Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of authentic Mexican street food with our irresistible Carne Asada Tacos recipe. These grilled steak tacos will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Mexico, where every bite is a culinary delight.
At [Brand Name], we believe in bringing the essence of Mexican cuisine to your home, and our Carne Asada Tacos capture the essence of street-style dishes. Picture tender, marinated carne asada steak, perfectly charred on the grill, topped with flavorful ingredients like homemade guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, tangy sour cream, and salty Cotija cheese.
With every bite, you’ll experience the authentic Mexican flavors that have made these grilled steak tacos a beloved dish. The combination of tender steak, zesty toppings, and warm corn tortillas creates a culinary experience that is undeniably addictive.
Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving a taste of Mexico, our Carne Asada Tacos will exceed your expectations. So fire up the grill, gather your favorite toppings, and get ready to savor the tantalizing flavors of this classic Mexican street food. ¡Buen provecho!
Grilled Carne Asada Steak
To make the perfect carne asada steak for your tacos, start by marinating flank steak in a mixture of soy sauce, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, brown sugar, and spices. The spice mix includes cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, onion powder, ground coriander, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Marinate the steak for at least 4 hours, then grill it for 5-6 minutes per side until it reaches medium doneness. Let it rest before chopping into small pieces.
If you want your carne asada street tacos to have that authentic, mouth-watering flavor, the key lies in the marinade and spice mix. The combination of soy sauce, citrus juices, and aromatic spices infuses the steak with a burst of savory and tangy flavors that perfectly complement the other taco toppings. Marinating the steak for at least 4 hours allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a tender and succulent texture.
Once the steak is marinated, it’s time to fire up the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Place the marinated steak on the hot grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and desired doneness, so it’s essential to keep an eye on it. Aim for a medium doneness, where the steak is still slightly pink in the center.
After grilling, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it into small, bite-sized pieces. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful steak. The finished carne asada steak should be tender, with a slightly smoky char on the outside and a juicy, well-seasoned interior.
Here’s a breakdown of the grilling instructions for the perfect carne asada steak:
- Marinate flank steak in a mixture of soy sauce, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, brown sugar, and spices for at least 4 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with oil.
- Grill the steak for 5-6 minutes per side until medium doneness.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes, then chop it into small pieces.
Now, with your perfectly grilled carne asada steak ready, it’s time to assemble your mouthwatering street-style tacos. But first, let’s explore the other delicious components that will complement your steak and elevate your tacos to the next level.
Homemade Guacamole
Our homemade guacamole is the perfect creamy topping for your carne asada tacos. Made with fresh avocados and a blend of flavorful ingredients, it adds a burst of freshness to your dish.
To make our guacamole, you’ll need:
- Avocados – Ripe and creamy
- Roma tomato – Diced for a touch of sweetness
- Jalapeno – Finely chopped for a hint of heat
- Red onion – Minced to add texture and flavor
- Garlic – Minced for a savory bite
- Lime juice – Freshly squeezed for tanginess
- Ground cumin – Adds a warm, earthy note
- Salt and pepper – To taste
To prepare the guacamole, start by cutting the avocados in half, removing the pit, and scooping out the flesh into a bowl. Mash the avocados with a fork until they reach your desired consistency. Then, add the diced Roma tomato, finely chopped jalapeno, minced red onion, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Some prefer their guacamole chunkier, while others prefer it smoother. Feel free to customize the texture based on your preference.
Once your guacamole is ready, serve it immediately as a delicious topping for your savory carne asada tacos. The creamy texture of the guacamole, combined with the fresh flavors of the tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno, provides the perfect balance to the grilled steak.
If you have any leftovers, store the guacamole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to place plastic wrap or a layer of lime juice directly on the surface of the guacamole to prevent browning. Enjoy it within a day or two for the best flavor and texture.
Try our Homemade Guacamole:
Guacamole Recipe:
- Mash ripe avocados.
- Mix in diced Roma tomato, finely chopped jalapeno, minced red onion, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lime juice, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Pico de Gallo
Add a vibrant twist to your carne asada tacos with our delicious pico de gallo recipe. This classic Mexican salsa is made with fresh ingredients that add a burst of flavor to your tacos.
To make pico de gallo, start by dicing ripe Roma tomatoes, red onions, and jalapenos. Chop fresh cilantro and mince garlic. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and drizzle with lime juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Let the pico de gallo sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Here’s the recipe for pico de gallo:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Roma tomatoes | 3 |
| Red onion | 1/2 cup |
| Jalapeno | 1 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Cilantro | 1/4 cup |
| Lime juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Note: Adjust the amount of jalapeno based on your desired level of spiciness.
Pico de gallo is ready to be served as a refreshing topping for your carne asada tacos. Its fresh and tangy flavors complement the grilled steak beautifully, adding a zesty kick to every bite.
Assembly and Serving
Now that you’ve prepared all the delicious components of your carne asada tacos, it’s time to assemble and serve them. Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering masterpiece:
- Warm corn tortillas: Gently heat your corn tortillas on a skillet or over an open flame until they are soft and pliable. This step enhances their flavor and texture.
- Grilled steak: Slice your grilled carne asada steak into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. This succulent, marinated steak is the star of the show.
- Pico de gallo: Spoon some fresh pico de gallo, the vibrant tomato and onion salsa, onto the tortillas. Its tangy flavors perfectly complement the charred steak.
- Guacamole: Add a dollop of homemade guacamole for a creamy and rich element. The smooth avocados blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Sour cream: Drizzle a generous amount of sour cream over the toppings. Its cool and tangy taste adds a delightful contrast to the smoky flavors.
- Cotija cheese: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese, a salty and crumbly Mexican cheese, on top of everything. Its unique flavor completes the taco experience.
- Homemade salsa: For those who enjoy an extra kick of spice, add some homemade salsa. Its freshness and heat take the tacos to another level.
- Hot sauce: If you’re a fan of fiery flavors, don’t forget to drizzle your favorite hot sauce over the tacos. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.
- Squeeze of lime: Finish off the tacos with a squeeze of lime juice. The acidity of the lime cuts through the richness and enhances the overall taste.
With all the toppings and condiments arranged, you’re ready to enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of your creation before digging in!
Smoking-Meat.com’s Smoked Skirt Steak Tacos
Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Smoking-Meat.com’s famous smoked skirt steak tacos. This unique twist on traditional carne asada tacos will tantalize your taste buds with its tenderizing marinade and Texas-style rub. The secret to achieving a truly unforgettable dish lies in the combination of citrus fruits, spices, and a high-temperature finish.
Marinade Infusion
What sets Smoking-Meat.com’s smoked skirt steak tacos apart is its tenderizing marinade, which works wonders in infusing the meat with irresistible flavors. The skirt steak is marinated in a tantalizing mixture of freshly squeezed orange, lemon, and lime juice, along with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, Texas-style rub, cumin, garlic, and jalapeno. This carefully crafted marinade ensures that every bite of the smoked skirt steak delivers an explosion of taste.
Slow-Smoking Technique
Smoking-Meat.com takes the art of smoking to new heights with their low-and-slow cooking method. After marinating the skirt steak, it is slow-smoked at low temperatures for approximately an hour. This technique allows the flavors to permeate the meat, resulting in a tender and succulent texture. The use of oak wood during smoking imparts a subtle smokiness that perfectly complements the citrus-infused marinade.
High-Temperature Finish
To achieve an enticingly charred exterior, Smoking-Meat.com finishes the smoked skirt steak over high heat. This final step gives the tacos a desirable caramelized crust that adds depth to the overall flavor profile. The high-temperature finish seals in the juices, further enhancing the tenderness of the meat.
Smoking-Meat.com’s Smoked Skirt Steak Tacos Method
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Marinate the skirt steak in a mixture of citrus fruits, spices, and marinade ingredients for optimum tenderness and flavor infusion. |
| 2 | Slow-smoke the marinated skirt steak at low temperatures for approximately an hour, allowing the flavors to permeate the meat. |
| 3 | Finish the smoked skirt steak over high heat to achieve a lightly charred exterior, sealing in the juices and enhancing tenderness. |
| 4 | Slice the smoked skirt steak against the grain, ensuring optimal tenderness and texture. |
| 5 | Assemble your smoked skirt steak tacos with your favorite toppings and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors. |
Smoking-Meat.com’s smoked skirt steak tacos offer an unforgettable dining experience that combines the art of smoking with exceptional flavors. Try this recipe and treat yourself to the succulent tenderness of marinated skirt steak, infused with the vibrant citrus marinade and enhanced by a high-temperature finish. Get ready to savor every bite of these delectable tacos!
Skirt Steak Preparation
Before smoking the skirt steak, it’s important to trim any excess fat and silver skin. This step ensures a leaner and more tender meat. By removing the fat, you prevent flare-ups and excessive charring. Use a sharp knife to carefully trim the visible fat and silver skin without removing too much meat.
Dry brining is another crucial step in preparing skirt steak. Sprinkle coarse kosher salt evenly over both sides of the steak, allowing it to penetrate the meat and enhance its natural flavors. The salt acts as a seasoning and tenderizer, breaking down proteins and improving the steak’s texture. Let the dry brine sit for a few hours in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop and the salt to work its magic.
While the skirt steak is dry brining, you can prepare the marinade. In a bowl, combine freshly squeezed citrus juice, such as orange, lemon, and lime, with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, red pepper flakes, Texas-style rub, cumin, garlic, and jalapeno. The citrus juice adds acidity and brightness to the marinade, while the spices and seasonings infuse the meat with delicious flavors. Mix the marinade well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
| Skirt Steak Preparation | Benefits | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimming Fat | – Leaner meat | – Prevents flare-ups | – Reduces excessive charring |
| Dry Brining | – Enhances natural flavors | – Tenderizes the meat | – Improves texture |
| Marinade Preparation | – Adds acidity and brightness | – Infuses flavors into the meat | – Creates a delicious taste profile |
After the skirt steak has undergone the dry brining process, place it in a zip-lock bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure that the meat is fully submerged in the marinade for maximum flavor infusion. Refrigerate the skirt steak overnight to allow the marinade to work its way into the meat, tenderizing and flavoring it from the inside out.
By taking the time to trim the fat, dry brine the meat, and prepare a flavorful marinade, you are setting the stage for a delicious and tender smoked skirt steak. These preparatory steps are essential in ensuring that the flavors are well-balanced and the meat is juicy and succulent.
Smoking and Searing the Skirt Steak
Once you’ve marinated and prepared the skirt steak, it’s time to take it to the next level by infusing it with smoky flavors and achieving a mouthwatering charred finish. The smoking process and searing technique are essential to creating tender and flavorful smoked skirt steak tacos.
To begin, set up your pellet smoker for indirect grilling at a low temperature of around 200-225°F. Oak wood is an excellent choice for smoking as it imparts a rich and robust smoky flavor that complements the skirt steak perfectly.
“The smoking process adds tenderness and flavor to the skirt steak, while the searing creates a desirable texture.”
Place the skirt steak directly on the smoker grates and let it smoke for about 45 minutes to an hour. The low and slow smoking method allows the meat to absorb the smoky essence while gradually tenderizing. Keep a close eye on the internal temperature using a meat thermometer and aim for a range of 100-110°F.
Once the skirt steak has reached the desired internal temperature, it’s time to give it a mouthwatering charred finish. Preheat a hot grill to high heat and transfer the smoked steak to the grill grates. Sear the steak for a few minutes on each side until it develops a beautiful caramelized crust.
Remember, searing on a hot grill not only enhances the flavor but also creates a delightful texture that pairs perfectly with the tenderness of the smoked skirt steak.
| Smoking Process | Searing on a Hot Grill |
|---|---|
| Low and slow smoking at 200-225°F | High heat grilling for a charred finish |
| Oak wood for smoky flavor | Mouthwatering caramelized crust |
How Does Smoking Enhance the Skirt Steak?
The smoking process infuses the skirt steak with a deep and complex smoky flavor that adds another layer of deliciousness to your smoked skirt steak tacos. The slow cooking at a low temperature allows the meat to absorb the aromatic smoke, resulting in a tender and succulent texture.
Not only does smoking enhance the flavor, but it also contributes to tenderizing the skirt steak, making it incredibly juicy and melt-in-your-mouth. The combination of smoky notes and tender meat is a winning combination that will elevate your taco experience.
Why Sear the Skirt Steak?
Searing the skirt steak after the smoking process is a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture and mouthfeel. The high heat of the grill creates a caramelized crust on the surface of the meat, locking in the juices and intensifying the flavors.
The seared exterior adds a delightful contrast to the tender interior of the skirt steak, creating a satisfying mouthwatering experience with each bite. The combination of smoky flavors, tender meat, and charred crust takes the smoked skirt steak tacos to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Resting and Slicing the Smoked Skirt Steak
After smoking and searing, it’s crucial to let the skirt steak rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a tender, juicy steak. When slicing the meat, it’s important to cut against the grain to maximize tenderness. The thickness of the slices should be about 1/8 to 3/16 inch for optimal texture.
Grilled Skirt Steak Tacos
Serve your smoked skirt steak tacos on corn or flour tortillas. Heat the tortillas in a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat until pliable. Load the tortillas with the sliced skirt steak, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, and any other desired toppings such as cilantro, onions, cheese, etc. Customize your tacos to your liking and enjoy the smoky, tender flavors of the grilled skirt steak.
| Taco Topping Suggestions |
|---|
| Cilantro |
| Onions |
| Cheese |
| … |
Mexican-Inspired Street Tacos
Give your taste buds a treat with our Mexican-inspired twist on carne asada tacos. This recipe features succulent grilled flank steak, charred corn, tangy red onions, and a refreshing cilantro green sauce. Get ready to take your tacos to the next level!
Grilled Flank Steak
Marinated in a flavorful mixture of orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, salt, pepper, cumin, and garlic, the grilled flank steak offers a juicy and tender bite. Cook the marinated steak on the grill to your preferred level of doneness, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Grilled Corn
Elevate your taco game by grilling fresh corn on the cob. The charred kernels add a smoky sweetness to the dish. Once grilled to perfection, remove the kernels from the cob to use as a delicious topping for your tacos.
Red Onions
For a pop of color and a hint of sharpness, thinly slice red onions and grill them until they become slightly caramelized. The grilled onions bring a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness to each bite.
Cilantro Green Sauce
The zesty cilantro green sauce is the perfect accompaniment to the grilled steak and veggies. Made with fresh cilantro, lime juice, green chilies, garlic, and a hint of cumin, this vibrant sauce adds a burst of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Hot Sauce
If you’re a fan of heat, don’t forget to drizzle some hot sauce over your tacos. The spicy kick from the hot sauce adds an extra dimension of taste that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight.
To assemble your Mexican-inspired street tacos, warm up some corn or flour tortillas, and place the grilled flank steak, grilled corn, and red onions on top. Drizzle generously with the cilantro green sauce and add a dash of hot sauce for an explosion of flavors. Fold the tortillas and dig in!
Experience the vibrant and bold flavors of Mexican street food right in your own kitchen with these mouthwatering tacos. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ or simply craving a delicious meal, these Mexican-inspired street tacos are sure to satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests.
Conclusion
Whether you’re craving sizzling street-style carne asada tacos, smoky skirt steak tacos, or Mexican-inspired street tacos, you can bring the authentic flavors of Mexico to your own kitchen. These recipes capture the essence of traditional Mexican cuisine, delivering restaurant-quality tacos bursting with deliciousness.
Indulge in the juicy and tender grilled steak, paired with a medley of fresh toppings and bold flavors. From the marinated and spice-rubbed carne asada steak to the homemade guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream, every bite is a celebration of authentic Mexican tastes.
So go ahead, fire up the grill, gather the ingredients, and prepare to delight your taste buds. With these recipes, you can enjoy restaurant-quality tacos with authentic Mexican flavors in the comfort of your own home. Say goodbye to average tacos and say hello to a fiesta of deliciousness!
Ryan Conlon is a BBQ enthusiast and inspired chef on a journey through the smoky, savory world of outdoor cooking. Hailing from the heart of the Midwest, Ryan’s passion for grilling ignited during his early years, where family gatherings often revolved around the sizzle of the grill and the aroma of seasoned meats.
