This mouthwatering Carne Asada Tacos recipe delivers authentic Mexican flavors in just over 2 hours from start to finish. Tender, juicy meat combines with fresh toppings for a protein-packed meal that’s worth the wait.

At 586 calories per serving, these tacos offer the perfect balance of flavor and nutrition, loaded with 43g of protein and plenty of essential vitamins. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or planning a special family dinner, these restaurant-quality tacos will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Mexico.

Ingredients for Perfect Carne Asada Tacos

Flank Steak (1½ pounds): Select a well-marbled piece for best flavor
Aromatics: 4 cloves minced garlic, ½ cup fresh cilantro
Spices: Chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper
Marinade Base: ⅓ cup olive oil, white vinegar, juice from 2 limes and ½ orange
For Serving: 10 corn tortillas, pico de gallo, fresh avocado, Mexican rice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season & Marinate: Generously season steak with salt and pepper. Mix marinade ingredients and coat the steak thoroughly. Let it rest for 2-5 hours in refrigerator.
Prep for Grilling: Remove steak 20 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature.
Grill to Perfection: Heat grill to high, brush with oil. Grill 3-5 minutes per side until desired doneness.
Rest & Slice: Let meat rest under foil for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Warm & Assemble: Heat tortillas on dry skillet, layer with sliced meat, pico de gallo, and avocado slices.
Final Touch: Add your favorite hot sauce and serve with Mexican rice for a complete meal.

Grilling Tips

Getting that perfect carne asada is all about the right grilling technique! Heat your grill nice and hot – you want those beautiful char marks and a juicy center. A clean, oiled grate stops the meat from sticking.

For the best results, let the meat rest at room temp for 20 minutes before grilling. This helps it cook more evenly. Watch for the meat’s color change as it cooks – medium-rare will have a pink center, while well-done will be brown throughout.

Serving Ideas

Make a fun taco bar! Set out bowls of fresh pico de gallo, sliced avocados, and lime wedges. Warm those corn tortillas right before serving – they taste so much better when they’re hot and soft.

Add some Mexican rice on the side, and put out bottles of Valentina hot sauce for anyone who likes extra heat. For bigger gatherings, try adding bowls of shredded lettuce, diced onions, and crumbled queso fresco.

Marinade Magic

The marinade is what makes this carne asada special! While 2-5 hours works great, you can let it sit overnight if you want even more flavor. Just don’t go past 24 hours – the acid from the citrus can start to break down the meat too much. No orange? Use extra lime juice instead. The mix of garlic, cilantro, and citrus makes the meat super tasty and tender.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftover cooked steak in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days. The best way to reheat it is in a hot skillet for just a minute or two – this keeps the meat from drying out. You can also slice the meat before storing to make quick tacos later.

The fresh toppings like pico de gallo and sliced avocado should be stored separately and added just before eating.