The sizzling sound of marinated beef hitting the hot grill is a sound that immediately makes the mouth water. Carne Asada, with its deep, smoky aroma and perfectly charred edges, is what makes these tacos a beloved street food staple. The marinade, usually a tangy blend of lime, garlic, cilantro, and a hint of chili, infuses the meat with layers of bold flavors that dance on your taste buds. When it’s cooked just right—juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside—it’s like a bite of summer in every taco. The tender beef is then sliced thinly, piled high on soft corn tortillas, and topped with the simplest yet most flavorful garnishes: freshly chopped onions, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a dash of salsa. Each bite brings together the savory richness of the carne asada with the freshness of the toppings, creating a perfect balance of flavors that make it impossible to stop at just one. Whether you’re enjoying them at a bustling street cart or in the comfort of your own kitchen, Carne Asada Street Tacos are always a celebration of good food and great company.
Key Ingredients in Carne Asada Street Tacos
Each ingredient in Carne Asada Street Tacos plays a crucial role in creating the delicious, layered flavors that make this dish so irresistible. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients and their unique contributions:
– Flank steak
The star of the dish, flank steak is known for its tenderness and ability to absorb marinades. Its rich, beefy flavor becomes even more savory when grilled to perfection.
– Olive oil
A small amount of olive oil helps to create a smooth marinade, ensuring that the flavors of the spices adhere to the meat while adding a subtle richness.
– Ground cumin
Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the depth of the marinade, giving it a bit of a smoky edge that pairs perfectly with the grilled meat.
– Chili powder
This spice adds a hint of heat and a touch of smokiness to the marinade, giving the carne asada a balanced warmth without overwhelming the palate.
– Garlic powder
Garlic powder brings that unmistakable savory kick to the carne asada, contributing to the rich depth of flavor without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
– Onion powder
A mild yet flavorful ingredient that adds sweetness and depth to the marinade, complementing the garlic and other spices perfectly.
– Paprika
With its subtle sweetness and vibrant color, paprika adds both a mild smokiness and a rich red hue to the carne asada, making the dish even more visually appealing.
– Ground black pepper
A dash of freshly ground black pepper rounds out the marinade with a touch of heat and spiciness, balancing the other flavors and adding a bit of zing.
– Salt
Essential for seasoning, salt enhances all the flavors in the marinade and helps tenderize the meat, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
– Cayenne pepper
For those who like a little extra kick, cayenne pepper adds a bold layer of heat that balances out the richness of the meat and the other spices.
– Lime juice
Lime juice gives the marinade a bright, tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the steak and adds a refreshing citrus note that ties everything together.
– Orange juice
The sweetness of orange juice helps balance the acidity of the lime juice while adding a touch of natural sweetness that elevates the flavors of the marinade.
– Soy sauce
Soy sauce provides a savory umami flavor and a touch of saltiness, helping to deepen the flavors of the carne asada while giving it a slightly tangy finish.
– Chopped cilantro
Fresh cilantro adds a burst of brightness and herbaceous flavor to the marinade, making the carne asada feel fresh and vibrant.
– Diced onion
Diced onion offers a sharp, slightly sweet crunch when used as a topping, providing a perfect contrast to the rich, juicy meat.
– Corn tortillas
Soft corn tortillas serve as the perfect vessel for the carne asada, their subtle flavor and texture allowing the beef and toppings to shine.
– Diced tomatoes
Fresh diced tomatoes add a burst of juiciness and a refreshing, slightly sweet note that pairs beautifully with the savory carne asada.
– Chopped fresh cilantro
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro on top of the tacos brightens the flavor and adds an herbaceous note that complements the smoky beef and other fresh ingredients.
– Lime wedges
A squeeze of fresh lime over the tacos before taking a bite brings out the acidity and tanginess, cutting through the richness of the beef and enhancing all the flavors.
– Sour cream
Creamy sour cream adds a cool, rich contrast to the spicy and smoky flavors of the carne asada, offering a smooth, tangy finish to each bite.
Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavors that come together in every bite, making these tacos a true crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Carne Asada Street Tacos
1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Allow the pan to get hot, ensuring a nice sear on the steak for that crispy exterior.
2. While the pan is heating, rub the flank steak with the olive oil on both sides.
This will help the seasonings adhere to the meat and promote even cooking.
3. In a small bowl, combine the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
Stir the spices together until evenly mixed.
4. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the steak, pressing gently to adhere.
Make sure every surface of the steak is coated in the flavorful spice blend.
5. Once the skillet is hot, place the seasoned steak in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer it more done.
Don’t move the steak around too much while it cooks to get a beautiful sear.
6. After cooking, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes to retain its juices.
This resting time is crucial for keeping the meat tender and juicy.
7. While the steak is resting, in a small bowl, mix together the lime juice, orange juice, and soy sauce.
This mixture will add a zesty, savory finish to the carne asada.
8. Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips.
Cutting against the grain ensures the steak is tender and easy to bite into.
9. Drizzle the lime, orange, and soy sauce mixture over the sliced steak and toss to coat.
This will infuse the beef with a tangy, flavorful glaze that ties all the flavors together.
10. To prepare the tortillas, heat them one at a time in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or until warm and slightly charred.
This step adds a nice texture and subtle smokiness to the tortillas.
11. Place each warm tortilla on a serving plate.
Make sure the tortillas are soft and pliable, ready to hold all the tasty fillings.
12. Top each tortilla with a portion of the marinated steak slices.
Pile the beef generously onto each tortilla, making sure each bite is full of that flavorful carne asada.
13. Sprinkle diced onion and chopped cilantro on top of the steak.
These toppings bring freshness and crunch, balancing the richness of the meat.
14. Add a spoonful of diced tomatoes to each taco for freshness.
The juicy tomatoes will add a burst of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the smoky beef.
15. Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side.
A squeeze of fresh lime will elevate all the flavors and add a refreshing zest to each bite.
16. For an extra creamy touch, add a dollop of sour cream to each taco.
This rich and tangy addition will cool down the heat from the spices while providing a smooth finish.
Serving Suggestions for Carne Asada Street Tacos
– *Pair with a refreshing Mexican beer or a classic margarita.*
The crisp, cold bite of a light Mexican lager or the citrusy tang of a margarita makes the perfect drink to complement the smoky and spicy flavors of the carne asada. The contrast of cold and heat elevates the entire taco experience.
– *Serve with a side of grilled vegetables.*
Grilled peppers, onions, and zucchini not only add a pop of color to your plate but also a smoky, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich carne asada. The slight char from the grill makes the veggies the perfect accompaniment.
– *Add a dollop of guacamole or pico de gallo on the side.*
A creamy, cool guacamole or fresh pico de gallo with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro will add a zesty, refreshing contrast to the richness of the tacos. The extra layer of flavor makes each bite even more exciting!
How to Store Carne Asada Street Tacos
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), storing them properly ensures you can enjoy those delicious flavors again without losing their freshness. Here are a few simple ways to keep your Carne Asada Street Tacos in top shape:
– Store the beef separately: To keep the carne asada from getting soggy, store the sliced beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it even longer, freeze the beef for up to 2 months. Just reheat it gently in a skillet when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
– Keep tortillas and toppings fresh: For the best texture, store the tortillas in a sealed plastic bag to prevent them from drying out. Toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and tomatoes should be stored in separate airtight containers to keep them fresh and crunchy. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the tortillas and assemble your tacos.
– Reheat carefully: When it comes time to reheat, gently warm the beef in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out. If you have any extra lime wedges or sour cream, make sure to add those fresh to keep that zingy contrast when you bite into the taco!
Conclusion
And there you have it – the perfect recipe for Carne Asada Street Tacos! From the mouthwatering marinade to the sizzling steak and fresh toppings, these tacos are a true celebration of flavor. Whether you’re cooking them for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, they’re sure to steal the show. The combination of smoky beef, tangy lime, and fresh cilantro will have everyone coming back for seconds, and maybe even thirds!
If you decide to make these at home, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Do you have any tweaks or secret ingredients that make your tacos stand out? Or maybe you want to share some thoughts after trying the recipe for the first time? Drop a comment or reach out if you need any help with the recipe – I’m always here to chat food. Don’t forget to save this article so you can easily pull it up next time you’re craving these tasty tacos. Enjoy!
Carne Asada Street Tacos
Description
Succulent, marinated carne asada grilled to perfection, sliced thin, and piled into warm corn tortillas. Topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime, these tacos burst with bold, smoky flavors that are simply irresistible.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
-
While the pan is heating, rub the flank steak with the olive oil on both sides.
-
In a small bowl, combine the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
-
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the steak, pressing gently to adhere.
-
Once the skillet is hot, place the seasoned steak in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer it more done.
-
After cooking, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes to retain its juices.
-
While the steak is resting, in a small bowl, mix together the lime juice, orange juice, and soy sauce.
-
Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips.
-
Drizzle the lime, orange, and soy sauce mixture over the sliced steak and toss to coat.
-
To prepare the tortillas, heat them one at a time in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or until warm and slightly charred.
-
Place each warm tortilla on a serving plate.
-
Top each tortilla with a portion of the marinated steak slices.
-
Sprinkle diced onion and chopped cilantro on top of the steak.
-
Add a spoonful of diced tomatoes to each taco for freshness.
-
Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side.
-
For an extra creamy touch, add a dollop of sour cream to each taco.
Note
- Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes after cooking to ensure juiciness.
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak in the seasoning mix for 1-2 hours before cooking.
- Use freshly squeezed lime and orange juice for the best taste.
- For spicier tacos, increase the cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapenos.
- For a smoky twist, try grilling the steak instead of using a skillet.
