Sizzling Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos Recipe That Wows

Succulent carne asada mexican street tacos transport you straight to bustling mexico city markets with their bold, smoky flavors.

Vibrant spices dance across tender beef, creating an irresistible culinary experience.

Marinated strips of meat sizzle with authentic seasonings that capture true street food magic.

Grilling techniques passed through generations infuse each bite with deep, rich character.

Crisp corn tortillas cradle the perfectly charred meat, promising a mouthwatering adventure.

Minimal ingredients combine to deliver maximum taste and cultural tradition.

Unwrap these tacos and let your taste buds celebrate a delicious journey through mexican cuisine.

Tasty Versions Of Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

• Chicken Asada Swap: Replace beef with marinated chicken thighs for a lighter protein option, using same marinade ingredients and cooking technique.
• Vegetarian Street Tacos: Substitute steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu, maintaining the original spice blend for authentic flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Skip tortillas and serve carne asada inside crisp lettuce leaves, creating a keto-friendly alternative with same delicious seasonings.
• Seafood Coastal Variation: Use shrimp or white fish instead of beef, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking while keeping the original zesty marinade ingredients.

Good Sides For Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

• Craft Mexican Beer Companion: Crisp and light Mexican lagers like Modelo Especial or Pacifico perfectly cut through the rich, spicy meat, providing a refreshing contrast that cleanses your palate between bites.
• Zesty Citrus Margarita Match: A classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila complements the cilantro and lime flavors in the carne asada, enhancing the overall Mexican street food experience with its bright, tangy profile.
• Bold Red Wine Selection: A medium-bodied red wine like Tempranillo from Spain or a Chilean Malbec offers robust flavors that stand up to the grilled, spiced meat, creating a sophisticated pairing that elevates the taco's complexity.

How To Store Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos Right

• Store leftover carne asada in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool meat completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap sliced steak tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Warm sliced meat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying. Heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Place meat in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to avoid overcooking. Stop when meat is heated evenly.

FAQs About Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

• What meat is best for carne asada tacos?

Skirt steak or flank steak are ideal because they are flavorful, lean, and become tender when marinated and cooked quickly at high heat.

• How long should I marinate the steak?

Marinate for at least 2-4 hours, but overnight marinating provides the most intense flavor and helps tenderize the meat.

• What internal temperature indicates the steak is perfectly cooked?

For medium-rare carne asada, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F, which ensures a juicy and tender result.

• Can I grill the steak instead of using a skillet?

Yes, grilling is an excellent alternative. Preheat the grill to high heat and cook the steak for 3-5 minutes per side, following the same temperature and resting guidelines.

Why Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos Are A Hit

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Marinating the steak infuses deep, bold Mexican-inspired flavors that transform ordinary meat into a taste explosion that will wow your taste buds.
• Master Quick Cooking Technique: Searing steak on high heat creates a perfectly caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender, delivering restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.
• Customize Your Culinary Experience: These street tacos offer endless topping possibilities, allowing you to personalize each bite with fresh cilantro, zesty onions, spicy jalapeños, or creamy guacamole to match your mood.
• Impress with Minimal Effort: Using simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, you can create authentic Mexican street tacos that look and taste like they came from a professional taqueria, making you feel like a culinary star.

What You’ll Need For Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

• Steak: A flavorful cut that serves as the main protein for these authentic Mexican street tacos.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates a smooth marinade base.
• Lime Juice: Provides acidity and tenderizes the meat.
• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the marinade.
• Garlic: Delivers a pungent and aromatic depth to the meat.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Smoked Paprika: Create a complex and traditional Mexican spice profile.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Enhance and balance the overall seasoning.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour base for the street tacos.
• Onions, Cilantro: Fresh garnishes that add crunch and brightness.
• Lime: Provides a zesty, fresh finish to the tacos.

• Salsa, Guacamole, Jalapeños: Additional condiments to customize the tacos.

How To Cook Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

Step 1: Whip Up Flavorful Marinade

• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Fresh cilantro
• Minced garlic
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Black pepper
• Salt

Pour marinade over steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan until smoking hot. This high-heat technique creates a perfect caramelized exterior on the meat.

Step 3: Cook to Perfection

Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off. Place in scorching hot skillet and cook 3-5 minutes per side. Aim for a beautiful medium-rare with a internal temperature around 130°F.

Step 4: Rest and Slice

Transfer cooked steak to a cutting board. Allow it to rest 5-10 minutes, letting juices redistribute. Slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Step 5: Warm Tortillas

Use the same skillet to warm tortillas for about 30 seconds per side. Look for slight char and pliable texture.

Step 6: Assemble Tacos

• Diced onions
• Chopped cilantro
• Fresh lime juice

Add optional toppings like salsa, guacamole, or jalapeños.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate tacos with lime wedges on the side. Invite everyone to customize their perfect Mexican street taco experience.

Tips To Help With Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

• Marinate Masterfully: Let the steak soak up flavors for at least 2-4 hours, or ideally overnight, to ensure deep, rich taste throughout the meat.
• Sear Like a Pro: Use a scorching hot cast-iron skillet to create a perfect caramelized crust that locks in juices and develops incredible flavor.
• Rest and Slice Strategically: Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking, then slice thinly against the grain to guarantee maximum tenderness.
• Warm Tortillas with Care: Heat tortillas briefly in the same skillet to enhance their flavor and make them pliable, creating an authentic street taco experience.

Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 25 minutes (including marinating and resting times)
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican street magic comes alive with these mouthwatering Carne Asada Tacos, where sizzling marinated beef meets fresh cilantro and zesty lime. Each bite delivers authentic flavor that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Mexico City.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) flank steak or skirt steak

Marinade and Seasoning:

• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) fresh lime juice
• 0.25 cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Tacos and Toppings:

• 12 small corn tortillas
• 0.5 cup (75 grams) diced white onion or red onion
• 0.5 cup (30 grams) chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Crumbled cotija cheese, optional
• 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 0.5 red onion, finely chopped
• 0.25 cup (15 grams) fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1–2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, or hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a medium bowl.
2. Submerge the steak completely in the marinade, ensuring full coverage. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours or ideally overnight to maximize flavor penetration.
3. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan on high heat until it’s extremely hot, creating optimal conditions for a perfect sear.
4. Extract the steak from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Carefully place the meat in the scorching skillet.
5. Cook the steak for 3-5 minutes per side, targeting an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare. Adjust cooking time based on steak thickness.
6. Transfer the cooked meat to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
7. Slice the steak thinly against the grain to guarantee a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
8. Warm tortillas in the same skillet over medium heat for approximately 30 seconds per side until they become pliable and develop slight char marks.
9. Assemble tacos by layering sliced carne asada on warm tortillas, then garnish with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a lime juice splash.
10. Enhance with optional toppings like salsa, guacamole, or jalapeños. Serve immediately with additional lime wedges on the side.

Notes

• Marinate the steak overnight for maximum flavor infusion and tender meat texture.
• Use high-heat cooking method like cast-iron skillet to achieve perfect caramelized exterior and juicy interior.
• Slice meat against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easy chewing.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like chicken, portobello mushrooms, or tofu for diverse dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding marinating time)
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg