Here’s a recipe for Street Tacos de Carne Asada—a delicious and flavorful Mexican street food favorite! These tacos feature marinated, grilled steak, and are topped with fresh salsa, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Perfect for a casual gathering or taco night.
Ingredients:
For the Carne Asada:
- 1 1/2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Tacos:
- 10-12 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if preferred)
- 1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Salsa (your choice, such as pico de gallo, salsa verde, or a spicy red salsa)
- Radishes, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Carne Asada:
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Place the steak in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours to marinate. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
2. Grill the Carne Asada:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade.
- Grill the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).
- Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes to retain the juices.
3. Prepare the Toppings:
- While the steak is resting, warm the tortillas on the grill or in a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side.
- Chop the onions and cilantro and set aside.
- If using, thinly slice the radishes for garnish.
4. Slice the Carne Asada:
- Slice the rested carne asada against the grain into thin strips for the most tender bites.
5. Assemble the Street Tacos:
- Place a few slices of carne asada in the center of each warmed tortilla.
- Top with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Add your choice of salsa for extra flavor.
6. Serve:
- Serve the tacos with extra lime wedges and radishes on the side, if desired.
Tips:
- Tenderizing the Steak: If you want an extra tender cut of meat, consider marinating it with a little bit of orange juice or vinegar along with the lime juice.
- Grill Alternatives: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can also sear the carne asada in a hot skillet or on a stovetop grill pan.
- Extra Flavor: Top your tacos with a drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco for added creaminess and flavor.
These Street Tacos de Carne Asada are full of vibrant, savory flavors and perfect for a taco night or a casual dinner. Enjoy the amazing tastes of this Mexican street food classic!