Hey there, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, ready to turn your kitchen into a flavor explosion zone! Get ready, because today we’re diving headfirst into the incredible world of Carne Asada Street Tacos.
Let me tell you a little secret. These Carne Asada Street Tacos? They weren’t born in a fancy restaurant. Nope. They were forged in the late-night crucible of my kitchen. I was craving something bold, something satisfying. I started playing around with flavors, tweaking this, adding that, until BOOM! The perfect Carne Asada Street Tacos emerged.
I still remember the thrill of that first bite. The juicy, marinated steak, the fresh cilantro, the zing of lime. It was pure comfort food magic. And now, I’m beyond excited to share this little piece of deliciousness with you.
I’m so pumped for you to try this Carne Asada Street Tacos recipe. It’s the real deal, the kind of food that makes you want to do a little happy dance with every bite. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! Let’s make some Carne Asada Street Tacos together!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Carne Asada Street Tacos ingredient list is all about building layers of amazing flavor. And don’t worry, you can grab everything you need during your regular shopping trip!
- 2 lbs Flank Steak or Skirt Steak: The star of our Carne Asada Street Tacos.
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps tenderize the meat.
- 1/4 cup Lime Juice: For that essential zesty tang in our Carne Asada Street Tacos.
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth.
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil: Helps the marinade cling to the steak.
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, especially Carne Asada Street Tacos.
- 1 Jalapeño, seeded and minced: For a little kick! (Adjust to your heat preference.)
- 1 tsp Cumin: Adds warmth and earthiness.
- 1 tsp Chili Powder: For that classic taco flavor.
- 1/2 tsp Oregano: Adds a touch of herbaceousness.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Don’t be shy!
- Corn Tortillas: Small, street taco size is ideal for authentic Carne Asada Street Tacos.
- Fresh Cilantro, chopped: A must-have topping!
- White Onion, finely chopped: Adds a sharp, pungent bite.
- Lime Wedges: For squeezing over your Carne Asada Street Tacos.
Here’s my secret that takes it from good to incredible, for the best Carne Asada marinade: a splash of beer. Seriously, it tenderizes the meat and adds a subtle, malty flavor. Try it!
No worries if you don’t have fresh jalapeños. I use a pinch of red pepper flakes all the time for my Carne Asada Street Tacos.
For storage, marinade can be made 2-3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container.
I love adding extra cilantro to my Carne Asada Street Tacos for that extra pop of freshness!

Let’s Make Some!
This is my favorite part of making Carne Asada Street Tacos – watch the magic happen! Don’t be intimidated, it’s easier than you think. Let’s get cooking!
- Marinate the Steak: In a large bowl or ziplock bag, combine the orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the steak, making sure it’s fully coated in the best carne asada marinade. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the steak will be for your Carne Asada Street Tacos.
- Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat. You want it nice and hot for searing the steak. If you don’t have a grill, a cast iron skillet works great too!
- Grill the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired doneness. The grilled carne asada tacos are almost here!
- Rest the Steak: This is crucial! Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful carne asada tacos recipe.
- Slice the Steak: Slice the steak thinly against the grain. This will ensure that your Carne Asada Street Tacos are easy to eat and super tender.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or directly on the grill for a few seconds per side, until they are pliable and slightly charred. I love that little bit of char on my tortillas!
- Assemble the Tacos: Place the sliced carne asada on the warm tortillas. Top with fresh cilantro and chopped white onion.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your Carne Asada Street Tacos immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.
While your Carne Asada Street Tacos is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! In my kitchen, this Carne Asada Street Tacos usually takes about 30 minutes total, including prep time.
Don’t worry if your Carne Asada Street Tacos looks a little charred on the grill. That’s where the flavor lives! I found out early on that a bit of char is part of what makes them perfect.
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this Carne Asada Street Tacos hits the table with all the fixings. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
- Classic Style: Keep it simple with just cilantro, onion, and lime. That’s how you get the authentic carne asada tacos experience.
- Add Some Heat: Spice things up with your favorite salsa or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Get Cheesy: A sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco adds a salty, creamy element.
- Make it a Fiesta: Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal. You can serve your tacos with Spicy Jalapeno Popper Twists on the side for an added kick.
- Turn it into a Bowl: Layer the carne asada, rice, beans, and toppings in a bowl for a deconstructed taco experience.
- Game Day Grub: Perfect for game day gatherings! Everyone can customize their own tacos.
- Weeknight Winner: Quick, easy, and satisfying. Perfect for those nights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. This Carne Asada Street Tacos is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special!
I love adding a little bit of grilled pineapple to my Carne Asada Street Tacos. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the savory steak. This Carne Asada Street Tacos reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls, they both have that wow factor!
For fusion variations, I’ve experimented with adding a Korean kimchi slaw to my tacos. The spicy, fermented cabbage adds a tangy and crunchy element that is surprisingly delicious.
FAQs:
Got questions about making the best Carne Asada Street Tacos? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions I get, along with my tried-and-true tips:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Carne Asada Street Tacos?
Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward. Just follow the instructions, and you’ll be enjoying delicious Carne Asada Street Tacos in no time. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun!
Can I use a different cut of steak?
While flank steak and skirt steak are traditional, you can use other cuts like sirloin or even hanger steak. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. And no matter what, use the best carne asada marinade!
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem! A cast iron skillet works just as well. Just heat it up until it’s smoking hot and sear the steak on both sides.
How can I make this spicier?
Add more jalapeño to the marinade or use a spicier chili powder. You can also top your tacos with your favorite hot sauce.
What if I mess up my Carne Asada Street Tacos? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)
Honestly, even if you slightly overcook the steak or the tortillas get a little burnt, they’ll still taste amazing. Don’t sweat the small stuff!
How can I prep this Carne Asada Street Tacos for busy weeknights?
Marinate the steak the night before. You can also chop the cilantro and onion ahead of time. Then, all you have to do is grill the steak and assemble the tacos.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The steak is best served fresh off the grill. However, you can marinate it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
My family doesn’t love cilantro – what can I substitute?
Try using chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of finely shredded lettuce. But I encourage you to give cilantro a try – it really adds that authentic flavor!
Can I freeze leftover carne asada?
Yes! Let the carne asada cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. This authentic carne asada tacos recipe is a winner.
CONCLUSION:
This Carne Asada Street Tacos recipe brings me so much joy because it’s a perfect blend of bold flavors, simple ingredients, and satisfying comfort food. It’s a recipe that I know I can always count on to please a crowd, and it’s a reminder that the best meals are often the ones that are shared with loved ones. If you are craving other satisfying treats, check out Cheesy Veggie Crescent Bites for other crowds pleasing ideas.
My Carne Asada Street Tacos Flavor Secrets:
- Don’t skimp on the marinade: The longer the steak marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
- Get your grill HOT: A hot grill is essential for searing the steak and creating that delicious char.
- Let the steak rest: This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Carne Asada Street Tacos Variations I’ve Tested:
- Spicy Pineapple: Add grilled pineapple and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.
- Korean Fusion: Top with kimchi slaw and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- California Style: Add guacamole and pico de gallo.
For a casual weeknight dinner, I love to keep it simple with the classic cilantro and onion topping. But for a game day gathering, I’ll often go all out with the spicy pineapple or California style variations. These Carne Asada Street Taco toppings are so customizable.
I am so excited for you to try this recipe. Trust your taste buds, get creative in the kitchen, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Remember, cooking should be fun. Get out there and make some delicious Carne Asada Street Tacos! I know you’re going to absolutely love them!
Carne Asada Street Tacos
These Carne Asada Street Tacos are packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. Marinated grilled steak, topped with fresh cilantro and onion, all served on warm corn tortillas – a perfect quick and delicious meal!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 tacos
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Flank Steak
- 1/4 cup Orange Juice
- 1/4 cup Lime Juice
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1/2 tsp Oregano
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 16 Corn Tortillas
- 1/2 cup Chopped Cilantro
- 1/2 cup Chopped White Onion
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or container and pour the marinade over the steak. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade and discard marinade.
- Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Warm the corn tortillas.
- Fill each tortilla with sliced carne asada, cilantro, and onion.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding a dollop of guacamole or your favorite salsa to the tacos. You can also use skirt steak or sirloin steak as alternatives to flank steak.

