Mexican Street Tacos with Carne Asada

There’s something about the sizzle of Carne Asada hitting a hot grill that just makes my stomach do a little happy dance. When I first learned to make these tacos, I had no idea how simple they could be! But with just a few ingredients and a bit of love, you can whip up a batch of Mexican street tacos that are packed with flavor and will leave your family asking for more. And trust me—these Carne Asada tacos have that amazing street food vibe, right from the comfort of your own kitchen. Let’s jump right into how I make them!

Why These Tacos Are a Game-Changer

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably gotten a little tired of the same old weeknight dinners. You know the ones—simple, but sometimes just kind of…meh. Well, these Carne Asada tacos are here to change all that. They’re fresh, juicy, and full of bold, mouth-watering flavors. I love making these on a busy night because they’re quick, easy, and the kids love them too! Plus, they don’t need any complicated ingredients to shine. You can even make the Carne Asada ahead of time for a truly stress-free meal.

And the best part? They come together in less than 30 minutes. Yes, you read that right—30 minutes! That’s almost as fast as ordering takeout, but a whole lot better.

What You’ll Need for These Amazing Tacos

Before we get cooking, let’s go over what you need. The beauty of these tacos is that you probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry and fridge. No special trips to the store are required (yay for saving time!).

For the Carne Asada:

• Flank steak or skirt steak (both work beautifully—pick your favorite)
• Garlic (because, let’s be honest, garlic makes everything better)
• Lime juice (fresh is key)
• Olive oil (for marinating)
• Chili powder (this is where the flavor starts building up)
• Ground cumin (a taco’s best friend)
• Cilantro (fresh and aromatic)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Tacos:

• Small corn tortillas (street tacos need corn tortillas—don’t even think about using flour)
• Fresh cilantro (we’re going for freshness, remember?)
• Diced onions (extra crunch and flavor!)
• Lime wedges (don’t skip the lime—they take these tacos to the next level)

Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Marinate the Carne Asada

The key to great Carne Asada is all about the marinade. I usually make mine in a simple bowl, mixing the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Give it a little stir, then add in the steak. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or longer if you have the time. The longer it sits, the more flavorful the meat will be, but trust me, even a short soak makes a huge difference.

Step 2: Grill the Carne Asada

Now it’s time for the fun part—the grilling! Heat your grill (or grill pan, if you don’t have an outdoor grill) to medium-high. If you’ve got a nice cast iron pan, even better—it’ll get that perfect sear we all love. Once it’s hot, place your marinated Carne Asada on the grill. Sear it for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the meat reaches your preferred doneness. I usually aim for medium-rare to medium, which keeps the steak tender and juicy.

Step 3: Slice the Carne Asada

Once the steak is grilled to perfection, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, so don’t skip this step! Then, slice the Carne Asada against the grain. You want those pieces to be nice and thin, so they fit perfectly on your tacos. The beauty of Carne Asada is that it’s tender, even when sliced thin, so don’t worry about it being tough.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

While the steak is resting, heat up your tortillas. You can do this right on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side, or in a dry pan over medium heat. This step is key to getting that authentic taco flavor. If the tortillas are fresh and warm, they’ll make all the difference in how the tacos taste.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Alright, the fun part is here—putting everything together. Take a warm tortilla and load it up with slices of the Carne Asada. Top with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a handful of diced onions, and a squeeze of lime juice. The lime really brings everything together and gives these tacos that authentic Mexican street food taste. And if you’re like me and love a little extra flavor, feel free to drizzle some salsa or hot sauce over the top!

Tips for Making These Tacos Even Better

• Make-ahead Marinade: If you’re short on time, you can marinate the Carne Asada the night before. Just let it soak in all those amazing flavors overnight, and you’ll be able to grill it up super quickly the next day.
• Grill Marks: For that true street taco experience, get your grill really hot before adding the steak. Those crispy, flavorful grill marks are a must!
• Toppings: The beauty of tacos is that you can add whatever you like! I love a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese, but if you’re keeping it simple and authentic, stick with cilantro, onions, and lime.
• Don’t Overcook: Carne Asada is best when it’s a little on the rare side. Overcooking it can dry it out, and that’s just no fun.

Why I Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made these Carne Asada tacos on a busy weeknight. They’re fast, they’re simple, and they always come out amazing. Every time I make them, the whole family gathers around the table, and we’re all diving in with smiles on our faces. The flavor is bold, but it doesn’t overwhelm the natural taste of the meat. And the best part? I get to enjoy a taste of street food without having to leave my kitchen.

Honestly, there’s nothing like the satisfaction of making something this delicious with just a few simple ingredients. So, next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, give these Mexican street tacos with Carne Asada a try. I promise you’ll be hooked after the first bite.