Carne Asada Tacos

Indulge in some authentic Tacos de Asada, made with marinated beef grilled to perfection. Topped with onion, cilantro, and a delicious salsa, these tacos are perfect for savoring a classic taste of Mexican cuisine in every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Carne Asada Marinade:

• 1 ½ pounds flank steak or skirt steak (you can also use sirloin)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lime, juiced

• 1 orange, juiced

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon white vinegar

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 tablespoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

• 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for spice)

• 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup (optional, for sweetness)

For the Tacos:

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas (corn preferred for authenticity)

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

• 1 lime, cut into wedges

• Salsa (tomato-based or green salsa, your choice)

• 1 avocado, sliced (optional)

• Hot sauce (optional, to taste)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Carne Asada:

• In a large bowl, combine the garlic, lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, black pepper, salt, and any optional ingredients like cilantro or jalapeño.

• Add the steak to the marinade, making sure it is well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 6 hours for maximum flavor. If you're short on time, 30 minutes will still work!

2. Grill the Carne Asada:

• Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you're using a cast-iron skillet, heat it with a little oil.

• Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Grill the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat and your desired doneness (aim for medium-rare to medium).

• Once the steak is done, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

3. Slice the Carne Asada:

• After the steak has rested, slice it thinly against the grain. This ensures the meat stays tender and easy to eat.

4. Assemble the Tacos:

• Warm the tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until they’re soft and slightly charred.

• Place a few slices of carne asada in each tortilla.

• Top with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

• Add your choice of salsa, avocado slices, or hot sauce if desired.

5. Serve:

• Serve the carne asada tacos immediately while they’re warm, and enjoy with a side of rice, beans, or a refreshing Mexican beverage like horchata or agua fresca!

Tips:

• For an even more authentic flavor, you can char the tortillas directly over an open flame or on a comal (a flat griddle).

• If you prefer a smoky flavor, add a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the marinade.

• For a fun twist, top with some grilled pineapple or pickled red onions for a balance of sweetness and tang.

Enjoy your delicious carne asada tacos!