy to chew.
• Warm Tortillas Properly: Heating tortillas until soft prevents them from cracking when filled.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try different combinations of toppings to find your favorite flavor profile.

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Best Side Dishes for Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

To make your meal even more satisfying, pair these carne asada tacos with delicious side dishes. Here are some great options that complement their flavors perfectly.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomatoes and spices adds a hearty element.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy beans provide protein and fiber, making your meal more filling.
3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with cheese and spices enhances the taco experience.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a perfect appetizer.
5. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, onions, and zucchini adds freshness and color to your plate.
6. Cucumber Salad: A light salad with cucumbers, lime juice, and chili powder refreshes the palate after rich tacos.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Marinade – Marinating the steak is crucial for flavor. Don’t rush this step; aim for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.
• Overcooking the Steak – Cooking steak too long makes it tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches medium-rare (130°F).
• Using Cold Tortillas – Cold tortillas can ruin the taco experience. Always warm them before serving for better texture and flavor.
• Not Letting the Steak Rest – Cutting into hot steak right away causes juices to escape. Allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients – Fresh toppings elevate your tacos. Always use fresh cilantro, onions, and lime for the best taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos in an airtight container.
• They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

• Oven – Preheat 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, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-60 seconds.
• Stovetop – Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each taco for about 1 minute per side.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carne Asada?

Carne Asada refers to grilled beef, typically flank or skirt steak marinated with spices. It’s popular in Mexican cuisine and used in many dishes, including tacos.

How do I make my Carne Asada more flavorful?

To enhance flavor, try adding additional spices like oregano or experimenting with different marinades that include citrus or vinegar.

Can I use other meats instead of beef?

Yes! While traditional Carne Asada uses beef, you can substitute chicken or pork if you prefer a different protein option.

Are these tacos gluten-free?

Yes! If you ensure your corn tortillas are gluten-free, then these Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos will be safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

What toppings go well with Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos?

Common toppings include diced onions, fresh cilantro, salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, and crumbled cotija cheese. Customize them to your liking!

Final Thoughts

Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with various toppings and sides to suit your taste preferences. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these tacos are sure to impress. Give them a try and enjoy creating your perfect taco night!