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Flavorful Authentic Carne Asada Street Tacos

carne asada street tacos - featured image

Juicy, tender marinated flank steak grilled to perfection and served in warm corn tortillas with fresh, zesty toppings for an authentic street taco experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds flank steak or skirt steak, trimmed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 small white onion, finely chopped
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • Optional toppings: sliced radishes, diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, or your favorite hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Make the Marinade (10 minutes): In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, fresh lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add jalapeño if using. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Marinate the Steak (at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours): Place flank steak in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour marinade over steak, coat fully, seal, and refrigerate.
  3. Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan (5-10 minutes): Heat grill to medium-high (about 450°F). For grill pan, preheat on stove over medium-high until shimmering.
  4. Grill the Carne Asada (4-6 minutes per side): Remove steak from marinade, shake off excess. Grill until deep char and internal temp reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
  5. Rest the Steak (5-10 minutes): Transfer steak to cutting board, tent loosely with foil to redistribute juices.
  6. Slice the Steak Thinly (about 1/4-inch slices): Cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  7. Warm the Tortillas (2-3 minutes): Heat corn tortillas on grill or skillet until pliable and slightly charred.
  8. Assemble the Tacos: Place sliced steak on tortillas. Top with chopped onions, cilantro, optional toppings, and squeeze fresh lime juice over.
  9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy fresh off the grill with your favorite drink.

Notes

Do not over-marinate the steak to avoid mushy texture; 30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal. Pat steak dry before grilling for better sear. Rest steak before slicing to keep juices locked in. Slice against the grain for tenderness. Warm tortillas gently to prevent breaking.

Nutrition

Keywords: carne asada, street tacos, flank steak, grilled steak, Mexican tacos, easy tacos, authentic tacos, lime marinade, corn tortillas