Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

These Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos are a taco night favorite! Juicy, marinated steak is seared to perfection in a hot skillet, then served in warm corn tortillas with fresh cilantro, onions, and lime. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, these tacos offer an authentic taste of Mexico. Customize them with your favorite toppings like salsa and guacamole for a truly delightful meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: The marinade takes just minutes to prepare, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a bold and delicious flavor that everyone will love.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your tacos with various toppings like salsa, jalapeños, or cotija cheese to suit your taste.
• Perfectly Seared Steak: Cooking the steak in a hot skillet ensures a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
• Authentic Experience: Enjoy the true flavors of Mexican street food right in your home.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing these tacos easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast-iron skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Resealable bag or shallow dish

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast-iron skillet: Retains heat well for perfect steak searing.
• Mixing bowl: Allows easy mixing of the marinade ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts when slicing the cooked steak.

Ingredients

For the Carne Asada:

• 1 ½ lbs flank steak or skirt steak
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste

For the Tacos:

• 12 small corn tortillas
• ½ cup diced white onion (or red onion for a stronger flavor)
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Crumbled cotija cheese (optional, for garnish)
• Optional toppings: Salsa, guacamole, jalapeños, or hot sauce

For the Optional Salsa:

• 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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How to Make Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Place the steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak. Seal it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours (or overnight for best results).

Step 2: Preheat the Pan

Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat until it’s very hot. This step is crucial for achieving a perfect sear on the steak.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Remove the steak from the marinade. Let any excess marinade drip off. Place it in the hot skillet. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side depending on thickness and desired doneness (aim for medium-rare at around 130°F internal temperature).

Step 4: Rest and Slice the Steak

After cooking, transfer the steak to a cutting board. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

While resting the steak, warm up your tortillas in the same skillet or another dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until they’re pliable and slightly charred.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

Fill each warm tortilla with sliced carne asada. Top with diced onions and chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over top. Add any additional toppings like salsa or guacamole as desired.

Step 7: Serve

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side and any extra toppings you love!

How to Serve Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

Serving Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos can elevate your taco night into a festive occasion. Here are some creative ways to enjoy these delicious tacos with friends and family.

Fresh Salsas

• Pico de Gallo: A fresh mixture of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice that adds brightness.
• Mango Salsa: Sweet mango combined with red onion and jalapeño for a tropical twist.

Toppings Galore

• Crumbled Cotija Cheese: This salty cheese adds a creamy texture that balances the flavors.
• Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado enhances the richness of the carne asada.

Flavorful Additions

• Pickled Red Onions: Tangy pickled onions add a delightful crunch and acidity.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds creaminess and coolness to the spicy tacos.

How to Perfect Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

Perfecting Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos requires attention to detail. Here are essential tips to enhance your taco-making skills.

• Bold Marinade: Use a rich marinade with lime juice and spices to infuse maximum flavor.
• High Heat Cooking: Sear the steak in a very hot skillet for a caramelized exterior while keeping it juicy inside.
• Resting the Meat: Letting the steak rest after cooking ensures juices stay within, making each bite tender.
• Slice Against the Grain: Cutting against the grain will yield softer, more enjoyable bites of carne asada.
• Warming Tortillas: Warm tortillas prevent them from cracking and make them more enjoyable for wrapping.
• Experiment with Toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like jalapeños or various salsas for unique flavors.

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Best Side Dishes for Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

Pairing side dishes with your Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos can round out your meal beautifully. Here are some tasty options you might consider.

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomato sauce and spices complements the tacos perfectly.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and a hearty addition to your meal.
3. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred corn brushed with butter and chili powder adds sweetness and crunch.
4. Chips and Guacamole: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh guacamole make for an irresistible appetizer.
5. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder offers a delicious twist.
6. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, peppers, and lime dressing provides a vibrant side option.
7. Cucumber Salad: Lightly dressed cucumbers add freshness that balances rich flavors in tacos.
8. Zesty Coleslaw: Crunchy cabbage slaw seasoned with lime gives an extra layer of texture and flavor to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Ignoring Marination Time: Skipping the marination or not allowing enough time can lead to bland steak. Aim for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight if possible, for maximum flavor.
• Overcooking the Steak: Cooking the steak too long can make it tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer and aim for medium-rare at about 130°F for juicy results.
• Not Letting the Steak Rest: Cutting into the steak immediately after cooking can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to keep it tender.
• Using Cold Tortillas: Serving cold tortillas can diminish the taco experience. Warm them in a skillet until pliable and slightly charred for better texture.
• Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using non-fresh toppings can lessen the dish’s flavor profile. Always opt for fresh cilantro, lime, and onions to enhance your tacos.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and wrap tacos in foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each taco for about 1-2 minutes per side until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos spicier?

You can add more jalapeños or use spicy salsa as a topping. This will kick up the heat without losing flavor.

What type of meat is best for Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos?

Flank steak or skirt steak works best due to their tenderness and flavor. They absorb marinades well and cook quickly.

Can I prepare Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the steak a day ahead, and prepare toppings in advance. Just warm everything before serving.

What toppings pair well with Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos?

Fresh cilantro, diced onions, guacamole, salsa, and cotija cheese are excellent choices that add flavor and texture.

Are Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos gluten-free?

Yes! If you use corn tortillas, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just check your ingredients if you’re using store-bought items.

Final Thoughts

Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various toppings to suit your preferences. Whether it’s adding more spice or including different garnishes, these tacos are sure to please everyone at your table!