Mexican Street Tacos With Carne Asada Recipe

Sizzling Mexican Street Tacos with Carne Asada Recipe

Crispy tortillas cradle succulent mexican street tacos with carne asada that dance with bold, vibrant flavors.

Tender beef sizzles with zesty marinade, promising an authentic culinary journey.

Charred edges hint at smoky complexity waiting to unfold.

Each bite transports you to bustling street corners in mexico city.

Marinated meat becomes the star of this simple yet magnificent dish.

Lime wedges and fresh cilantro stand ready to elevate every mouthwatering morsel.

We dare you to resist these irresistible tacos that capture street food magic in one delectable package.

Top Tips for Mexican Street Tacos with Carne Asada Success

  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Marinate the steak for the full 4 hours to allow citrus juices and spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
  • Slice Like a Pro: Cut the steak against the grain to ensure each bite remains tender and easy to chew, preventing tough, stringy texture.
  • Grill with Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, aiming for 135°F for medium-rare to achieve perfect carne asada every time.
  • Tortilla Technique: Double-layer corn tortillas for sturdier tacos that won't fall apart when loaded with juicy meat and toppings.
  • Customize Your Heat: Adjust chili powder and add additional hot sauce for those who love extra spiciness, making the recipe adaptable to different heat preferences.

How to Reheat Mexican Street Tacos with Carne Asada

  • Store leftover carne asada and tortillas separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Keep sliced steak in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it remains moist by drizzling a small amount of remaining marinade.
  • Warm meat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying, stirring occasionally until heated through, typically 2-3 minutes.
  • Quickly warm corn tortillas on a griddle or in a dry skillet for 15-20 seconds per side, restoring their soft texture and slight char.

Why Mexican Street Tacos with Carne Asada Are Crowd Favorites

  • Dive into these mouthwatering Mexican street tacos that bring authentic street food right to your kitchen.
  • Incredibly simple recipe that transforms affordable steak into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Prep-ahead marinade means you can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving bold, zesty flavors.
  • Flexible recipe allows endless topping variations, making it a crowd-pleasing option for casual gatherings or laid-back dinners with friends.

What Goes Into Mexican Street Tacos with Carne Asada

Meat:
  • Carne Asada Steak: Tender beef cut, perfect for grilling, choose a flavorful cut like flank or skirt steak for authentic Mexican street tacos.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Orange Juice, Lime Juice: Citrus juices help tenderize the meat and add bright, zesty flavor.
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade and keeps meat moist during grilling.
  • Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor to the meat.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds classic Mexican cuisine taste.
  • Cumin, Chili Powder: Warm spices that create traditional Mexican seasoning profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing meat's natural flavor.
Taco Assembly Ingredients:
  • Corn Tortillas: Traditional Mexican taco base, soft and authentic street taco style.
  • White Onions: Fresh, crisp topping that adds sharp crunch.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb for garnishing and adding fresh flavor.
  • Lime: Provides fresh citrus finish and traditional street taco touch.
Optional Serving Ingredients:
  • Salsa: Spicy condiment to complement the tacos.

How to Cook Mexican Street Tacos with Carne Asada Perfectly

Step 1: Whip Up The Marinade

  • Orange juice
  • Lime juice
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Cilantro
  • Cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend all marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl until well combined. Transfer steak into a sealed container and generously coat with marinade. Refrigerate for maximum flavor development, letting the meat soak up delicious seasonings.

Step 2: Fire Up The Grill

Crank your grill to high heat. Remove steak from marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Carefully place meat on hot grates, creating beautiful sear marks. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes, aiming for a perfect medium-rare finish. Watch for those gorgeous caramelized edges that signify incredible flavor.

Step 3: Rest And Slice

Remove steak from grill and let it rest on a cutting board. This crucial pause allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Using a sharp knife, slice steak against the grain into thin, tender strips that will melt in your mouth.

Step 4: Warm Tortilla Magic

Quickly warm corn tortillas on grill or skillet. Move fast to prevent burning, aiming for a slightly charred, flexible texture that screams authenticity.

Step 5: Assemble Flavor Bombs

Layer sliced carne asada onto warm tortillas. Sprinkle with fresh diced onions and chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over top for a zesty punch.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Plate tacos with additional lime wedges and your favorite salsa. Invite friends and dive into a feast of incredible Mexican street food flavors.

What Complements Mexican Street Tacos with Carne Asada

  • Craft a zesty Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico to perfectly complement the smoky, citrusy notes of carne asada tacos.
  • Create a tangy pico de gallo with fresh tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños to cut through the rich meat and add bright, crisp textures.
  • Select a bold, fruit-forward red like Tempranillo or Malbec to match the robust flavors of the grilled steak and spicy marinade.
  • Whip up a creamy avocado crema or Mexican-style street corn (elote) to balance the intense, charred meat with smooth, cooling elements.

Ways to Mix Up Mexican Street Tacos with Carne Asada

  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Replace corn tortillas with large butter lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb alternative that keeps the authentic Mexican flavor profile intact.
  • Vegetarian Protein Option: Swap carne asada with grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu, maintaining the original marinade and spice blend for a plant-based taco experience.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Confirm corn tortillas are certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of traditional seasonings to create a celiac-safe meal without compromising taste.
  • Healthier Lean Protein Variation: Use grass-fed flank steak or trimmed sirloin to reduce fat content while keeping the classic carne asada texture and rich marinade characteristics.
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Mexican Street Tacos With Carne Asada Recipe

Mexican Street Tacos With Carne Asada Recipe


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4.9 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sizzling Mexican street tacos with carne asada bring authentic flavors straight from Mexico’s bustling markets to your kitchen. Juicy marinated beef, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 lbs (900g) skirt or flank steak

Marinade Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60ml) orange juice
  • ¼ cup (60ml) lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Taco Assembly Ingredients:

  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • ½ cup diced white onion
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Salsa, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by blending citrus juices, olive oil, aromatic herbs, and robust spices in a capacious mixing vessel, creating a vibrant flavor foundation for the protein.
  2. Immerse the beef cut thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate to allow the ingredients to meld and tenderize for a minimum of 60 minutes, maximizing flavor penetration.
  3. Heat the grilling surface to intense temperatures, removing the marinated meat and allowing excess liquid to drip away, promoting optimal caramelization.
  4. Sear the protein swiftly, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side to achieve a succulent medium-rare texture, monitoring doneness carefully.
  5. Transfer the grilled meat to a resting platform, permitting internal juices to redistribute, which enhances tenderness and flavor concentration.
  6. While meat rests, rapidly warm corn tortillas on the residual grill heat or in a cast-iron skillet, creating slight char and enhancing their pliability.
  7. Slice the rested protein against the grain into delicate, uniform strips, ensuring maximum tenderness and aesthetic appeal.
  8. Construct individual tacos by layering thin meat slices onto warm tortillas, garnishing with finely diced white onions and fresh cilantro.
  9. Finalize each taco with a zesty lime juice squeeze and optional salsa, serving immediately to preserve optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality skirt or flank steak for authentic flavor and tender texture when grilling carne asada.
  • Maximize marinade effectiveness by piercing meat with fork before adding liquid mixture to help seasonings penetrate deeply.
  • Keep tortillas fresh by wrapping in clean kitchen towel after warming to maintain softness and prevent drying out.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, verify corn tortillas are 100% corn and produced in gluten-free facility to ensure dietary safety.
  • Create vegetarian version by substituting steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned plant-based protein for similar texture and taste profile.
  • Enhance meal’s nutrition by adding fresh avocado slices or introducing quick pickled radishes for extra crunch and vibrant flavor contrast.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder quantity or using milder pepper varieties for sensitive palates while maintaining authentic Mexican street taco essence.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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