Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro, Onion, and Lime (25 Minutes + Marinating Time)

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Dive into the vibrant flavors of Mexico with these carne asada tacos, a classic street food favorite.

Juicy, marinated grilled beef is the star of this dish, complemented by the freshness of cilantro, the sharpness of onion, and the tangy kick of lime.

Wrapped in soft corn tortillas, these tacos are a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes + 4 hours marinating time
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours, 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the carne asada:

  • 2 lbs flank or skirt steak
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the tacos:

  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • Optional: salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce for serving

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Steak (4 hours or overnight):
    In a bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the steak in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and ensure the steak is well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  2. Grill the Steak (10-15 minutes):
    Preheat your grill to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Rest the steak for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain.
  3. Prepare the Tacos (5 minutes):
    Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a skillet for about 30 seconds per side. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a clean cloth.
  4. Assemble the Tacos (5 minutes):
    On each tortilla, place a few slices of carne asada. Top with chopped cilantro and onion. Serve with lime wedges and your choice of salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce.
  5. Serve and Enjoy:
    Encourage everyone to squeeze lime juice over their tacos before eating. Enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite of these authentic carne asada tacos.

Notes

Carne asada tacos are a testament to the beauty of Mexican cuisine, where simple ingredients come together to create something truly extraordinary.

The key to exceptional tacos lies in the marinade and not overcooking the steak, ensuring it’s flavorful and tender.

Gather your friends and family, and enjoy this festive and delicious meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 375
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Pair this with...

Black Bean and Corn Salad

Start by draining and rinsing a can of black beans, then combine it with a cup of sweet corn (frozen and thawed works great, or fresh off the cob). Dice up a ripe tomato, a red pepper, and a red onion for some juicy crunch. For that herbal freshness, chop up a handful of cilantro and toss it in. Mix everything in a large bowl and give it a good stir. For dressing, squeeze the juice of one lime, drizzle a bit of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Mix it all up, and voila!

Homemade Salsa

To start, grab about 5 ripe tomatoes. You want them juicy but firm. Dice them up and toss them into a mixing bowl. Add a finely chopped red onion for some bite and crunch. Now, for that classic spicy kick, chop up a jalapeño (or two if you're brave). Remember, the seeds and white parts are the spiciest, so adjust to your liking. Squeeze the juice of a lime over your mixture for that zesty zing. Toss in a good handful of freshly chopped cilantro; it gives salsa its signature flavor. Sprinkle in some salt and give everything a good stir. If you've got a garlic clove lying around, mince it and mix it in for an extra layer of flavor. Let it sit for a bit to let the flavors meld together and enjoy!

Guacamole

Start with ripe avocados - when you give them a gentle squeeze, they should have a little give, but not feel mushy. Halve and pit them, scooping out their green goodness into a bowl. Now, add the juice of a fresh lime. This brightens the flavor and helps keep that vibrant green color. Toss in a finely chopped small red onion, a minced clove of garlic, a small diced tomato, and maybe a deseeded and diced jalapeño if you're in the mood for some heat. A handful of chopped cilantro leaves adds that distinct freshness, but if you're not a fan, it's okay to skip it. Sprinkle in some salt, and then mash everything together. You can use a fork or a potato masher, depending on how chunky you like your guacamole. Give it a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Serve it up with tortilla chips or as a side to pretty much anything.

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