Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Carne Asada + Street Tacos bring bold, smoky, and citrus-marinated beef to your table in taco form—perfectly grilled, thinly sliced, and served on warm tortillas with fresh toppings. This Mexican street food favorite is packed with flavor, easy to prep ahead, and perfect for casual meals, parties, or backyard grilling.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the carne asada marinade:

flank or skirt steak
fresh lime juice
orange juice
soy sauce
olive oil
garlic (minced)
cilantro (chopped)
jalapeño (seeded and chopped)
ground cumin
chili powder
salt
black pepper

For the tacos:

corn tortillas
white onion (finely chopped)
fresh cilantro (chopped)
lime wedges
salsa or hot sauce (optional)
avocado or guacamole (optional)

directions

In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together all marinade ingredients.

Add the steak and coat evenly. Seal and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Preheat a grill or grill pan to high heat. Remove steak from marinade and pat dry.

Grill the steak 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.

Let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet until soft and slightly charred.

Assemble tacos by placing sliced carne asada on tortillas and topping with chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Add salsa, avocado, or hot sauce if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6–8 tacos.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 2–12 hours
Cooking and assembly time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 2.5–13 hours (including marinating)

Variations

Use flour tortillas for a softer bite.
Top with pickled red onions or cotija cheese.
Serve with Mexican street corn or rice and beans on the side.
Try a citrus-chipotle marinade for a smoky twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
Tortillas are best warmed fresh, but can be stored and reheated as needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, flap steak or sirloin work well too—just slice thinly after grilling.

Can I cook this indoors?

Yes, use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan on high heat.

Do I have to marinate overnight?

Longer is better, but even 2 hours will add great flavor.

What tortillas are best?

Corn tortillas are traditional for street tacos, but flour works too.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes—marinate the steak and chop toppings in advance for easy assembly.

Is this recipe spicy?

The jalapeño adds mild heat; adjust or omit for a milder version.

Can I freeze carne asada?

Yes, freeze uncooked steak in marinade or freeze grilled slices for future meals.

What toppings are traditional?

Onion, cilantro, and lime are traditional. Salsa, guac, or radishes are great extras.

Can I use bottled juice?

Fresh is best, but bottled lime/orange juice can work in a pinch.

Is carne asada gluten-free?

Yes, if using corn tortillas and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Conclusion

Authentic Carne Asada + Street Tacos deliver bold, fresh flavors in every bite—marinated, grilled beef in a warm tortilla with simple, vibrant toppings. Whether you’re recreating a street food favorite at home or grilling out for a crowd, this recipe is a surefire hit. Squeeze on some lime, pile on the toppings, and enjoy the true taste of Mexican street tacos.