Authentic Carne Asada Tacos
This authentic carne asada recipe features citrus-marinated skirt steak grilled to smoky perfection, served in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings — a classic Mexican street taco delivering 38g of protein per serving.
20m
4
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Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs skirt steak or flank steak
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (plus more for serving)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 small corn tortillas, warmed
- 1/2 white onion, finely diced, for serving
- 1 cup salsa verde or fresh pico de gallo, for serving
- 1 avocado, sliced, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- 1
Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, jalapeño, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, and kosher salt until fully combined.
- 2
Marinate the Steak
Place the skirt or flank steak in a large zip-lock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the meat is fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor. Do not marinate longer than 24 hours, as the citrus acid can begin to break down the texture of the meat.
- 3
Prepare the Grill
Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan over high heat until very hot, about 450–500°F. Brush the grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- 4
Grill the Steak
Remove the steak from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Discard the used marinade. Grill the steak over high heat for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature of 130–135°F), or 4–5 minutes per side for medium (140–145°F). Skirt steak is thin, so watch it closely to avoid overcooking.
- 5
Rest the Meat
Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes — this is critical to let the juices redistribute throughout the meat and ensure a juicy result.
- 6
Slice Against the Grain
Identify the direction of the muscle fibers (grain) running across the steak. Using a sharp knife, slice the steak against the grain at a slight diagonal angle into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers and is essential for tender carne asada.
- 7
Warm the Tortillas
While the steak rests, warm the corn tortillas directly over a gas flame, on the grill, or in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until soft, pliable, and lightly charred. Double up two tortillas per taco for authentic street-taco style.
- 8
Assemble and Serve
Layer the sliced carne asada onto the warmed tortillas. Top each taco with diced white onion, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and salsa verde or pico de gallo. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and serve immediately.
Chef's Tips
For the most authentic carne asada flavor, use skirt steak — it has more marbling and a bolder beefy flavor than flank steak. If grilling outdoors, allow some char to develop on the edges for that signature smoky street-taco taste. The soy sauce in the marinade is a common secret ingredient that adds deep umami without making the tacos taste Asian; it's widely used in authentic Mexican carne asada recipes. Always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this authentic carne asada tacos
How long does it take to make Authentic Carne Asada Tacos?
This recipe takes 35 minutes total time, including 20 minutes prep time and 15 minutes cooking time.
How many servings does this Authentic Carne Asada Tacos recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this Authentic Carne Asada Tacos recipe?
This recipe is rated as Medium difficulty level, making it suitable for home cooks with some experience.
Can I make substitutions in this Authentic Carne Asada Tacos recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Can I make this authentic carne asada tacos ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this authentic carne asada tacos up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How do I store leftover authentic carne asada tacos?
Store leftover authentic carne asada tacos covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes go well with authentic carne asada tacos?
This authentic carne asada tacos pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.
Can I freeze authentic carne asada tacos?
Yes, this authentic carne asada tacos freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.