Carne Asada Tacos
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Additional Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 30 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
337 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Carne Asada Tacos
Description
This recipe marinates flank or skirt steak in a flavorful mixture including minced jalapeno, garlic, fresh cilantro, orange and lime juices, white wine vinegar, and a combination of chili powders and Mexican spices. Marinating for 2 to 4 hours tenderizes the meat without breaking it down excessively. After patting dry and seasoning, the steak is grilled over medium-high heat until charred outside but juicy inside, then rested and sliced into bite-sized pieces.
The tacos assemble by filling warmed corn tortillas with the sliced carne asada, topped with finely diced onions, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese. Lime wedges and optional toppings such as guacamole, pico de gallo, or salsa add bright, fresh layers that complement the savory grilled meat.
To ensure proper doneness, using an oven-safe thermometer is advised. Warming tortillas in a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a kitchen towel inside a bag helps retain softness and flexibility for easy folding. This recipe yields flavorful tacos suitable for gatherings or casual meals with traditional accompaniments.
Ingredients
For the carne asada marinade
- 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and minced
- 4 cloves garlic minced (about 2 teaspoons
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- orange juice about 1/4 cup of juice, juice of 1 orange
- lime about 2 tablespoons of juice, juice of 1
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for grilling
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper plus more for grilling, freshly ground
- 2 pounds flank steak excess fat removed, or skirt steak
For the tacos
- 16 corn tortilla warmed (or flour tortillas
- 1/2 medium onion finely diced
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
- 1 cup cotija cheese crumbled
- lime for serving, wedges
- other optional toppings: guacamole, pico de gallo, toasted red chile salsa
Instructions
For the carne asada marinade
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients except for the steak.
- Place the steak in a large baking dish or gallon size ziplock bag and pour the marinade on top. Turn the steak a few times until it's completely coated with the marinade and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. Do not marinate for longer than 8 hours because the meat will start to break down and get mushy due to the acidity in the marinade.
- Remove steak from marinade and discard any excess marinade. Pat steak dry with paper towels and drizzle with a touch of olive oil, enough to coat each side. Season lightly with coarse salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Grill steaks with the lid closed for 4-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Skirt steak will be closer to 4 minutes per side and flank steak will be closer to 6-8 minutes per side.
- Remove steaks and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice into bite-sized chunks for easy eating in tacos.
For the tacos
- Place a heaping spoonful or two of carne asada onto warm tortillas.
- Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese and a spritz of fresh lime juice.
- Serve with more of your favorite toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo and salsa if desired.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe meat thermometer to check steak doneness precisely during grilling.
- Keep tortillas warm and soft by placing them inside a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel inside a large zip-top bag before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 337 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tacos | |
| Calories | 337kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 85mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 584mg | 24% |
| Potassium | 510mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 147IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 160mg | 16% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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