Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

These Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos are a taco night favorite! Perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or casual get-togethers, these tacos feature juicy marinated steak seared to perfection and served in warm corn tortillas. With fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, and lime, every bite is a burst of flavor. Customize with your favorite salsas or guacamole for an authentic taste that’s hard to resist.

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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 Guacamole
• Additional Toppings
• 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 Mexican Street Tacos?
• Can I use other meats for these tacos?
• How do I customize my Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos?
• What sides pair well with Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: The marinade infuses the steak with vibrant flavors that will impress your family and friends.
• Quick to Prepare: With a short active cooking time, you can have delicious tacos on the table in under an hour.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize each taco with your choice of toppings like salsa, guacamole, or jalapeños to suit everyone’s taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for Taco Tuesdays, weekend get-togethers, or simple family dinners.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe beginner-friendly.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your essential tools. These items will help streamline the cooking process and ensure you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Resealable bag or shallow dish
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast-iron skillet: Provides even heating for a perfect sear on the carne asada.
• Whisk: Ensures all marinade ingredients blend well for maximum flavor infusion.
• Cutting board and knife: Essential for slicing meat against the grain for tenderness.

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

How to Make Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
2. Place the steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
3. Pour the marinade over the steak. Seal and refrigerate it 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 for achieving a good sear on the steak.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

1. Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
2. Place the steak in the hot skillet.
3. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side based on thickness and desired doneness (medium-rare is about 130°F internal temperature).

Step 4: Rest and Slice the Steak

1. Transfer cooked steak to a cutting board.
2. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
3. Slice thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

While resting the steak:
1. Warm tortillas in the same skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

Fill each warm tortilla with sliced carne asada. Top with diced onions and chopped cilantro. Add lime juice along with any additional toppings desired.

Step 7: Serve

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side alongside any extra toppings of your choice. Enjoy your delicious Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos!

How to Serve Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

These Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos are best enjoyed fresh and warm, accompanied by a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience.

Classic Toppings

• Chopped Onions: Diced white or red onions add a crunchy texture and sharp flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: This herb brings brightness and freshness, enhancing the flavors of the tacos.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice adds acidity that balances the richness of the steak.

Salsas and Guacamole

• Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro is a perfect complement.
• Guacamole: Creamy avocado mixed with lime, salt, and spices provides a rich contrast.
• Spicy Salsa Verde: A tangy green salsa that adds heat and flavor depth.

Additional Toppings

• Crumbled Cotija Cheese: This crumbly cheese adds saltiness and creaminess to each bite.
• Sliced Jalapeños: Fresh or pickled jalapeños offer a spicy kick for those who love heat.
• Hot Sauce: Add your favorite hot sauce for an extra layer of flavor.

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How to Perfect Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

To ensure your Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Marinate Thoroughly: Allow the steak to marinate for at least 2-4 hours (or overnight) to maximize flavor.
• Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat gives the steak a nice sear while keeping it juicy inside.
• Rest the Meat: Letting the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking ensures optimal juiciness.
• Slice Against the Grain: For maximum tenderness, always slice the steak thinly against the grain.
• Warm Tortillas Properly: Warm tortillas on a dry skillet until pliable; this enhances their flavor and texture.
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings according to your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

Pairing side dishes with your Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes and spices complements tacos beautifully.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness to your plate.
3. Grilled Corn Elote: Sweet corn on the cob topped with cheese, lime, and chili powder offers a delightful crunch.
4. Chips with Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa make for a fun appetizer or snack.
5. Cabbage Slaw: A refreshing slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and lime juice adds a crispy element.
6. Black Bean Salad: A hearty salad made with black beans, corn, peppers, and lime dressing is nutritious and tasty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to avoid for the best results.

• Using the Wrong Cut of Meat: Selecting a tough cut instead of flank or skirt steak can lead to chewy tacos. Always choose flank or skirt steak for tenderness.
• Not Marinating Long Enough: Skipping a proper marination time can result in bland flavor. Marinate the steak for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight for maximum impact.
• Overcooking the Steak: Cooking the steak too long makes it dry and tough. Aim for medium-rare, about 130°F internal temperature, to keep it juicy.
• Neglecting Tortilla Quality: Using low-quality tortillas can ruin your tacos. Opt for fresh, small corn tortillas for an authentic experience.
• Forgetting to Let Meat Rest: Cutting the meat immediately after cooking leads to lost juices. Always let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and place tacos on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each taco for about 1 minute per side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos?

Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos are made with marinated, grilled steak served in corn tortillas, topped with fresh ingredients like onions and cilantro.

Can I use other meats for these tacos?

Yes! While flank or skirt steak is traditional, you could substitute chicken, pork, or even grilled vegetables for a different flavor profile.

How do I customize my Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos?

You can add toppings like salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, or cotija cheese to personalize your tacos according to your taste preferences.

What sides pair well with Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos?

Consider serving with rice and beans, a fresh salad, or chips and salsa as great side options that complement these delicious tacos.

Final Thoughts

These Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos are not only flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize them with your favorite toppings and sides. Whether it’s taco night or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at your table. Give it a try!