Carne Asada Tacos (2024)

Home Recipes Courses Dinner Carne Asada Tacos

59 Comments

Updated Apr 11, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

Jump to RecipeJump to Video

Carne asada tacos are delicious flank steak, Mexican-inspired street tacos! Just load up your tortilla with juicy steak bites, avocado, onion, cotija cheese, and fresh cilantro.

Carne Asada Tacos (2)

I think we’ve firmly established (through the numerous recipes on this website) that I’m a lover of Mexican food. For me, Mexican food is all about fresh ingredients, bold flavor and simple spices. It’s unfussy, approachable and let’s be honest, it’s always the perfect cuisine for a party or good time.

So what’s the the perfect recipe for a party or good time? These carne asada tacos! They’re so easy to make with my citrus-y grilled carne asada. Just toss the meat on the grill, chop it up, pile it in a tortilla, and add a few toppings like my best ever guacamole!

Carne Asada Tacos Ingredients

All you need is a handful of ingredients for this recipe and ideally a hot outdoor grill. Though an indoor grill pan works just fine for the carne asada as well!

  • Carne Asada: I typically use flank steak when making carne asada, but skirt steak works as well. Make sure to read my carne asada recipe for tips and specifics on grilling the perfect steak!
  • Avocado: I smashed plain avocado into the tortilla, but you could use guacamole as well.
  • Onion: Diced yellow, white, or red onions will work.
  • Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice is a must!
  • Cilantro: You can never go wrong with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
  • Cheese: Cotija cheese is always my go-to for Mexican tacos.
  • Tortillas: I love to make my cassava flour tortillas, but any will do!

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

Carne Asada Tacos (3)

How to Make Carne Asada Tacos

Once you’ve grilled your steak, let the fun begin! Just grab a tortilla and slather it with some avocado. No need for perfect avocado slices (carne asada tacos are not trying to be fancy). Just use a spoon to mash up the avocado and slather it on, as I show you in the video below.

Then, add a good helping of chopped carne asada, a sprinkle of cotija or queso fresco cheese, chopped onion and fresh cilantro. Squeeze some fresh lime on top and there you have it – perfect carne asada tacos!

Taco Topping Ideas

Besides the essentials listed above, there’s always room to jazz up your tacos. Here’s a few ways to do it:

  • Fresh Sauces: Dollop some chunky pico de gallo or drizzle a little homemade salsa. For a creamy touch, you can add my zesty lime crema or spicy chipotle sauce.
  • Cheeses: I love to use cotija cheese for tacos, but queso fresco or any Mexican blend will work.
  • Fresh Veggies: Thinly slice some radish for an extra fresh crunch.
Carne Asada Tacos (4)

Want More Taco Recipes?

I adore Mexican recipes, but tacos really are my love language. So I’ve got plenty for you to choose from!

And you can wash any of these tacos down with a classic margarita, strawberry margarita or mango margarita.

Carne Asada Tacos Recipe Video

While it’s easy to assemble these delicious tacos, it always helps to watch a quick step-by-step video. Give it a watch below!

If you make these carne asada tacos, let me know how they turned out!I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below.

Carne Asada Tacos (5)

Carne Asada Tacos

5 from 24 votes

Prep: 2 hours hrs

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Total: 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 tacos

Author: Lisa Bryan

Description

These carne asada tacos are the best steak tacos and bursting with flavor. They’re perfect for outdoor grilling, parties or even your next Taco Tuesday. Watch the video above to see how quickly they come together!

Video

Ingredients

  • 1 recipe carne asada
  • 2 avocados
  • 3 tbsp cotija cheese
  • 1/3 cup onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 6 tortillas
  • limes, for garnish

Instructions

  • Grill the carne asada until it’s cooked to your preference. Slice it against the grain, then chop it into small pieces.

    Carne Asada Tacos (6)

  • Use a spoon to mash the avocado and spread a large spoonful or two onto each tortilla. Then, top the avocado with chopped carne asada, a sprinkle of cotija cheese, some diced onion and fresh cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice on top.

    Carne Asada Tacos (7)

Lisa’s Tips

Nutrition

Calories: 514.9kcal | Carbohydrates: 26.3g | Protein: 35.4g | Fat: 30.7g | Saturated Fat: 9.3g | Cholesterol: 98.3mg | Sodium: 201.9mg | Fiber: 5.6g | Sugar: 0.9g

Course: Main Meal

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Carne Asada Taco Recipes, Carne Asada Tacos

©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @downshiftology or tag #downshiftology!

Recipe originally posted April 2018, but recently updated.

You May Also Like

About the author

Carne Asada Tacos (12)

Lisa Bryan

Lisa is a bestselling cookbook author, recipe developer, and YouTuber (with over 2.5 million subscribers) living in sunny Southern California. She started Downshiftology in 2014, and is passionate about making healthy food with fresh, simple and seasonal ingredients.

Carne Asada Tacos (2024)

FAQs

What cut of meat is used for carne asada tacos? ›

In Central and South America, we call pretty much any barbecued or grilled meat asado (or carne asada). The BEST cuts for the Mexican version of the dish we all know and love are either skirt steak or flank steak. Personally, I prefer skirt steak (pictured).

What is carne asada sauce made of? ›

Combine soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, orange slices, lime juice, orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, cilantro, garlic, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine.

Is carne asada just ground beef? ›

“Carne” means meat in Spanish and usually refers to beef. “Carne asada” means grilled meat and it can really be any cut of beef you prefer. It is marinated in citrus and Mexican spices, and can be used for a wide range of Mexican dishes!

What meat is carne asada at grocery store? ›

In Spanish, Carne literally means “flesh/meat/beef” and Asada means “roast/broiled/grilled,” so “grilled meat.” When it comes to “carne asada” in cooking, the term refers to grilled and sliced beef, usually skirt, flank or flap steak.

What meat is closest to carne asada? ›

Skirt steak is the cut of choice for carne asada throughout Southern California and it's my favorite too. But if you can't find it, you can substitute flap, flank, hanger, or top round (London broil). Skirt is the flattest of the cuts, so it doesn't take long to marinate or cook.

Is Mexican carne asada healthy? ›

Key Takeaway: While there are risks to eating grilled red meat like carne asada, it can still be part of a healthy meal in the context of your overall balanced diet. Carne asada is a good source of iron, and zinc. Pair with corn tortillas, plenty of veggies, and beans for a balanced meal.

What do Mexicans eat with tacos? ›

Together, we will explore the memories of making tacos weaves, and discover the delectable accompaniments that perfectly complement this special Mexican dish.
  • Guacamole. ...
  • Refried beans. ...
  • Mexican Rice With Chipotle. ...
  • Pico de Gallo. ...
  • Chips and Salsa. ...
  • Queso Fundido. ...
  • Mexican Corn. ...
  • Lime and Coriander Rice.

How many pounds of carne asada per person for tacos? ›

Carne asada is a simple dish that isn't any more difficult to make than other grilled meat. When making carne asada, figure on about 1/2 pound of raw meat person. If necessary, trim the meat of any excess fat.

Can you marinate carne asada too long? ›

Can you marinate carne asada too long? Yes, there is such a thing as marinating meat for too long. Remember that there is acid in lemon and lime juice. After more than a few hours, that acid will start breaking down the meat, leaving you with a gritty, mealy, or mushy texture.

What is carne asada seasoning made of? ›

Ingredients. Salt, Chili Pepper, Garlic, Spices, Onion, Sugar, Rice Concentrate, Citric Acid, Lime Juice, Paprika Extractives (Color), Red Pepper, Lime Oil, Natural Flavor.

What is the best sauce for street tacos? ›

Cilantro Lime- Cilantro Lime Sauce is fresh, vibrant, full of flavor. That is why it is one of the best sauces for all your tacos! It is made from sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, and salt. Cilantro Lime Sauce is creamy, spicy, and sour- with a hint of garlic.

What is traditionally served with carne asada? ›

As well, you can add carne asada to quesadillas, tostadas and just about any other tortilla-based dish. Carne asada is often served with salsas, grilled onions, guacamole lime wedges and chopped cilantro.

Is there a difference between carne asada and asada? ›

Carne Asada – Asada (or asado) means “roasted” in Spanish. Carne asada is a spicy, marinated grilled steak that's cut into strips. This is the meat that goes into burritos and tacos. Pollo Asado – Pollo means “chicken” in Spanish, which means that pollo asado is grilled, marinated chicken.

How long should I cook carne asada on the grill? ›

Add your steak to the grill and cook for 7-8 minutes per side or until it reaches 120F internal for medium rare. Once done, pull the steak off the grill and let rest for 10 minutes. Slice steak against the grain at an angle, top with sea salt and enjoy!

What kind of meat is carne asada at Mexican restaurant? ›

Let's start with the basics—carne asada is a traditional Mexican dish composed of marinated skirt steak or flank steak that has been grilled and thinly sliced. The term carne asada in Spanish translates to roasted or grilled meat in English.

What type of meat is best for Mexican tacos? ›

The following is a list of peoples' favorite meat tacos:
  • Taco alambre: grilled steak, bacon, and cheese.
  • Taco de chicharrón: crispy pork.
  • Taco de chorizo: spicy Mexican sausage.
  • Taco de suadero: beef brisket.
  • Taco campechano: beef, chorizo, and bacon.
  • Taco de cabeza: beef or pork head.
  • Taco de lengua: beef tongue.

What is the difference between carnitas and carne asada tacos? ›

Carnitas is made with pork that has been braised or slow-cooked until it's fork-tender. Carne asada is made with beef that has been grilled to perfection. Al pastor is made with pork that has been grilled and then sliced off the spit. All three of these dishes are delicious when topped with your favorite toppings.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Allyn Kozey

Last Updated:

Views: 5998

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Allyn Kozey

Birthday: 1993-12-21

Address: Suite 454 40343 Larson Union, Port Melia, TX 16164

Phone: +2456904400762

Job: Investor Administrator

Hobby: Sketching, Puzzles, Pet, Mountaineering, Skydiving, Dowsing, Sports

Introduction: My name is Allyn Kozey, I am a outstanding, colorful, adventurous, encouraging, zealous, tender, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.