Carne Asada Tacos
These carne asada tacos feature grilled marinated steak and fresh toppings, delivering rich flavors and delightful textures perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice Freshly squeezed is recommended.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Freshly squeezed is recommended.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak 1-1.5 lbs preferred.
- 6 small corn or flour tortillas Corn is traditional and gluten-free.
- 2 ripe avocados
- 3 tablespoons cotija cheese or queso fresco, crumbled
- ⅓ cup white or yellow onion, finely diced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- Fresh lime wedges for serving
- Pico de gallo or fresh salsa
- Thinly sliced radishes
- Lime crema or chipotle sauce
Instructions
Marinate the Steak
- Whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl or zip-lock bag.
- Add the flank steak, turning it to coat thoroughly. Seal the bag and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Grill to Perfection
- Remove the steak from the marinade and allow it to come to room temperature for 15 minutes.
- Preheat an outdoor grill or indoor cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting as necessary.
Rest and Slice
- Transfer the meat to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-8 minutes.
- Slice the carne asada against the grain into thin strips and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces.
Warm the Tortillas
- Heat each tortilla directly over a gas flame for 20-30 seconds per side or use a dry skillet over medium heat.
- Wrap them in a clean towel to keep warm.
Assemble and Serve
- Mash the avocado onto each warm tortilla.
- Add carne asada, followed by cotija cheese, diced onion, and fresh cilantro.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and add extra toppings as desired.
Notes
For optimal flavor, do not skip marinating the steak overnight and ensure to use freshly squeezed citrus juices.