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Carne Asada Street Tacos

carne asada street tacos - featured image

These easy, flavorful carne asada street tacos feature juicy, marinated grilled steak, fresh cilantro, and crunchy onion, all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Perfect for quick dinners, parties, or family gatherings, they deliver authentic taco truck taste at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/3 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup lime juice (about 23 limes)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder (chipotle optional)
  • 1 tsp oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1620 small corn tortillas, warmed
  • 1/2 cup white onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 limes, cut into wedges
  • Optional: 1–2 jalapeños, sliced
  • Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco
  • Optional: 1/2 cup salsa verde or pico de gallo

Instructions

  1. Combine olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, vinegar, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish.
  2. Add steak and massage marinade into meat. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to 12 hours). Flip halfway through marinating for even coverage.
  3. Preheat grill to high (450–500°F). If using a grill pan, heat on medium-high until almost smoking. Brush grates lightly with oil.
  4. Remove steak from marinade and shake off excess. Grill for 3–6 minutes per side, until well-charred and medium-rare (130–135°F internal temp).
  5. Transfer steak to cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice against the grain into thin strips (about 1/4 inch thick).
  6. Warm corn tortillas directly on grill for 30–45 seconds per side, until soft and slightly charred. Wrap in foil to keep warm.
  7. Fill each tortilla with sliced steak. Top with diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Add jalapeños, salsa, or queso fresco if desired.
  8. Serve tacos immediately, family-style, with extra lime wedges and toppings on the side.

Notes

Marinate steak for at least 2 hours, but no more than 12 to avoid mushy texture. Slice steak against the grain for tenderness. Warm tortillas before serving to prevent cracking. For gluten-free, use certified corn tortillas. For dairy-free, skip queso fresco. Cast-iron skillet or broiler can substitute for grill. Add avocado, grilled corn, or chipotle crema for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: carne asada, street tacos, Mexican, grill, beef, cilantro, onion, easy dinner, taco Tuesday, party food, gluten-free, dairy-free