Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

These Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos are a taco night favorite! Juicy, marinated steak is seared to perfection and served in warm corn tortillas. With fresh cilantro, onions, and lime, these tacos are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering with friends, the bold flavors of carne asada will impress everyone at the table. Customize your tacos with salsa, guacamole, or cotija cheese for an authentic and delicious meal that stands out.

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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 Sauces
• Cheese Options
• 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?
• How do I make my Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos spicy?
• Can I use another type of meat for these tacos?
• What toppings are best for Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos?
• How do I ensure my steak is tender?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: The marinade does most of the work for you, making these tacos simple to prepare.
• Flavorful Ingredients: Each bite is packed with the zesty taste of lime and the warmth of spices.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize these tacos with your favorite toppings for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve them at parties, taco nights, or casual dinners to impress guests.
• Healthy Option: Made with fresh ingredients, this recipe is a nutritious choice for taco lovers.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your cooking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet
• Resealable bag or shallow dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast-iron skillet: Perfect for achieving a high sear on the steak while retaining heat.
• Resealable bag or shallow dish: Ideal for marinating the steak evenly without mess.
• Mixing bowl: Provides enough space to combine all marinade ingredients efficiently.

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

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How to Make Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Place the steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak and seal it. Refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours (overnight is best).

Step 2: Preheat the Pan

Heat your cast-iron skillet over high heat until it’s very hot. This step is crucial for getting that perfect sear on your steak.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Remove the steak from the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off. Place it in the hot skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side based on thickness. Aim for medium-rare (about 130°F internal temperature).

Step 4: Rest and Slice the Steak

Transfer your cooked steak to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes so that juices redistribute. Slice thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

While the steak rests, warm your tortillas in either the same skillet or another dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until they are pliable and slightly charred.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

Fill each warm tortilla with sliced carne asada. Top with diced onions and chopped cilantro along with a squeeze of fresh lime. Add any additional toppings as desired.

Step 7: Serve

Serve immediately while warm with lime wedges on the side and extra toppings ready to go!

How to Serve Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos are perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. With their vibrant flavors and customizable toppings, you can create a delightful taco experience that caters to everyone’s tastes.

Classic Toppings

• Chopped Onion: Fresh diced onion adds a crunchy texture and sharp flavor.
• Cilantro: Bright green cilantro offers a fresh and herbal note that complements the steak.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime enhances the flavors and adds brightness.

Salsas and Sauces

• Pico de Gallo: A fresh tomato salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice.
• Guacamole: Creamy avocado with lime and spices creates a rich topping for your tacos.
• Hot Sauce: Spice things up with your favorite hot sauce or salsa for an extra kick.

Cheese Options

• Cotija Cheese: Crumbled cotija cheese adds a salty flavor and creamy texture.
• Queso Fresco: This mild cheese crumbles easily and enhances the overall taste of the tacos.

How to Perfect Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

To ensure your Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos are extraordinary, follow these essential tips for maximum flavor and enjoyment.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, limes, and onions enhance the overall flavor profile significantly.
• Marinate Overnight: Allowing the steak to marinate overnight intensifies flavors and tenderness.
• Aim for High Heat Cooking: A hot skillet ensures a delicious sear while keeping the inside juicy.
• Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the steak against the grain helps maintain tenderness in each bite.
• Serve Immediately: Tacos are best enjoyed fresh off the skillet while still warm and flavorful.
• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to mix in different toppings like jalapeños or avocado for variety!

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Best Side Dishes for Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

To complement your Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos, consider serving some delicious side dishes. These options will enhance your meal and provide a well-rounded dining experience.

1. Mexican Rice: Flavorful rice seasoned with spices complements tacos beautifully.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness to your meal.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred corn brushed with lime and chili powder makes a tasty side treat.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with salsa make for an addictive appetizer.
5. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Sweet corn slathered in mayo, cheese, and spices is a crowd-pleaser.
6. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad with black beans, corn, peppers, and lime dressing provides great balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when preparing Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.

• Not Marinating Long Enough: Skipping the marination time can lead to bland steak. Aim for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Placing too much steak in the skillet can lower the temperature and prevent a good sear. Cook in batches if needed.
• Slicing the Steak Incorrectly: Cutting against the grain is crucial for tenderness. Always slice against the grain for the best texture.
• Using Cold Tortillas: Serving cold tortillas can ruin the taco experience. Warm them just before serving to enhance their flavor and pliability.
• Ignoring Quality Ingredients: Low-quality steak or toppings can affect the overall taste. Choose fresh ingredients for a delicious taco.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place wrapped tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Warm each taco for about 1-2 minutes on each side until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carne Asada?

Carne Asada refers to grilled and marinated beef, often flank or skirt steak, used as a filling in tacos. Its rich flavor makes it a favorite in Mexican cuisine.

How do I make my Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos spicy?

Add diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce when assembling your tacos. This will give them an extra kick!

Can I use another type of meat for these tacos?

Yes! You can substitute chicken, pork, or even tofu if you prefer a different protein while keeping the marinade similar.

What toppings are best for Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos?

Common toppings include diced onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, guacamole, and cotija cheese. Customize according to your taste!

How do I ensure my steak is tender?

Marinate your steak adequately and always slice against the grain after resting. This technique keeps it tender and juicy.

Final Thoughts

These Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them with various toppings to suit your palate. Whether it’s taco night or just a casual meal, these tacos will surely impress your family and friends.