Imagine the sizzle of steak on a hot griddle, the aroma of charred onions and fragrant spices wafting through the air, and the vibrant colors of freshly chopped toppings. Welcome to the world of carne asada street tacos, where every bite is a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico.
These aren’t your average tacos – they’re a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. The key is in the marinated and perfectly grilled carne asada, which melts in your mouth with each tender morsel. Pair it with soft, pillowy tortillas, a rainbow of toppings, and a drizzle of creamy, tangy sauce, and you’ve got a dish that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Whether you’re a seasoned taco connoisseur or new to the game, this recipe for simple, hearty carne asada street tacos is sure to become a new family favorite. Get ready to experience the ultimate in Mexican street food magic, right in the comfort of your own kitchen.
🥰 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe ?
Carne asada street tacos are the ultimate in flavor and satisfaction. The combination of juicy, marinated steak, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas is simply unbeatable. But what sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail and the perfect balance of textures and tastes.
The key to success is in the marinade, which infuses the steak with a complex blend of spices and citrus. This not only tenderizes the meat but also imparts a depth of flavor that you just can’t achieve with a simple seasoning. The result is a piece of steak that is bursting with flavor, yet still maintains a satisfying chew.
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 12-16 small corn tortillas, warmed
• Diced white onion, for serving
• Chopped cilantro, for serving
• Lime wedges, for serving
The key to truly authentic carne asada street tacos is the marinade. The combination of citrus juices, garlic, and spices not only tenderizes the steak but also infuses it with a complex depth of flavor that sets this recipe apart. The orange juice provides a subtle sweetness, while the lime juice adds a bright, tangy note that balances the richness of the meat. Feel free to adjust the spices to your personal taste, adding more chili powder for a spicier kick or swapping in a different dried herb for a unique twist.
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large resealable bag or shallow baking dish, combine the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced steak and toss to coat evenly. Cover or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Grill the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Be careful not to overcrowd the grill, as this will steam the meat instead of searing it. Work in batches if necessary to maintain the high heat.
- Slice and Serve: Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Serve the carne asada on warm corn tortillas, topped with diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Timing Overview
• Marinating time: 30 minutes – 4 hours
• Cook time: 6-8 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes – 4 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 4 servings.
• Protein: 27 g
• Sodium: 517 mg
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
🎨 Make It Your Own: Substitutions & Ideas
• To Make it Vegan: Substitute the steak with grilled or sautéed portobello mushrooms or jackfruit. Adjust the marinade to suit the plant-based protein.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Finely chop a jalapeño or serrano pepper and add it to the marinade. You can also serve the tacos with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side.
🥂 Perfect Pairings & Serving Suggestions
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the tacos with a dollop of creamy avocado salsa, a sprinkle of queso fresco, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Beverage Pairing: These tacos pair wonderfully with a crisp Mexican lager, a refreshing margarita, or a vibrant, fruit-forward sangria.
🚫 Your Guide to a Flawless Execution
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure to bring the steak to room temperature before cooking. Cold steak straight from the fridge will take longer to cook and may result in an uneven texture. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling for the best results.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Grill: A hot, well-preheated grill is essential for searing the steak and locking in those delicious juices. Be sure to let your grill or grill pan preheat for at least 10-15 minutes before adding the steak to ensure you get that perfect char.
🕒 A Guide to Storing for Later
• Freezing: Carne asada can be frozen for up to 3 months. Slice the steak, then place the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen steak to an airtight container or freezer bag for storage. To reheat, thaw the steak in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up in a skillet or on the grill.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat the leftover carne asada in a skillet over medium-high heat, flipping occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the steak tough and rubbery.
❓ FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for carne asada?
Absolutely! While flank steak or skirt steak are the traditional choices for carne asada, you can experiment with other cuts like hanger steak, flap meat, or even sirloin. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different cuts may require more or less time on the grill to achieve the perfect level of tenderness.
How can I make my carne asada extra tender?
The key to ultra-tender carne asada is in the marinade. Be sure to let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for the best results. The citrus juices, garlic, and spices work together to break down the tough muscle fibers, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Additionally, be sure not to overcook the steak, as this can make it tough and chewy.
Can I make carne asada street tacos in advance?
Absolutely! The carne asada can be prepared and marinated up to 4 hours in advance, making this recipe perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Simply grill the steak just before serving, and assemble the tacos with the warm tortillas, onions, cilantro, and lime wedges. The toppings can also be prepped in advance and stored separately until ready to serve.
How do I get that perfect charred flavor on the steak?
To achieve that signature charred flavor on the carne asada, make sure your grill or grill pan is blazing hot before adding the steak. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until you see a nice, caramelized crust develop. Resist the urge to move the steak too much during cooking, as this can prevent the formation of those delicious char marks. Additionally, be sure not to overcrowd the grill, as this will cause the steak to steam instead of sear.
Can I make these tacos with chicken or pork instead of beef?
Absolutely! The marinade and serving style work just as well with other proteins. For chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. For pork, opt for thinly sliced pork shoulder or tenderloin. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times as needed to ensure the protein is cooked through but still tender and juicy.
🎉 Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!
Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey with these simple, hearty carne asada street tacos. The combination of tender, marinated steak, warm tortillas, and vibrant toppings is a true taste of Mexico that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Whether you’re hosting a fiesta or just craving an authentic taco experience, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate street taco bliss!
Buen provecho, my friends! Let the carne asada street taco adventure begin!
Simple, Hearty Carne Asada Street Tacos
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- In a large resealable bag or shallow baking dish, combine the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced steak and toss to coat evenly. Cover or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Grill the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Be careful not to overcrowd the grill, as this will steam the meat instead of searing it. Work in batches if necessary to maintain the high heat.
- Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Serve the carne asada on warm corn tortillas, topped with diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
