Few things capture the vibrant, lively spirit of Mexican cuisine better than Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos. Packed with flavor, perfectly seasoned, and served with fresh, authentic toppings, these tacos offer a delicious street food experience right from your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a casual meal or celebrating with friends, carne asada tacos are the perfect go-to dish that never disappoints. In this recipe, we will take you through every step of making these savory tacos, from marinating the steak to selecting the best toppings.
What Makes Carne Asada Street Tacos Special?
Carne Asada, which translates to “grilled meat,” is a staple in Mexican cuisine. Traditionally, the meat is marinated in a blend of citrus, spices, and herbs, giving it that characteristic tangy, smoky flavor. Cooked to perfection, the steak is sliced into thin strips and served on warm, soft corn tortillas. These tacos are often garnished simply with cilantro, onions, a squeeze of lime, and a touch of salsa.
The beauty of Mexican street tacos lies in their simplicity. Unlike some tacos that are heavy with cheese or cream-based sauces, street tacos focus on bold, fresh flavors that highlight the quality of the ingredients. The smoky grilled meat paired with fresh cilantro and tangy lime creates an unforgettable flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients for Authentic Carne Asada Street Tacos
For the Carne Asada Marinade:
- 2 lbs skirt steak or flank steak
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- Corn tortillas (6-8)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- Lime wedges for serving
- Salsa (optional)
- Radishes, sliced (optional)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos
Step 1: Marinating the Steak
The key to the perfect Carne Asada is in the marinade. Start by whisking together the lime juice, orange juice, garlic, olive oil, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. These ingredients come together to create a marinade that will infuse the steak with a tangy, spicy flavor that’s impossible to resist.
Once your marinade is ready, place the skirt or flank steak in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s fully coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, though overnight is best for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Grilling the Carne Asada
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat. You’ll want to make sure the grill is nice and hot before placing the steak on it to get that perfect char.
Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill the steak for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, until it’s cooked to your desired doneness. For a medium-rare finish, the internal temperature should reach about 135°F.
Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Preparing the Toppings
While the steak is resting, you can prepare the toppings for your Carne Asada Street Tacos. Chop fresh cilantro and finely dice white onions. These will be the key garnishes that add brightness and crunch to your tacos.
Warm your corn tortillas either by grilling them for a few seconds on each side or by heating them in a dry skillet. This gives the tortillas a soft, pliable texture and brings out their natural flavor.
Step 4: Assembling the Tacos
Now it’s time to bring everything together. Slice the grilled carne asada against the grain into thin strips. This ensures that the meat is tender and easy to bite into.
Place a few slices of steak onto each warm tortilla. Top with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and onions. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime juice—it brightens up the flavors and adds a tangy kick to the tacos. If you like a bit of spice, drizzle some of your favorite salsa on top. You can also add radish slices for a little extra crunch and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Carne Asada Street Tacos
- Choose the Right Cut of Meat: Skirt steak and flank steak are the traditional choices for carne asada because they have great flavor and texture when grilled. However, you can also use other cuts like ribeye or sirloin if you prefer.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: While 2 hours is the minimum for marinating, the longer you let the steak soak in the marinade, the better the flavor. Overnight marinating is highly recommended.
- Grill for the Char: A hot grill is essential for that smoky, charred flavor. Make sure the grill is properly preheated so the meat gets a good sear.
- Fresh Ingredients are Key: Mexican street tacos are all about freshness. Fresh cilantro, onions, and lime are non-negotiable for authentic flavor.
Variations of Carne Asada Street Tacos
While this is a classic Carne Asada Street Taco recipe, there are plenty of ways to mix things up based on your preferences.
- Add Guacamole: For a creamier twist, add a dollop of fresh guacamole to your tacos.
- Cheese Lovers: Though cheese isn’t typically used in street tacos, some people like to sprinkle a bit of cotija cheese on top for added richness.
- Pico de Gallo: Instead of simple onions and cilantro, you can add a spoonful of pico de gallo for a chunkier, more flavorful topping.
FAQs
What is the best cut of meat for carne asada tacos?
Skirt steak and flank steak are the most popular cuts used for carne asada tacos due to their robust flavor and texture when grilled.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
While corn tortillas are more traditional, you can certainly use flour tortillas if you prefer them. They’ll give the tacos a different texture and flavor but will still be delicious.
How long should I marinate the steak?
Marinate the steak for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, overnight marination is ideal.
Can I cook the steak on the stovetop instead of a grill?
Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the steak in a hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan on the stovetop.
What toppings are traditional for carne asada street tacos?
Traditional toppings include fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime juice, and salsa. Radishes and avocado can also be added for extra flavor.
Can I make carne asada tacos ahead of time?
While it’s best to eat the tacos fresh, you can marinate the steak and prepare the toppings ahead of time to make the cooking process quicker.
Conclusion
Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos offer a delightful combination of smoky, savory steak with fresh and tangy toppings that transport you straight to the streets of Mexico. Easy to prepare, yet bursting with authentic flavor, these tacos are a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re a taco enthusiast or new to Mexican cuisine, this carne asada taco recipe is sure to become a household favorite.