Crunchy Carne Asada Tacos (25 Minutes)

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Carne asada tacos are a classic Mexican dish loved by many. This recipe features tender, marinated beef served in crispy taco shells with fresh toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and cheese. It’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together with friends and family.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 hard taco shells
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges, for serving if desired

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add the sliced flank steak to the bowl and toss to coat the meat with the marinade.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired doneness.
  4. While the steak is cooking, heat the taco shells in the oven according to package instructions.
  5. To assemble the tacos, divide the shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes evenly among the taco shells.
  6. Top each taco with the cooked steak and shredded cheese.
  7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

To make the steak even more flavorful, feel free to marinate it for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours before cooking. If you prefer soft tacos, simply swap the hard shells for soft tortillas. Leftover steak can be used in salads or quesadillas the next day. Enjoy!

*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: 370
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 330mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Pair this with...

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!

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!

Mexican Refried Beans

Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a bit of lard or vegetable oil until soft. Add pre-cooked beans (canned works too!), mashing them while they fry. Season with a dash of cumin, salt, and maybe a pinch of chili powder for some kick. Once they're beautifully creamy and slightly caramelized, transfer them to a serving dish. The final touch? A generous sprinkle of shredded cheese on top – think cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco – which will melt into gooey perfection from the beans' warmth.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

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Pork Tenderloin Sandwich with Onion Relish (30 Minutes)

Black Bean Soup (30-35 Minutes)

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