CARNE ASADA STREET TACOS BEST

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, marinated steak, kissed by the flames of the grill, nestled in a warm tortilla, and bursting with fresh cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime. That’s the magic of authentic Carne Asada Street Tacos, and I’m here to guide you through making them perfectly, every single time, so you can experience that deliciousness from your very own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Carne Asada Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat!)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tacos:

• 16-20 small corn tortillas (street taco size)
• 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
• 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, pickled onions, cotija cheese

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef: It Makes All the Difference!

Okay, friend, let’s talk beef. This is *the* most crucial part of making incredible Carne Asada Street Tacos. I always recommend flank steak or skirt steak. Flank steak is leaner, while skirt steak has more marbling and a richer flavor. Both are fantastic, but skirt steak tends to cook a bit faster. Pro-Tip: Look for a piece of steak that’s evenly thick. This will ensure it cooks evenly on the grill!

Marinating Like a Pro: Unlock the Flavor Bomb

Now, for the marinade! This is where we infuse that steak with all the amazing flavors that make Carne Asada, well, Carne Asada. Don’t skip this step, trust me.

Preparing the Marinade:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, jalapeño (if using), chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Marinating the Steak:

1. Place the flank or skirt steak in a large resealable bag or a shallow dish.
2. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer, the better! This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat.

Troubleshooting Tip: Don’t marinate for longer than 24 hours. The citrus juices can start to break down the meat too much, making it mushy. We want tender, not mushy!

Grilling Perfection: Achieving that Smoky Char

Alright, time to fire up the grill! This is where we transform that marinated steak into smoky, delicious Carne Asada.

Prepping the Grill:

1. Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450-500°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

Grilling the Steak:

1. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This helps it get a good sear.
2. Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Remember, skirt steak cooks faster than flank steak.
3. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F.

Grilling Guru Advice: Don’t overcrowd the grill! If you’re cooking a large piece of steak, do it in batches to ensure even cooking and a good sear.

Resting and Slicing: The Key to Tenderness

This is a step that often gets overlooked, but it’s crucial for juicy, tender Carne Asada.

Resting the Steak:

1. Remove the steak from the grill and place it on a cutting board.
2. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result.

Slicing the Steak:

1. Using a sharp knife, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. This is *super* important for tender tacos. If you slice with the grain, the meat will be tough and chewy.

Best Friend Tip: Look closely at the steak before you slice it to identify the direction of the grain. It’s usually pretty clear, but sometimes you have to hunt for it!

Warming the Tortillas: The Foundation of a Great Taco

Don’t underestimate the importance of warm, pliable tortillas! Cold, stiff tortillas will ruin the whole experience.

Warming Options:

• Skillet: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 15-20 seconds per side, until softened and pliable.
• Microwave: Wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.
• Grill: Briefly grill the tortillas for a smoky char. Watch them carefully, as they can burn quickly!

Tortilla Trick: Keep the warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm and prevent them from drying out.

Assembling the Tacos: The Grand Finale

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for – assembling those delicious Carne Asada Street Tacos!

Assembly Instructions:

1. Place a generous portion of sliced Carne Asada onto each warm tortilla.
2. Top with chopped white onion and cilantro.
3. Squeeze a lime wedge over the tacos.
4. Add any optional toppings you desire, such as salsa, guacamole, or pickled onions.

Presentation Power: Serve the tacos immediately and watch them disappear! These are best enjoyed fresh off the “assembly line.”

Serving Suggestions and Variations

These Carne Asada Street Tacos are fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to take them to the next level:

• Spice it up: Add a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Cheese, please: Crumble some cotija cheese or queso fresco over the tacos for a salty, cheesy kick.
• Make it a plate: Serve the tacos with a side of rice and beans for a complete meal. And don’t forget the Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad!
• Carne Asada Feast: Prepare a feast alongside Loaded Carne Asada Burrito.

If you are a chili lover, you should try Mexican Street Corn White Chicken Chili. Craving tacos but short on time? Try Crockpot Chicken Tacos for an easy weeknight meal. Or maybe, you would like to try something different like Carne Asada Tostadas.

Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)

If you happen to have any leftover Carne Asada (which is rare!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling your tacos.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Recap)

Get Started:

1. Marinate steak for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.

Cook the Steak:

1. Preheat grill to high heat.
2. Grill steak for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
3. Rest steak for 10 minutes.
4. Slice steak thinly against the grain.

Make the Tacos:

1. Warm tortillas.
2. Assemble tacos with carne asada, onion, cilantro, and lime.
3. Serve immediately!

Enjoy Your Homemade Carne Asada Street Tacos!

There you have it! Authentic, flavorful Carne Asada Street Tacos that you can make right in your own kitchen. I know it might seem like a lot of steps, but trust me, the result is totally worth it. So grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to enjoy the best tacos of your life. You got this!