Name: Carne Asada Street Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 pounds skirt steak or flank steak; 1/3 cup fresh lime juice; 1/4 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 12 to 14 corn tortillas; diced white onion, for topping; chopped cilantro, for topping; lime wedges, for serving; salsa or hot sauce, optional

Tender, smoky, and bursting with flavor, these Carne Asada Street Tacos are the ultimate nod to taco stand classics. Perfectly marinated beef seared to perfection and wrapped in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings—every bite delivers bold, citrusy, and savory satisfaction. Whether you’re making them for Taco Tuesday or feeding a crowd, these tacos always hit the spot.

Inspired by the vibrant food trucks of Southern California and the markets of Mexico, carne asada tacos are street food elevated by simplicity and smart seasoning. Lime juice, garlic, and cumin build a marinade that infuses the meat with flavor while keeping it juicy and tender. Pair it with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, and you have an irresistible hand-held masterpiece.

What Cut of Meat is Best for Carne Asada Tacos?

Skirt steak or flank steak are the traditional go-to cuts for carne asada, thanks to their deep beefy flavor and ability to soak up marinades. Skirt steak has a looser grain and cooks quickly, making it perfect for high-heat grilling. Just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Ingredients for the Carne Asada Street Tacos

2 pounds skirt steak or flank steak
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Corn tortillas (12-14 small)
Diced white onion, for topping
Chopped cilantro, for topping
Lime wedges, for serving
Salsa or hot sauce, optional

How To Make the Carne Asada Street Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and cilantro. Add the steak, making sure it’s well coated. Marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Grill the Carne Asada

Preheat your grill (or a grill pan) over high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side or until your desired doneness. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

While the steak rests, warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a skillet until soft and lightly charred. Keep them warm wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Fill each tortilla with sliced carne asada. Top with diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add your favorite salsa or hot sauce if desired.

How to Serve and Store Carne Asada Street Tacos

Serve carne asada tacos immediately after assembling, while the steak is warm and juicy and the tortillas are still soft. Pair them with sides like elote (Mexican street corn), rice, or refried beans for a full meal.

To store leftovers, refrigerate sliced carne asada in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Warm gently before assembling fresh tacos. Tortillas are best served fresh, but can be reheated on a skillet for a quick refresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate carne asada?

At least 2 hours, but overnight will give you the most flavorful and tender results.

Can I cook the steak on a stovetop instead of a grill?

Absolutely! A cast iron skillet or grill pan works great. Just ensure it’s very hot to sear the meat properly.

What kind of tortillas should I use?

Corn tortillas are traditional, but you can use flour tortillas if preferred. Warm them before using for the best texture.

Can I freeze the marinated steak?

Yes! You can freeze the steak in its marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.

What toppings go best with carne asada tacos?

Classic toppings include diced onions, cilantro, lime, and salsa. You can also add avocado slices, radishes, or cotija cheese for extra flair.

Want More Taco Ideas?

If you loved these Carne Asada Street Tacos, you might also enjoy these flavorful recipes:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it when taco cravings hit: Nina Dishes on Pinterest

Did you go spicy or mild with your marinade? Add fresh toppings or keep it classic? I’d love to hear how your street tacos turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments and let’s taco ‘bout it!

Carne Asada Street Tacos

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 to 14 tacos

Print Recipe

Description

Tender, smoky, and infused with bold flavor, these Carne Asada Street Tacos are a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal. Marinated skirt steak is grilled to perfection, sliced thin, and served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings for a truly authentic taco experience.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and cilantro. Add the steak and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Preheat grill or grill pan over high heat. Remove steak from marinade and let excess drip off. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side or to desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes.

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

4. Slice steak thinly against the grain.

5. Assemble tacos by filling tortillas with steak, diced onion, and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and salsa if desired.