Carne Asada Tacos

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that can bring everyone together, these carne asada tacos are just what you need! This recipe is a beloved favorite in my household, and I’m excited to share it with you. The marinade gives the flank steak an incredible flavor while also tenderizing the meat, making every bite simply irresistible. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, these tacos are always a hit!

What I love most about carne asada tacos is how versatile they are. You can whip them up quickly after a busy day or prepare them ahead of time for a weekend fiesta. Plus, everyone gets to customize their own tacos with fresh toppings, making it a fun and interactive meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: Thanks to the marinade, each taco bursts with taste that will have your taste buds dancing.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes of prep time, you can have dinner on the table in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore building their own tacos with their favorite toppings.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make the steak ahead of time and enjoy delicious tacos throughout the week!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh produce and lean protein, these tacos are not only tasty but good for you too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These carne asada tacos come together with simple and wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this flavorful feast!

For the Marinade

• Juice of 2 limes
• Juice of 1 orange
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Tacos

• 2 pounds flank steak (excess fat trimmed)
• 12 corn tortillas (or 24 if stacking 2 tortillas per taco)
• Pico de gallo (homemade or store-bought)
• Guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

Variations

One of the best things about carne asada tacos is how flexible they can be! Feel free to get creative with different ingredients and flavors.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken or grilled vegetables for a lighter option.
• Change up the toppings: Add pickled onions or shredded cabbage for an extra crunch.
• Make it spicy: Incorporate jalapeños or a spicy salsa if you love some heat!
• Go gluten-free: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb alternative.

How to Make Carne Asada Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by combining all of your marinade ingredients in a bowl. The lime and orange juices give the steak that zesty flavor we love while also tenderizing it. Don’t forget to whisk everything together until it’s well blended—this step ensures every bite is packed with flavor!

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Once your marinade is ready, place the flank steak in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s well coated. Seal it up tight and let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour. If you can wait longer, even better—overnight is ideal for maximum flavor!

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard any leftover liquid. Grill or sear the steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, adjusting based on your preferred doneness. Cooking it just right keeps it juicy and tender.

Step 4: Slice and Warm Tortillas

Once cooked, let the steak rest for about five minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips. While it rests, warm your corn tortillas on a hot skillet until they’re pliable—this makes them easier to fold without tearing.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Now comes the fun part! Take a tortilla, add some slices of carne asada, and top with pico de gallo and guacamole. Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything for that extra zing! Repeat until all your tortillas are filled.

Enjoy your homemade carne asada tacos with friends and family—it’s sure to become a cherished favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Carne Asada Tacos

Creating the perfect carne asada tacos is all about attention to detail and a few helpful tricks. Here are some pro tips to ensure your tacos are a hit!

• Marinate Overnight: Allowing the flank steak to marinate overnight enhances the flavors and tenderness of the meat, making each bite incredibly juicy.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, lime, and quality tortillas make a significant difference in flavor. Fresh ingredients pack more punch and elevate your dish.

• Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before cooking the steak. A high temperature creates a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

• Let Meat Rest: After cooking, allow the steak to rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juices, ensuring each taco is moist and flavorful.

• Stack Tortillas: For extra sturdiness, stack two corn tortillas per taco. This not only adds texture but also prevents them from tearing under the weight of your delicious fillings.

How to Serve Carne Asada Tacos

Serving carne asada tacos can be just as much fun as making them! With a little creativity, you can present these delicious bites beautifully that will impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and herbal flavor that complements the savory meat perfectly.
• Diced Red Onion: Adding diced red onion gives a bit of crunch and sharpness that balances out the richness of the tacos.

Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): This grilled corn on the cob is slathered with creamy mayo, cotija cheese (or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative), chili powder, and lime juice for a delightful side.

• Refried Black Beans: Creamy refried black beans are nutritious and pair perfectly with carne asada tacos, providing a hearty element that rounds out your meal.

• Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with fresh cilantro and lime juice adds a refreshing side dish that complements the robust flavors of your tacos.

• Chips with Salsa Verde: Crispy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa verde offer a crunchy contrast to soft tacos and make for an irresistible appetizer or side.

Now you’re all set to enjoy these delectable carne asada tacos! Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these tips and serving ideas will surely impress everyone at your table. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These carne asada tacos are perfect for meal prep! You can marinate the steak ahead of time and store the ingredients separately, making it easy to create a delicious meal whenever you need one.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow any leftover tacos to cool completely before storing.
• Place the leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Store tortillas separately wrapped in foil or plastic wrap to keep them fresh.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the marinated steak before cooking for up to 3 months.
• After cooking, let the carne asada cool and then place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• To freeze tortillas, stack them with parchment paper between each tortilla and wrap tightly in plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat carne asada on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• You can also microwave leftovers in short intervals until hot, but be cautious not to overcook.
• Warm tortillas on a skillet or directly over a flame for a few seconds on each side before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making carne asada tacos:

Can I use other cuts of meat for carne asada tacos?

Absolutely! While flank steak is traditional, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin. Just adjust the cooking time based on thickness.

What toppings go well with carne asada tacos?

Popular toppings include pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream alternatives, and fresh cilantro. Customize with your favorites!

How do I make carne asada tacos more flavorful?

Marinating the meat longer enhances flavor—try marinating overnight. Adding fresh lime juice right before serving adds a zesty kick!

Can I prepare carne asada tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the meat ahead of time and prepare all toppings so that assembling tacos is quick when you’re ready to eat.

What should I serve with carne asada tacos?

These tacos pair wonderfully with sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a refreshing salad. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these carne asada tacos as much as I do! They are truly special because they bring together wonderful flavors and memories shared around the table with family and friends. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your toppings and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking!