Carne Asada Tacos

These carne asada tacos are sure to become a favorite at your dinner table or any gathering! With their robust flavors and tender meat, these tacos are perfect for a casual weeknight meal or a festive get-together. The marinade not only enhances the flavor but also ensures the meat is juicy and tender, making each bite irresistible. Top them with fresh pico de gallo and creamy guacamole for an unforgettable experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The marinade infuses the flank steak with a delightful mix of citrus and spices, ensuring every bite bursts with taste.
• Easy Preparation: With a simple marinade and quick cooking time, you can whip up these tacos in no time.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize each taco with your favorite toppings, such as pico de gallo, guacamole, or fresh cilantro.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a weekend gathering, these tacos fit right in.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, these carne asada tacos are a nutritious choice without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started on creating delicious carne asada tacos.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet or grill
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast-iron skillet or grill: Provides excellent heat retention for perfectly seared meat with great flavor.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients to create a flavorful marinade.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending liquids smoothly without leaving clumps.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping the steak while cooking without piercing it, keeping all the juices in.

Ingredients

These carne asada tacos feature an array of fresh ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Steak Marinade

• 2 pounds flank steak (excess fat trimmed)
• Juice of 2 limes
• Juice of 1 orange
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

For Serving

• 12 corn tortillas (or 24 tortillas if stacking 2 tortillas per taco)
• Pico de gallo (homemade or store-bought)
• Guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

How to Make Carne Asada Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place the flank steak in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results).

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Preheat your cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard any leftover liquid. Cook the steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. Adjust cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness.

Step 4: Rest and Slice

Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from heat and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Slice against the grain into thin strips.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Warm corn tortillas in a skillet until pliable. Layer sliced steak on each tortilla and top with pico de gallo and guacamole. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

Enjoy these flavorful carne asada tacos at your next meal!

How to Serve Carne Asada Tacos

Carne asada tacos are versatile and can be customized with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some delicious ways to serve them that will elevate your taco night.

Fresh Toppings

• Pico de gallo: A fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños adds a vibrant flavor.
• Guacamole: Creamy avocado mixed with lime juice and spices provides a rich contrast to the meat.
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds coolness and creaminess to balance the spices in the carne asada.

Squeeze of Citrus

• Lime wedges: Serving lime wedges allows guests to add fresh zest that enhances the overall flavor.
• Orange slices: Sweet orange slices can also complement the savory flavors of the tacos.

Garnishes

• Chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Radish slices: Thinly sliced radishes provide a crunchy texture and peppery flavor that contrasts nicely with the meat.

How to Perfect Carne Asada Tacos

To create mouthwatering carne asada tacos, follow these essential tips for preparation and cooking.

• Marinate the meat: Allowing the flank steak to marinate for at least an hour (or overnight) infuses it with incredible flavors.
• Use high heat: Cooking on high heat ensures a nice sear on the steak, locking in juices and enhancing flavor.
• Let it rest: After cooking, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture in the meat.
• Slice against the grain: Cutting the steak against the grain makes each bite tender and easy to chew.
• Warm tortillas properly: Heating corn tortillas on a skillet prevents them from breaking and enhances their flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Carne Asada Tacos

Pairing side dishes with carne asada tacos can enhance your meal experience. Here are some tasty options you can consider.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices complements the flavors of carne asada perfectly.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans offer a hearty side that pairs well with tacos. You can garnish them with cheese or cilantro.
3. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob coated in mayo, cheese, and chili powder makes for a deliciously sweet side dish.
4. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make for a great appetizer or snack option before diving into your tacos.
5. Guacamole Salad: A fresh salad made with avocados, tomatoes, onions, and lime dressing brightens up your meal.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like bell peppers and zucchini grilled until tender add color and nutrition to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making carne asada tacos, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using tough cuts of meat: Always choose flank steak or a similar cut known for tenderness. Avoid tougher cuts that may not provide the best eating experience.
• Neglecting the marinade time: Marinating the meat for at least 30 minutes (or longer) is essential for flavor and tenderness. Don’t rush this step; it makes a huge difference.
• Overcooking the steak: Cooking the meat just until medium-rare helps retain juiciness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches about 130°F for perfect results.
• Skipping fresh toppings: Fresh pico de gallo and guacamole elevate your tacos. Don’t settle for store-bought options if you can make them fresh at home!
• Not warming the tortillas: Warm tortillas are softer and enhance the taco experience. Always heat them briefly before assembly to improve texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover carne asada tacos in an airtight container.
• They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Carne Asada Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag, where they can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Carne Asada Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Wrap tacos in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking regularly.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each taco for about 1-2 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are carne asada tacos?

Carne asada tacos feature marinated grilled beef, typically served in soft corn tortillas with various toppings like guacamole and pico de gallo.

How do I make carne asada tacos spicy?

To add spice to carne asada tacos, consider using jalapeños or adding chili powder to your marinade. You can also top with hot salsa.

Can I use other meats for carne asada tacos?

Yes! While flank steak is traditional, you can substitute with chicken, turkey, or even lamb based on your preference.

How long should I marinate the meat for carne asada tacos?

A minimum of 30 minutes is recommended; however, marinating overnight will yield even better flavor and tenderness.

Final Thoughts

These carne asada tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. With customizable toppings and marinade options, they can cater to various tastes while bringing friends and family together. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy creating your own perfect taco experience!

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Carne Asada Tacos

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Carne Asada Tacos, a delightful dish that will elevate your mealtime experience. With tender marinated beef grilled to perfection, these tacos promise an explosion of taste in every bite. The zesty marinade, featuring fresh citrus and aromatic spices, infuses the meat with incredible flavor, ensuring it remains juicy and succulent. Each taco is a canvas for customization; top them with homemade pico de gallo and creamy guacamole for an unforgettable culinary adventure. Perfect for any gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, these Carne Asada Tacos are not just a meal but an invitation to celebrate flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds flank steak
• Juice of 2 limes
• Juice of 1 orange
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 12 corn tortillas
• Pico de gallo (homemade or store-bought)
• Guacamole (homemade or store-bought)
• Lime wedges

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Place flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade and discard leftover liquid. Cook steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
4. After cooking, let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.
5. Warm corn tortillas in a skillet until pliable. Assemble tacos by layering sliced steak and topping with pico de gallo and guacamole.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 tacos
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg