Carne Asada Tacos
Easy carne asada tacos made from juicy and tender marinated flank steak or skirt steak and topped with onions, cotija cheese and fresh cilantro.
- Prep time
- 10 min
- Cook time
- 20 min
- Yield
- 8 servings
- Difficulty
- MEDIUM
Ingredients
Quantities are shown as originally provided.
- 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded and minced)
- 4 cloves garlic, (minced (about 2 teaspoons))
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- juice of 1 orange ((about 1/4 cup of juice))
- juice of 1 lime ((about 2 tablespoons of juice))
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for grilling)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more for grilling)
- 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak, (excess fat removed)
- 16 corn tortillas, (warmed (or flour tortillas))
- 1/2 medium onion, (finely diced)
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese
- lime wedges, (for serving)
- other optional toppings:
Instructions
- 1
For the carne asada marinade
- 2
In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients except for the steak.
- 3
Place the steak in a large baking dish or gallon size ziplock bag and pour the marinade on top. Turn the steak a few times until it's completely coated with the marinade and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. Do not marinate for longer than 8 hours because the meat will start to break down and get mushy due to the acidity in the marinade.
- 4
Remove steak from marinade and discard any excess marinade. Pat steak dry with paper towels and drizzle with a touch of olive oil, enough to coat each side. Season lightly with coarse salt and black pepper on both sides.
- 5
Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat (400-450°F). Grill steaks with the lid closed for 4-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Skirt steak will be closer to 4 minutes per side and flank steak will be closer to 6-8 minutes per side.
- 6
Remove steaks and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice into bite-sized chunks for easy eating in tacos.
- 7
For the tacos
- 8
Place a heaping spoonful or two of carne asada onto warm tortillas.
- 9
Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese and a spritz of fresh lime juice.
- 10
Serve with more of your favorite toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo and salsa if desired.