Carne Asada Tacos are incredible! Seriously the juiciest steak, perfect marinade and those char marks… heaven on a tortilla. I’ve been making these for years and they never disappoint. The combo of citrus, garlic and spices creates this magical flavor that’ll transport you straight to a Mexican street food stand. And the best part? Way easier than they look. Keep reading to see how simple these Carne Asada Tacos are to make at home.
Why You’ll Love These Carne Asada Tacos
Let’s be real – tacos can sometimes be messy or fall apart. But not these! The marinade tenderizes the meat perfectly so it’s easy to bite through without pulling everything out of the tortilla.
First time I made these Carne Asada Tacos for my friends, they couldn’t believe I didn’t order takeout. My buddy Mike (who’s super picky) actually asked for the recipe which NEVER happens.
What’s great is how you can customize these. Want more heat? Add extra chilies. Prefer it milder? Cut back on the spice. These work for casual Tuesday dinner or fancy weekend get-togethers.
Ready to make the best Carne Asada Tacos you’ve ever had? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Homemade Carne Asada Tacos
For the Marinade:
- Citrus juice: Mix of orange, lime and lemon juice. The acid tenderizes the meat and adds brightness. No fresh citrus? Bottled works too.
- Olive oil: Helps carry flavors into the meat. Can sub vegetable oil if needed.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch. Don’t skimp here!
- Cilantro: Gives that authentic flavor. If you’re not a fan, try flat-leaf parsley instead.
- Jalapeño: For a kick of heat. Remove seeds for milder flavor.
- Cumin, oregano, chili powder: The classic spice combo that makes Carne Asada Tacos taste authentic.
- Brown sugar: Just a touch balances the acidity and helps with caramelization.
For the Meat:
- Flank or skirt steak: Both work great for Carne Asada Tacos. Flank is leaner, skirt has more flavor. Look for even thickness.
- Salt and pepper: More than you think you need! Proper seasoning is key.
For Serving:
- Corn tortillas: Traditional choice for authentic Carne Asada Tacos. Flour works too.
- Diced white onion: Adds crunch and sharpness.
- Fresh cilantro: For brightness and color.
- Lime wedges: The final squeeze makes everything pop.
- Avocado slices or guacamole: The creamy texture balances the char-grilled meat.
- Salsa of choice: Red, green, or pico de gallo all work well.
For those with dietary concerns, these Carne Asada Tacos are naturally gluten-free if you use corn tortillas. Dairy-free too unless you add cheese as a topping.
How to Make the Best Carne Asada Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a bowl, mix citrus juices, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, and spices.
- Whisk everything together until well combined. The marinade should look a bit cloudy as the oil emulsifies with the citrus.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
- Place steak in a ziplock bag or shallow dish.
- Pour marinade over meat, making sure it’s completely covered.
- Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 hours. Don’t go beyond 8 hours or the meat can get mushy.
Step 3: Grill the Carne Asada
- Remove steak from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. This helps get better char marks.
- Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat grill or cast iron pan to high heat. Should be smoking hot!
- Grill steak 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. The outside should have nice char marks while inside stays juicy.
- Look for internal temp around 130-135°F for medium-rare.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing! Super important for juice retention.
Step 4: Slice and Assemble Tacos
- Slice meat against the grain into thin strips. This is crucial for tender Carne Asada Tacos!
- Warm tortillas on the grill or in a dry pan until slightly charred but still flexible.
- Place meat on tortillas and top with onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Add avocado and salsa if desired.
- Serve immediately while everything’s still warm.
Pro tip: double up tortillas for authentic street-style Carne Asada Tacos that won’t fall apart!
Tasty Variations for Carne Asada Tacos
Pineapple Carne Asada Tacos
Add grilled pineapple chunks to the tacos for sweet-savory magic. The enzymes in pineapple also help tenderize the meat if added to marinade.
Chipotle Carne Asada Tacos
Add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo to the marinade for a smoky kick. Perfect for spice lovers!
Carne Asada Tacos with Grilled Vegetables
Grill sliced bell peppers and onions alongside the meat for a fajita-style variation.
Breakfast Carne Asada Tacos
Top with a fried egg for amazing breakfast Carne Asada Tacos. The runny yolk creates an incredible sauce.
Carne Asada Street Tacos
Go minimal with just meat, onion, cilantro and lime on small corn tortillas for authentic Mexican street style.
Carne Asada Taco Bowl
Skip the tortilla and serve over rice with beans and toppings for a hearty, gluten-free option.
If you enjoy these Carne Asada Tacos, you might also like our Healthy Crockpot Chicken Tacos for a make-ahead option, or try our Smash Burger Tacos for a fun fusion dish. Seafood lovers should definitely check out our Spicy Shrimp Tacos too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Carne Asada Tacos ahead of time?
You can marinate the meat up to 8 hours ahead. For best results, grill just before serving. If needed, you can grill and slice the meat a few hours ahead, then reheat gently in a covered skillet with a splash of water or beef broth to keep it moist.
What’s the best cut of meat for Carne Asada Tacos?
Skirt steak gives the most flavor, while flank steak is a bit leaner but still tender. Both work great! Avoid cuts like sirloin or ribeye – they’re too expensive and lack the right texture for authentic Carne Asada Tacos.
How do I store leftover Carne Asada?
Store meat separate from toppings in airtight container in fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in skillet with a splash of liquid to prevent drying out. Don’t microwave or you’ll get tough meat!
Can I make these Carne Asada Tacos in the oven?
Yes! Broil on high, 4-5 minutes per side, placing the meat on top rack about 4 inches from heat. Still need to check temp for doneness – 130-135°F for medium-rare.
What can I serve with Carne Asada Tacos?
Mexican rice, beans, grilled corn, or a simple cabbage slaw are perfect sides. For drinks, try margaritas, Mexican beer, or horchata!
Are Carne Asada Tacos spicy?
The basic recipe has mild heat. The jalapeño gives flavor more than spice, especially if you remove seeds. Add more chilies or hot sauce if you want them spicier.
Can I freeze leftover carne asada meat?
Yes! Slice cooked meat, cool completely, then freeze in airtight container up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and reheat gently with a splash of liquid to restore moisture.
The Magic of Homemade Carne Asada Tacos
Every time I serve these Carne Asada Tacos, they transport me back to that tiny taco stand I discovered in San Diego. The owner wouldn’t share his recipe but after years of experimenting, I think I’ve gotten pretty close!
These tacos hit that perfect balance between honoring traditional flavors while being totally doable at home. The smell of beef hitting that hot grill… nothing better.
Make these Carne Asada Tacos your own. Play with the heat level, switch up the toppings, find your perfect char. That’s the beauty of cooking – taking inspiration and making it work for your taste buds.
Now go fire up that grill and get ready for the best Carne Asada Tacos you’ve ever made!
Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Equipment
- Grill or cast iron skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Ziplock bag or shallow dish
- Tongs
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeño diced (seeds removed for milder flavor)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
For the Meat:
- 1.5 lbs flank or skirt steak
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 limes cut into wedges
- 1 avocado sliced (or guacamole)
- Salsa of choice
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together citrus juices, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, jalapeño, and spices.
Marinate the Steak:
- Place steak in a ziplock bag or dish. Pour marinade over meat, coat well. Refrigerate for 1-4 hours (not more than 8).
Grill the Carne Asada:
- Remove steak, pat dry, and season with salt and pepper. Grill over high heat, about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp 130-135°F). Let rest 10 minutes.
Slice & Assemble Tacos:
- Cut steak thinly against the grain. Warm tortillas. Top with steak, onion, cilantro, lime juice, avocado, and salsa.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve immediately while hot. Double up tortillas for extra stability if desired.