Sizzling Authentic Mexican Street Tacos with Carne Asada Recipe

Tacos have always been a delightful culinary adventure, and authentic Mexican street tacos with carne asada bring a burst of flavor to any meal.

Each bite tells a vibrant story of traditional Mexican cuisine, blending smoky grilled meat with fresh, zesty ingredients.

The sizzling carne asada creates a mouthwatering symphony of tastes that dance across your palate.

Tender, marinated beef transforms simple tortillas into a remarkable street food experience.

Crisp onions, fragrant cilantro, and a squeeze of lime complete this irresistible dish.

Generations of Mexican cooks have perfected these tacos, passing down recipes that celebrate bold, uncomplicated ingredients.

You won’t be able to resist the incredible combination of textures and flavors waiting in this classic street taco recipe.

Carne Asada Taco Tips You’ll Want to Try

• Pat the steak dry before grilling to achieve a perfect sear and gorgeous caramelized exterior that locks in those mouth-watering juices.
• Swap corn tortillas for large lettuce leaves to create a protein-packed, low-carbohydrate version of these delicious street tacos that's keto-friendly.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures – 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, ensuring consistently tender and perfectly cooked carne asada every single time.
• Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu, using the same marinade recipe to maintain authentic Mexican flavor profiles while creating a plant-based option that's equally delicious and satisfying.
• For deeper flavor penetration, score the meat lightly with a sharp knife before marinating, allowing those zesty citrus and spice notes to infuse more completely into every single bite of your carne asada.

How to Plate Street Tacos Like a Pro

• Street Taco Party Platter: Create a vibrant spread with multiple toppings like pickled jalapeños, diced radishes, fresh guacamole, and different salsa varieties to let guests customize their tacos.
• Backyard Fiesta Style: Serve tacos on a large wooden board with colorful small bowls of garnishes, creating an interactive and festive dining experience that encourages sharing and conversation.
• Family-Style Taco Night: Arrange sliced carne asada, warm tortillas, and toppings in separate dishes, allowing everyone to build their own tacos and enjoy a fun, communal meal together.
• Mexican Street Food Experience: Pair tacos with classic Mexican beverages like horchata, Mexican coca-cola, or a refreshing michelada to complete the authentic street food atmosphere.

Save and Store Leftover Carne Asada Tacos with Ease

• Store leftover carne asada in airtight containers inside the refrigerator for maximum freshness, consuming within 3-4 days.
• Reheat sliced steak gently in a skillet with a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual portions of cooked steak in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer bags, lasting up to 2 months for future taco nights.
• Marinate steak a day before cooking, allowing flavors to intensify and saving time during busy weeknights.

FAQs

• What makes carne asada different from other beef cuts?

Carne asada uses flank or skirt steak, which are lean, flavorful cuts that become tender when marinated and quickly grilled. These cuts have intense beef flavor and work perfectly for thin, quick-cooking preparations.

• Why is marinating important for carne asada?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse flavor, and break down tough muscle fibers. The acidic ingredients like orange and lime juice help soften the meat while adding bright, citrusy notes to enhance the overall taste.

• How do I know when the steak is cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer for precision: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, and 145°F for medium. Always let the meat rest after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.

• What if I don't have a grill?

You can use a cast-iron skillet or griddle on high heat. The key is to cook the steak quickly over high temperature to achieve a nice sear while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 310 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients to Build Mexican Street Tacos with Carne Asada

• Orange Juice: Tenderizes meat and adds zesty brightness to the flavor profile.
• Lime Juice: Provides tangy acidity and helps break down protein fibers for more tender meat.
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth marinade base and helps distribute flavors evenly.
• Garlic: Adds robust, aromatic depth and classic Mexican culinary essence.
• Cilantro: Brings fresh herbal notes characteristic of authentic street taco preparation.
• Cumin: Delivers warm, earthy undertones typical in traditional Mexican cooking.
• Chili Powder: Introduces gentle heat and complex spice dimension.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and helps meat retain moisture.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and complementary spicy undertone.

• Steak: Choose flank or skirt steak for authentic texture and rich beef flavor; look for well-marbled cuts with minimal connective tissue.

• Corn Tortillas: Select fresh, flexible tortillas without cracks; warm briefly to enhance flexibility and release corn's natural sweetness.
• White Onions: Adds crisp, sharp freshness and traditional street taco texture.
• Fresh Cilantro: Provides bright, herbaceous garnish that cuts through rich meat flavors.
• Lime Wedges: Offers zesty finish and helps balance richness of grilled meat.
• Salsa: Provides optional spicy, tangy accompaniment to customize taco experience.

Tools That Help You Assemble Flavorful Street Tacos

• Grill or Barbecue: Essential for achieving that smoky, authentic street taco flavor.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for creating the flavorful marinade.
• Large Resealable Bag or Shallow Dish: Helps marinate the steak evenly.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing steak thinly against the grain.
• Tongs: Great for handling and flipping meat on the grill.
• Skillet or Griddle: Useful for warming tortillas if no grill is available.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for preparing ingredients.

How to Cook Mexican Street Tacos with Carne Asada

• Fire Up the Flavor

Whip up a zesty marinade by mixing citrusy juices, herbs, and spices to infuse your meat with mouthwatering Mexican.

• Sizzle the Steak

Crank the grill to high heat and cook the marinated meat until it develops a gorgeous char and perfect tenderness.

• Tortilla Transformation

Quickly warm corn tortillas until they’re slightly crispy and fragrant, creating the perfect vehicle for your succulent meat.

• Taco

Layer sliced steak onto warm tortillas, then sprinkle with fresh onions and cilantro for an authentic street food experience.

• Serve with Flair

Present your tacos with lime wedges and your favorite salsa, inviting everyone to customize their delicious bite.

Authentic Mexican Street Tacos With Carne Asada Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican Street Tacos with Carne Asada offer authentic flavors straight from Mexican street vendor traditions. Marinated beef, fresh cilantro, and warm tortillas create a simple yet irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (900g) skirt or flank steak
• ¼ cup (60ml) orange juice
• ¼ cup (60ml) lime juice (about 2 limes)
• ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• salt and black pepper, to taste
• 12 small corn tortillas
• ½ cup white onion, diced
• ¼ cup cilantro, fresh and chopped
• lime wedges, for serving
• salsa, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Blend citrus juices, olive oil, herbs, and spices in a large mixing bowl to create a robust flavor base for the protein.
2. Meat Marination: Thoroughly coat beef in the marinade, refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes to tenderize and infuse deep flavors.
3. Grill Preparation: Preheat grill to high heat, removing meat and allowing excess marinade to drain for optimal caramelization.
4. Protein Cooking: Sear beef quickly, grilling 4-5 minutes per side to achieve medium-rare doneness, carefully monitoring cooking progression.
5. Meat Resting: Transfer grilled meat to a cutting board, allowing internal juices to redistribute and enhance tenderness.
6. Tortilla Warming: Heat corn tortillas on grill or cast-iron skillet, creating slight char and improving flexibility.
7. Taco Assembly: Slice meat against the grain into delicate strips, layer on warm tortillas, and top with finely chopped white onions and fresh cilantro.
8. Final Touches: Finish tacos with a lime juice squeeze and optional salsa, serving immediately to maintain peak flavor and temperature.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Let beef soak in citrus-based marinade for 1-2 hours maximum to prevent protein breakdown and maintain meat’s natural texture.
• Grill with High Heat: Ensure cooking surface reaches scorching temperatures around 450-500°F for perfect caramelization and crispy meat edges.
• Slice Precisely: Cut meat against grain at a 45-degree angle, creating thin 1/4-inch strips to guarantee maximum tenderness and easy chewing.
• Temperature Control: Rest grilled meat for 5-7 minutes, covering loosely with foil to retain heat and allow internal juices to redistribute, preventing dryness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 70mg