If anything defines the heart and soul of taco night, it’s Carne Asada Street-Style Tacos. These beauties parade smoky, marinated steak tucked into warm corn tortillas, then crowned with punchy onions, fresh cilantro, and a quick spritz of lime. This recipe makes every bite sing with bold, citrusy fresh flavors, crispy-edged grilled beef, and the unmistakable magic of Mexican street food done right in your own kitchen—no passport required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in Carne Asada Street-Style Tacos come together in perfect harmony, letting simple but essential flavors shine. Each one helps create that irresistible, crave-worthy experience, lending zesty brightness, a smoky edge, or just the perfect bit of crunch.
- Flank or Skirt Steak (1 1/2 pounds): These cuts are ideal for carne asada, grilling up juicy and tender with bold beefy flavor.
- Fresh Lime Juice (1/4 cup): Brings signature tang and helps tenderize the steak while it marinates.
- Orange Juice (1/4 cup): Adds subtle sweetness and an irresistible citrus note to balance the marinade.
- Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Packs a savory punch, enhancing the meat’s umami depth.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Keeps the steak juicy and ensures a beautiful sear on the grill.
- Minced Garlic (3 cloves): Intensifies the flavor, offering a subtle kick you’ll crave.
- Jalapeño (1, seeded and minced): Introduces mild heat and that fresh green pop synonymous with great street food.
- Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Brightens everything up, anchoring the marinade with herby flair.
- Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Delivers earthiness and depth you just can’t skip.
- Chili Powder (1 teaspoon): Offers mild heat and takes the steak’s flavor up a notch.
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): That hint of smoky flavor is what transports your senses straight to the streets of Mexico.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the seasoning with gentle heat and aroma.
- Corn Tortillas (12 small): The soft-yet-sturdy vessel that turns steak into street tacos.
- White Onion (1/2 cup, diced): Offers bright crunch and classic contrast on top.
- Fresh Cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped): Scatters a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Lime Wedges: A final squeeze wakes everything up just before that first delicious bite.
How to Make Carne Asada Street-Style Tacos
Step 1: Mix the Marinade
Begin by whisking together the lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This aromatic blend infuses the beef with layers of flavor, setting the tone for Carne Asada Street-Style Tacos that rival anything from your favorite taco truck.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Tuck your steak into a resealable bag or a wide, shallow dish and pour the marinade right over it. Seal it, toss to coat, and let it soak in the fridge for at least two hours—or even overnight if time allows. The citrus and spices do the heavy lifting, leaving your steak juicy, tender, and absolutely packed with flavor.
Step 3: Fire Up the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Let that steak come to room temperature as things heat up—it’ll help it cook more evenly. When ready, remove the steak from the marinade, shaking off the excess, and toss it straight on the grill. Sear each side for 4 to 5 minutes, building up that gorgeous, tasty crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Once your steak is cooked to your liking, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This crucial pause keeps those delicious juices inside the meat. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness, then chop it into small, taco-friendly pieces.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
Grab your corn tortillas and give them a minute or two on the hot grill or in a dry skillet. Warm them just until they’re soft, pliable, and maybe even a little charred around the edges—this makes every bite of Carne Asada Street-Style Tacos taste like authentic street food.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Fill each tortilla generously with your chopped carne asada, then pile on diced white onion and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve with plenty of lime wedges on the side for an irresistibly fresh finish that brings all the flavors to life.
How to Serve Carne Asada Street-Style Tacos
Garnishes
The simple toppings are what set Carne Asada Street-Style Tacos apart—the crunch of diced white onion, that burst of fresh cilantro, and a final squeeze of lime. Add a spoonful of pico de gallo, a few avocado slices, or extra chopped jalapeños if you want to take it to the next level.
Side Dishes
Pair your tacos with classic Mexican street fare like charro beans, elote (grilled street corn), or a crisp jicama salad. Lightly dressed cabbage slaw balances the steak’s richness, and fresh chips with authentic salsa make a great shareable start.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, try presenting Carne Asada Street-Style Tacos as a DIY taco bar. Arrange warm tortillas, steak, and every topping in small bowls. For a festive touch, offer different kinds of hot sauces and a platter of grilled veggies. Family or friends will love customizing their tacos to their personal taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover carne asada can be a precious gift—pop any extra steak into an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep onions and cilantro separate so everything stays fresh and bright for round two.
Freezing
If you made enough for a crowd (or just planned ahead!), cooked carne asada freezes beautifully. Put cooled, chopped steak into a freezer bag, pressing out as much air as possible. It’ll keep for up to two months—perfect for impromptu taco nights or quick burrito bowls.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the steak in a skillet over medium heat, just until hot. Adding a splash of beef broth or a little water keeps it juicy. Avoid the microwave if you can, since it can dry out the meat and dampen those flavors you worked so hard to build.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for Carne Asada Street-Style Tacos?
While flank or skirt steak is the classic choice for their beefy flavor and tenderness, you can substitute sirloin or flat iron steak if needed. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep the meat tender and juicy.
How long should I marinate the steak?
Marinate for at least two hours, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor. If you’re short on time, even one hour will help, but the longer you wait, the more flavorful and tender your carne asada will be.
Can I cook the steak indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely! Use a cast iron grill pan or a heavy skillet on your stovetop. Get the pan nice and hot for a good sear, and open a window—the aromas are worth the extra bit of smoke.
Are Carne Asada Street-Style Tacos gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use corn tortillas and gluten-free soy sauce, these tacos are naturally gluten-free. Double-check all your packaged ingredients if you’re serving someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, just to be safe.
What toppings go best with Carne Asada Street-Style Tacos?
Classic toppings include diced white onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, but feel free to add sliced radishes, crumbled cotija cheese, salsa verde, or pickled jalapeños. The beauty of these tacos is how easy it is to customize each one.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving the magic of authentic street tacos, you simply have to try making Carne Asada Street-Style Tacos at home. From the lively marinade to the juicy steak and all those zesty toppings, every bite feels like a festive occasion. Gather your friends, set out a platter, and get ready for taco night done right!
Print
Carne Asada Street-Style Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 12 tacos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Carne Asada Street-Style Tacos are a delicious and authentic Mexican dish that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Mexico. Tender marinated steak, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime come together in a flavorful taco that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 1/2 pounds flank or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced white onion
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate steak for at least 2 hours.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat grill. Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly and chop.
- Prepare Tortillas: Warm tortillas until soft and pliable.
- Assemble Tacos: Fill tortillas with carne asada, onion, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Char tortillas for extra flavor.
- Customize with avocado, radishes, or salsa.
- Leftover carne asada is great in burritos or salads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
