Easy Carne Asada Tacos: The Best Recipe for Taco Night

Introduction

When it comes to Mexican cuisine, few dishes are as iconic and beloved as Carne Asada Tacos. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or craving a quick and flavorful dinner, Carne Asada Tacos are a crowd favorite. In this article, we’ll walk you through an easy yet authentic Carne Asada Tacos recipe, along with tips for marinating the meat, grilling to perfection, and serving them with the best toppings. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality taco experience right at home.

What is Carne Asada?

Carne Asada translates to “grilled meat” in Spanish. This traditional Mexican dish features marinated and grilled beef, usually skirt or flank steak, that’s thinly sliced and served in tacos or burritos. The marinade typically includes citrus juice, garlic, cilantro, and various spices, giving the meat a zesty and smoky flavor. Grilling over an open flame enhances the charred, smoky taste that Carne Asada is known for.

Key Ingredients for Carne Asada Tacos

1. Steak: The best cuts of beef for Carne Asada are skirt steak or flank steak. Both cuts are thin and cook quickly, making them perfect for tacos.
2. Marinade: The marinade is what gives the steak its signature flavor. A combination of lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, cumin, and chili powder is commonly used.
3. Tortillas: For authentic tacos, use small, soft corn tortillas.
4. Toppings: Popular toppings include diced onions, cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, and avocado slices.

How to Make Carne Asada Tacos: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Carne Asada Marinade

A good marinade is essential to tender and flavorful Carne Asada. The acids from the citrus juices help break down the proteins in the meat, making it tender and juicy while the spices add depth of flavor.

Ingredients for the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the steak in a large resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the meat. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Grill the Carne Asada

The magic of Carne Asada happens on the grill. Grilling the meat over high heat ensures that you get a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Grilling Instructions:

1. Preheat your grill to high heat.
2. Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
3. Grill the steak for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Adjust cooking time based on your preferred doneness.
4. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Step 3: Prepare the Toppings

While the meat is resting, prepare your toppings. Classic toppings for Carne Asada Tacos include:

• Onions: Finely diced white onions add crunch and flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a bright, herbal note to the tacos.
• Salsa: Choose your favorite salsa, whether it’s a traditional red salsa or a spicy green tomatillo salsa.
• Avocado: Slices of creamy avocado provide a delicious contrast to the savory steak.
• Lime Wedges: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos just before eating to brighten up all the flavors.

Variations on Carne Asada Tacos

One of the best things about Carne Asada Tacos is their versatility. You can easily customize them based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations to try:

• Carne Asada Street Tacos: Serve the grilled steak on small corn tortillas, topped with only onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. These tacos are popular in Mexican street food culture and are all about letting the flavor of the meat shine.
• Low-Carb Carne Asada Tacos: If you’re watching your carbs, swap out the tortillas for lettuce wraps. They offer the same delicious flavor with fewer carbs.
• Carne Asada Burritos: For a heartier meal, wrap the grilled steak, rice, beans, and your favorite toppings in a large flour tortilla.
• Carne Asada Taco Salad: Turn your tacos into a salad by serving the grilled steak over a bed of lettuce with all the classic taco toppings.

The Best Side Dishes for Carne Asada Tacos

No taco night is complete without some tasty side dishes. Here are a few options that pair perfectly with Carne Asada Tacos:

• Mexican Rice: A simple and flavorful side dish made with tomatoes, garlic, and onions.
• Refried Beans: Creamy and satisfying, refried beans are a classic pairing with tacos.
• Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob, slathered with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice.

Serving Suggestions for Carne Asada Tacos

When it comes to serving Carne Asada Tacos, presentation is everything. Arrange the sliced steak on a platter with a variety of toppings, warm tortillas, and lime wedges on the side. Let your guests build their own tacos to suit their tastes.

Storing and Reheating Carne Asada

If you have leftovers (which is unlikely because these tacos are too good!), you can store the Carne Asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steak slices in a hot skillet for a few minutes until warmed through.

Conclusion

Carne Asada Tacos are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings. The marinated steak, grilled to perfection, combined with fresh toppings like onions, cilantro, and salsa, make for an irresistible meal. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with different variations, Carne Asada Tacos are sure to become a favorite in your home.