Description
These Carne Asada Tacos feature marinated and grilled flank or skirt steak, sliced thin and served on warm corn tortillas with classic toppings like diced onions, fresh cilantro, lime, salsa, and avocado. This quick and flavorful Mexican-inspired recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Tortillas
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Diced onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Salsa
- Avocado (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create the flavorful marinade for the steak.
- Marinate the steak: Rub the marinade mixture evenly all over the flank or skirt steak. Cover the steak and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the steak for up to 4 hours.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the steak. Ensure the grill is hot enough before placing the meat on it to achieve a good sear.
- Grill the steak: Place the marinated steak on the hot grill. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the desired doneness is reached — 135°F for medium-rare or 145°F for medium. Monitor the cooking temperature for perfect results.
- Rest and slice the steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows juices to redistribute, making the steak juicier and tender. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Warm the tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and slightly charred, which adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the steak.
- Assemble the tacos: Place several slices of the grilled carne asada on each warmed tortilla. Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, salsa, and avocado slices if desired.
- Serve: Serve the assembled tacos immediately to enjoy the best flavors and textures. These tacos pair well with a side of rice or beans for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 4 hours to avoid breaking down the meat too much.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or cast-iron skillet can be used to cook the steak on the stovetop.
- Adjust spice levels by modifying the amount of chili powder or adding fresh chopped jalapeños to the marinade.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best citrus flavor in the marinade and when garnishing the tacos.
- To keep tortillas warm before serving, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
