Ohhh WOW — Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Asada Tacos 🌮🔥🥓
This is next-level taco night: smoky carne asada, creamy cheesy heat, crispy bacon, all tucked into a warm tortilla. Absolute show-stopper.
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Popper Asada Tacos
Ingredients (serves 4–6)
Carne Asada
- 1½ lbs flank or skirt steak
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper
Jalapeño Poppers
- 10–12 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise & seeded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 10–12 slices bacon (cut in half if thick)
Tacos
- Small flour or corn tortillas
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced red onion
- Lime wedges
Optional sauces (highly recommended):
- Chipotle crema or sour cream
- Salsa roja or pico de gallo
Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the steak
- Whisk olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat steak well and marinate 30 minutes–2 hours.
2️⃣ Make the poppers
- Mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Fill jalapeño halves generously.
- Wrap each with bacon and secure with toothpicks if needed.
3️⃣ Cook the poppers
- Grill over medium heat 15–20 minutes, turning, until bacon is crispy
OR - Bake at 400°F / 205°C for 25–30 minutes, then broil 2–3 minutes for extra crisp.
4️⃣ Grill the asada
- Grill steak over high heat 3–5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Rest 5 minutes, then chop into bite-size pieces.
5️⃣ Assemble tacos
- Warm tortillas.
- Add chopped carne asada.
- Slice jalapeño poppers into pieces and layer on top.
- Finish with cilantro, onion, crema, and a squeeze of lime.
Why these tacos go HARD
- Creamy, spicy jalapeño poppers balance the smoky steak
- Bacon adds crunch + salt
- Lime and herbs cut through the richness perfectly
Pro Tips
- Use thick-cut bacon for best texture.
- Want extra heat? Add chopped chipotle peppers to the cream cheese.
- These are INSANE on the grill — everything gets a little smoke.
- Turn them into street tacos by chopping poppers smaller.
If you want, I can give you a Birria-style version, a crispy taco shell version, or a Blackstone griddle method that goes viral every time 😏🔥