Carne asada tacos are a popular Mexican dish that consists of grilled beef that has been marinated in citrus juice, garlic, cilantro, and spices. The beef is typically thinly sliced and served in a tortilla with various toppings such as avocado, cotija cheese, chopped onion, fresh cilantro, and lime juice.
Other toppings that can be added to carne asada tacos include fresh sauces like pico de gallo or homemade salsa, as well as creamy sauces like lime crema or spicy chipotle sauce.
Carne asada can be made with skirt steak or flank steak, and it is typically marinated in citrus juice, vinegar, and spices to bring out the flavor of the meat. Carne asada tacos can be served as a main dish on their own with a side of beans and rice, or they can be chopped up and used in steak fajitas, salads, carne asada fries, or burrito bowls.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Corn or flour tortillas (8-10)
- Chopped onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa for serving
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, cotija cheese, or pico de gallo
Instructions
- Marinate the Meat:
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the meat is fully coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, turning occasionally.
- Preparation:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the meat from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
- Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Cooking time varies based on thickness and preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should reach 130-135°F (55-57°C).
- Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice and Assemble:
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain. Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a pan.
- Assemble the tacos by placing slices of carne asada on the tortillas. Top with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Add optional toppings like sliced avocado, cotija cheese, or pico de gallo for extra flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Carne Asada Tacos immediately while warm, allowing everyone to customize their tacos with their preferred toppings and sauces.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to pair with your delicious Taco de Asada? Here are some ideas:
- Guacamole: A classic that never fails.
- Mexican Rice: For a fuller meal.
- Pico de Gallo: Adds a fresh touch.
Recommendations and Tips
- Marination Time: The longer you marinate the beef, the more flavorful it will be.
- Tortilla Choice: Corn tortillas are traditional, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness according to your taste.
Storage Ideas
If you have leftovers, which is unlikely given how delicious this dish is, you can store them as follows:
- Beef: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Tortillas: Keep in a sealed plastic bag at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Ingredients Substitutes
If you’re looking to switch things up, here are some ingredient substitutes:
- Beef: Chicken or pork can also be used.
- Corn Tortillas: Flour tortillas are a good alternative.
- Cilantro: If you’re not a fan, parsley is a good substitute.
Alternatives
Carne Asada Tacos are most similar to Grilled Steak Tacos. But in terms of flavour, Carne Asada Burrito is likely very similar. For more information on beef tacos, please take a look at this comprehensive guide on beef tacos.
Conclusion
There you have it—a simple yet delicious Carne Asada Taco recipe that’s sure to impress. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, offering a burst of flavors that transport you straight to Mexico. So why wait? Fire up that grill and let’s get cooking!
