If you have been searching for a vibrant, mouthwatering dish full of bold flavors, look no further than this Authentic Carne Asada with Street Tacos Recipe. This classic Mexican favorite brings together juicy, marinated flank steak grilled to perfection and wrapped in soft tortillas, creating an irresistible combination that’s perfect for gatherings or a satisfying weeknight meal. Every bite bursts with fresh citrus, garlic, and spice, showcasing the true soul of street-side tacos that are both simple and spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward yet powerful ingredients is the first step toward crafting your perfect carne asada. Each component shines in its role, bringing balance, zest, and depth that transform this dish into a fiesta of flavors and texture.
- 2 lb Flank Steak: The star of the dish—lean, flavorful, and perfect for quick grilling.
- 1/4 cup lime juice: Adds refreshing acidity that tenderizes and brightens the meat.
- 1/4 cup orange juice: Offers subtle sweetness without any pulp for a smooth marinade.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Introduces umami punch and saltiness, enhancing the savory profile.
- 3 Tbsp olive oil: Helps lock in moisture and carries the marinade flavors into the steak.
- 1 cup chopped cilantro: Fresh herbs that bring vibrant color and that unmistakable Mexican herbaceous pop.
- 7 garlic cloves (finely chopped): Garlic’s pungency melds beautifully with the citrus and spices.
- 2 tsp chili powder: Provides a smoky, warm heat level that’s gently thrilling on the palate.
- 1 tsp cumin: Earthy and aromatic, cumin deepens the flavor complexity.
- 1 tsp salt: Essential for seasoning perfectly and helping all ingredients harmonize.
How to Make Authentic Carne Asada with Street Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Begin by combining lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, freshly chopped cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt in a large shallow bowl or casserole dish. Stir these ingredients until they meld together perfectly to form a marinade bursting with bright and savory notes.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place the flank steak into the marinade and turn it several times to ensure every surface is coated. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. Remember to flip the steak once halfway through to guarantee even marination.
Step 3: Grill to Perfectness
When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lay the marinated flank steak on the grill and sear for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side, flipping once. Aim for an internal temperature of 145ËšF for tender medium-rare or 160ËšF for a bit more firmness. This quick grilling locks in juices and creates that signature caramelization that makes carne asada unforgettable.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Remove the steak from the grill and tent it loosely with foil to rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly, resulting in moist, flavorful meat. Slice the steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness and prepare it for taco assembly.
How to Serve Authentic Carne Asada with Street Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
No carne asada street taco is complete without fresh garnishes that add layers of flavor and texture. Sprinkle chopped cilantro generously over the sliced meat, add diced onions for a crisp bite, and a wedge of lime for an extra citrus kick. A drizzle of your favorite salsa—whether mild or fiery—can elevate the tacos to the next level.
Side Dishes
Complement your Authentic Carne Asada with Street Tacos Recipe with simple sides that balance and enrich the meal. Mexican street corn (elote) slathered in creamy sauce and sprinkled with chili powder, a scoop of creamy guacamole, or a crisp cabbage slaw all make perfect partners in flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
To wow guests or add fun to family dinners, plate the street tacos on colorful ceramic dishes or wooden boards, accompanied by small bowls of various salsas for dipping and topping. You can also serve the carne asada over warm rice or nestled inside crunchy tostada shells. Presentation is your playground here!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover carne asada tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or unexpected guests.
Freezing
If you want to save the carne asada for longer, freeze the sliced steak in a freezer-safe container or vacuum-sealed bag. It will maintain great texture and taste for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to retain moisture. Avoid high heat so the meat stays tender and juicy. Alternatively, warming the steak slices wrapped in foil inside a low oven keeps them perfect for taco building.
FAQs
What cut of meat is best for authentic carne asada?
Flank steak is ideal because it’s lean, flavorful, and absorbs marinades well, resulting in tender, juicy slices when cooked properly.
Can I use a different citrus juice for the marinade?
While lime and orange juice are traditional and provide the best balance of acidity and sweetness, you can experiment with lemon or grapefruit juice for a slightly different twist.
How do I know when the carne asada is perfectly cooked?
Using a meat thermometer helps a lot—aim for 145˚F for medium-rare to enjoy the most tenderness and juiciness.
Can I cook this recipe indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, a hot cast iron skillet or broiler works well to get a nice sear on the steak.
What type of tortillas should I use for street tacos?
Small, soft corn tortillas are traditional and provide the authentic texture and flavor, allowing the steak and garnishes to shine.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Authentic Carne Asada with Street Tacos Recipe inspires you to fire up your grill and bring the vibrant taste of Mexican street food right into your kitchen. It’s a dish that’s easy to make, full of irresistible flavors, and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Trust me, once you try it, these tacos might just become your new favorite go-to meal!
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Authentic Carne Asada with Street Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Authentic Carne Asada Street Tacos feature tender, marinated flank steak grilled to perfection and served with fresh cilantro. This flavorful Mexican classic is perfect for a main course and easy to prepare with a simple marinade of citrus juices, soy sauce, and spices.
Ingredients
Marinade and Steak
- 2 lb Flank Steak
- 1/4 cup lime juice (from 2–3 limes)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (no pulp)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (regular, not low-sodium)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chopped cilantro (plus more to serve)
- 7 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large shallow bowl or casserole dish, combine lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, chopped cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Mix well to create the marinade and place the flank steak into the marinade, turning several times to coat it evenly.
- Marinate the Steak: Cover the bowl or dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the steak for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, turning the steak once during the marinating process to ensure even flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help achieve a nice sear and cook the steak evenly.
- Grill the Steak: Place the marinated flank steak directly onto the hot grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side, flipping once, until the steak reaches your desired doneness — 145˚F for medium-rare or 160˚F for medium. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the steak from the grill and tent loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes to let the juices redistribute. Then, thinly slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness for best results.
- Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh cilantro for authentic street tacos.
- Adjust chili powder quantity based on preferred spice level.
