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Authentic Carne Asada with Street Tacos Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 66 reviews
  • Author: Mariam
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. This will help achieve a nice sear and cook the steak evenly.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.