These Carne Asada Tacos are a flavorful celebration of tender grilled steak, vibrant cilantro, and the perfect balance of tangy crema. The steak, seasoned with smoky spices, is charred to perfection on the grill, making it a delicious centerpiece for your tacos.
The cilantro-lime crema is the ideal finishing touch, adding a creamy, zesty kick that brings everything together. These tacos are quick to prepare, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend cookout. You can also customize them with your favorite toppings like avocado or extra lime for added freshness. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a taco night at home, these Carne Asada Tacos are sure to impress.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 teaspoons chili powder
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1 teaspoon cumin
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon ground oregano
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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12 small corn tortillas
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1/2 cup chopped cilantro
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1/4 red onion, finely chopped
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1 lime, cut into wedges
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1 avocado, sliced (optional)
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Cilantro-lime crema (see below)
Cilantro-Lime Crema:
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1/2 cup sour cream
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons lime juice
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
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Salt to taste
Directions:
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
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In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Rub the steak with olive oil and coat with the spice mix.
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Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, for medium-rare.
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Remove from the grill and let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
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While the steak rests, prepare the cilantro-lime crema by mixing sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, and salt in a bowl.
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Warm the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side.
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Assemble the tacos by placing a few slices of steak on each tortilla.
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Top with cilantro, onion, avocado slices (optional), and a drizzle of cilantro-lime crema.
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Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Choosing the Right Meat for Carne Asada Tacos
The key to making fantastic carne asada tacos is choosing the right cut of meat. Flank steak is typically used, as it’s tender, flavorful, and perfect for grilling. Skirt steak is another excellent option, offering a slightly different texture but equally delicious. Both cuts work wonderfully for carne asada, as they absorb marinades well and grill quickly. The steak should be seasoned with a simple combination of spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to create a smoky and flavorful base.
Once grilled, the carne asada should be sliced against the grain to ensure it remains tender. The pieces should be small enough to fit neatly inside a tortilla and be easy to eat in one or two bites. It’s essential to let the meat rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the steak remains juicy and flavorful.
Essential Toppings for Carne Asada Tacos
What makes carne asada tacos so delicious is the combination of the savory steak with a variety of fresh, flavorful toppings. While the meat is the star, the toppings elevate the flavor profile and texture. For a classic taco experience, the essential toppings include mashed avocado, chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. The avocado adds a creamy richness, while the onions provide a sharp contrast, and the cilantro brings a fresh, herbaceous note. The lime juice ties everything together, adding a zesty kick.
Avocado: The Creamy Base
Avocado is a must-have ingredient in carne asada tacos. Its creamy texture complements the smoky grilled steak and adds richness to each bite. You can simply mash up ripe avocado with a fork and spread it across your tortilla before adding the carne asada. For a more flavorful twist, you could also use guacamole, but plain mashed avocado works just as well. No need for perfect slices; the simplicity of mashing it gives the tacos a rustic, authentic feel.
Onion and Cilantro: The Flavor Enhancers
Diced onions, whether yellow, white, or red, bring a necessary bite and sweetness to balance out the rich flavors of the carne asada. Fresh cilantro is another essential topping, providing a bright, herby freshness that adds a pop of color and flavor. These ingredients together contribute to the overall complexity of the tacos, transforming them into a complete meal.
Cheese: The Finishing Touch
Cotija cheese, a crumbly and salty Mexican cheese, is the perfect finishing touch for carne asada tacos. Its sharp flavor contrasts nicely with the richness of the avocado and the smoky meat. If you can’t find cotija, queso fresco is a great alternative, or you can opt for a blend of Mexican cheeses. The cheese adds a salty bite and enhances the overall taste of the tacos.
Tortillas: The Essential Vehicle
The tortilla is the foundation of any taco. For carne asada tacos, soft corn tortillas are the preferred choice, as they have a traditional flavor and texture that complements the steak perfectly. If you prefer a gluten-free option, cassava flour tortillas are a great alternative. You can easily warm the tortillas on the grill or stovetop to enhance their flavor and make them pliable enough to hold the juicy carne asada and toppings.
Optional Toppings for Extra Flavor
While the core ingredients for carne asada tacos are simple, there’s always room to get creative with toppings. For a bit more crunch, you can add thinly sliced radishes, which offer a peppery bite and fresh texture. If you love salsa, try adding a drizzle of your favorite homemade salsa or pico de gallo for an added burst of flavor. For those who enjoy a little heat, a spicy chipotle sauce or a dash of hot sauce can bring a fiery kick that pairs beautifully with the grilled meat.
Pairing Your Carne Asada Tacos with Drinks
No taco meal is complete without a refreshing drink to accompany it. A classic margarita is a perfect pairing for carne asada tacos. The tangy citrus and refreshing agave flavor of a margarita complement the smoky, rich flavors of the steak. If you want a fruitier option, try a mango margarita or a strawberry margarita for a sweet contrast. For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a chilled agua fresca, made with fruit and water, is a refreshing and light option to enjoy with your tacos.
Serving Carne Asada Tacos for Parties or Family Meals
One of the great things about carne asada tacos is that they’re perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or preparing dinner for your family, carne asada tacos are easy to serve and share. Set up a taco bar with the grilled carne asada, tortillas, and a variety of toppings so everyone can build their tacos just the way they like. This casual serving style encourages interaction and adds to the fun of taco night.
Carne Asada Tacos for Taco Tuesday
Taco Tuesday has become a beloved tradition in many households, and carne asada tacos are the perfect dish to make this weekly event even more special. Whether you’re making a small batch or grilling a large amount to serve a crowd, carne asada tacos are quick, easy, and always a crowd-pleaser. The combination of juicy steak, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas makes this meal a favorite every time.
Grilling Carne Asada for Perfect Results
Grilling carne asada is the best way to achieve that smoky, charred flavor that makes these tacos so irresistible. If you’re using an outdoor grill, preheat it to medium-high heat, and grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. If you don’t have a grill, a cast-iron skillet or grill pan can be used indoors, although the flavor won’t be as smoky. Always let the meat rest before slicing it to retain the juices and ensure tenderness.
Conclusion: Why Carne Asada Tacos Are a Must-Try
Carne asada tacos are more than just a meal — they’re an experience. They bring together the rich, smoky flavor of grilled steak, the freshness of vegetables and herbs, and the satisfying creaminess of avocado in every bite. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a casual gathering, or a Taco Tuesday celebration, carne asada tacos are sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. With endless possibilities for toppings and variations, this simple yet flavorful dish never gets old. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the unbeatable taste of carne asada tacos.