Ah, Street Tacos de Carne Asada—classic Mexican street food! Tender, flavorful grilled beef served on small corn tortillas with simple toppings 🌮🔥. Here’s a recipe to make them at home that captures that authentic street flavor:
Street Tacos de Carne Asada
Servings: 4–6
Time: ~1 hour (including marinating)
Ingredients
For the Carne Asada Marinade
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1½ lbs flank or skirt steak
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup fresh lime juice (about 3–4 limes)
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¼ cup orange juice
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¼ cup olive oil
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¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp chili powder
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1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Tacos
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Small corn tortillas (about 12–16)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
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Lime wedges
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Salsa of choice (optional)
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Avocado slices (optional)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Steak
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In a bowl, combine garlic, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Place the steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
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Marinate at least 1 hour, ideally 4–6 hours in the fridge.
2. Grill the Steak
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Preheat grill (or stovetop grill pan) to high heat.
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Remove steak from marinade and pat dry.
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Grill 3–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness.
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Let steak rest 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
3. Warm the Tortillas
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Heat corn tortillas on a dry skillet or directly on the grill for 30–60 seconds per side until warm and pliable.
4. Assemble the Tacos
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Place a few slices of carne asada on each tortilla.
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Top with chopped onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
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Add salsa or avocado slices if desired.
Tips for Authentic Street Tacos
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Small tortillas are key—about 4–6 inches.
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Marinate longer for maximum flavor and tenderness.
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High heat grilling gives that slightly charred, smoky flavor.
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Serve immediately while the tortillas are warm.
💡 Pro Tip: For a quick weekday version, you can broil the steak in the oven for 6–8 minutes per side if a grill isn’t available. Still juicy and flavorful!
I can also make a 30-minute quick stovetop version that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner with all the authentic flavor.