Nothing captures the essence of Mexican street food like a well-made carne asada street taco. Bursting with flavor, these tacos are a celebration of bold spices, seared meat, and vibrant toppings, all wrapped up in a warm corn tortilla. Street tacos are a beloved staple across Mexico and have gained massive popularity worldwide for their simplicity and irresistible taste. The good news? You can recreate this street-food favorite right in your own kitchen. Follow along for a step-by-step guide to making the ultimate carne asada street tacos.
What Makes Carne Asada so Special?
At the heart of these tacos is the carne asada itself, which translates to "grilled meat" in Spanish. This dish typically features marinated and grilled steak, cooked over high heat to achieve a beautiful char on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside. The secret to great carne asada isn’t just in the grilling; it’s in the marinade. A vibrant blend of citrus, garlic, spices, and herbs infuses the steak with incredible flavor.
But what truly elevates carne asada is how it’s served—with fresh toppings, delicious salsas, and a squeeze of lime, all resting on warm, perfectly charred corn tortillas. Every bite is an explosion of flavor and texture, making it impossible to stop at just one taco.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this mouthwatering dish to life.
For the Carne Asada Marinade
- 1.5 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
For the Tacos
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2-3 limes, cut into wedges
- 1 cup green salsa or red salsa (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Toppings
- Sliced radishes
- Pickled jalapeños
- Guacamole
- Crumbled queso fresco
Sides and Drinks
Consider serving with Mexican rice, refried beans, or grilled corn on the side, along with a chilled Mexican beer or a refreshing agua fresca.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Steak
Combine all the marinade ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk to mix the flavors together. Place the steak into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the meat. Seal the bag (or cover the dish), ensuring the marinade coats the steak evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but for best results, marinate for 6-8 hours or overnight.
2. Prepare the Grill or Skillet
Once the steak has marinated, remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Preheat your grill or a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, lightly grease it with olive oil.
3. Grill the Steak
Place the steak on the hot grill or skillet. Cook it for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your preferred level of doneness (medium-rare is perfect for carne asada). Use a meat thermometer if needed; an internal temperature of 135°F works well for medium-rare. Once cooked, remove the steak from the heat, tent it loosely with foil, and rest for 5-10 minutes.
4. Slice the Meat
After the steak has rested, place it on a cutting board. Slice the meat thinly, against the grain, to ensure tenderness. For taco-sized bites, you can further chop the sliced steak into smaller chunks.
5. Warm the Tortillas
Heat the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until they become pliable and gain a few brown spots. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel.
6. Assemble the Tacos
Take a warm tortilla and add a generous portion of the sliced carne asada. Top with diced onion, fresh cilantro, and a spoonful of your favorite salsa. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice. Add any extra toppings you love for that final burst of flavor.
Tips for Serving
- Tacos are Best Fresh: Serve immediately for the best taste. Lay out all the toppings and salsas on your table for a DIY taco bar experience.
- Keep it Simple: Carne asada street tacos shine because of their simplicity. Avoid overloading them with too many toppings that might mask the rich flavor of the meat.
- Pair with Authentic Sides: Grilled elote (Mexican street corn) sprinkled with cotija cheese and chili powder is a perfect companion.
- Drinks Matter: A cold, crisp beer such as a Modelo or Corona, or a tangy margarita, complements the tacos beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, try a lime agua fresca or horchata.
A Final Word
Carne asada street tacos are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. Each bite is a celebration of flavorful, juicy meat, fresh ingredients, and an homage to Mexican culinary traditions. Whether you're making these for a casual weeknight dinner or a festive party with friends, they're sure to be a hit. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and bring a bit of the vibrant streets of Mexico right to your table. Enjoy!
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