Carne Asada Street Tacos are an easy, flavorful meal that packs a punch of taste in a small, handheld size. These mini tacos are filled with marinated, grilled steak and topped with simple yet delicious ingredients like cilantro, onions, and your favorite toppings. Perfect for a quick meal, they’re made with corn tortillas and offer the authentic street taco experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Mojo Marinade:

• 1/3 cup avocado oil or olive oil

• 1/3 cup lime juice

• 1/4 cup orange juice

• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped (plus more for serving)

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon jalapeño, sliced

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For the Tacos:

• 1 pound flank or skirt steak

• 8 white corn tortillas (5 inches)

• Red onion, chopped (for serving)

• Avocado, sliced (for serving)

• Sour cream (for serving)

• Cotija cheese (for serving)

• Cilantro (for serving)

Directions

1. Marinate the Steak:
   In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the mojo marinade. Place the steak in a plastic zipper bag, pour the marinade over, seal, and shake to coat. Refrigerate for 1 hour, up to 8 hours.

2. Grill the Steak:
   Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat and brush with oil to prevent sticking. Remove the steak from the marinade and cook for 5-8 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred doneness. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board.

3. Prepare the Tortillas:
   Warm the corn tortillas in a dry pan over medium-high heat for 30-60 seconds on each side, then wrap in foil to keep warm.

4. Slice the Steak:
   Thinly slice the steak diagonally against the grain, then chop into smaller bite-sized pieces.

5. Assemble the Tacos:
   Place the sliced steak on the warm tortillas. Top with chopped onions, avocado slices, sour cream, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Serve immediately!

Nutrients

• Calories: 145.99 kcal (per taco, without toppings)

• Carbohydrates: 14.41g

• Protein: 13.97g

• Fat: 3.74g

• Saturated Fat: 1.32g

• Cholesterol: 34.02mg

• Sodium: 337.91mg

• Potassium: 287.51mg

• Fiber: 2.03g

• Sugar: 1.19g

• Vitamin A: 205.14 IU

• Vitamin C: 9.61 mg

• Calcium: 42.73 mg

• Iron: 1.55 mg

Why Carne Asada Street Tacos Are So Popular

Carne Asada Street Tacos are beloved because of their simplicity and incredible flavor. The steak is marinated in a rich blend of citrus juices, herbs, and spices, which infuses the meat with a mouthwatering depth of flavor. This marinade not only tenderizes the steak but also adds a burst of brightness and spice, making each bite more satisfying than the last.

What makes these tacos truly special is the combination of juicy, grilled steak with fresh and minimal toppings. The addition of finely chopped cilantro, onions, and creamy avocado allows the natural flavors of the steak to shine through, while a sprinkle of cotija cheese adds a bit of richness and a perfect salty contrast. The beauty of Carne Asada Street Tacos is that they don’t require many ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect taco.

Furthermore, the tacos are portable and easy to eat, making them ideal for casual gatherings or on-the-go meals. They can be customized with various toppings such as sour cream or salsa, depending on your preference. This versatility, combined with the robust flavors, makes these tacos a favorite for taco enthusiasts everywhere.

How to Make Carne Asada Street Tacos

Making Carne Asada Street Tacos is a straightforward process that begins with marinating the steak. The key to great carne asada is in the marinade, which is packed with a blend of lime juice, orange juice, vinegar, garlic, cilantro, and a variety of spices. This marinade imparts bold flavors to the steak and helps tenderize it, making it juicy and flavorful when grilled.

Step 1: Marinate the Steak
To start, prepare the mojo marinade by whisking together the avocado oil, lime juice, orange juice, vinegar, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and paprika in a large bowl. Place the steak in a plastic zipper bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag, making sure the steak is well-coated, and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for even deeper flavor.

Step 2: Grill the Steak
Once the steak has marinated, heat your grill or grill pan to high heat and brush it with oil to prevent the steak from sticking. Remove the steak from the marinade and cook it for about 5-8 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred doneness. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.

Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas
While the steak rests, warm the corn tortillas in a dry pan over medium-high heat. Heat each tortilla for 30-60 seconds on each side until they become soft and pliable. To keep the tortillas warm, wrap them in foil or a clean kitchen towel.

Step 4: Slice the Steak
After the steak has rested, slice it thinly against the grain, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure that each bite is tender and easy to eat.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Now it’s time to assemble the tacos! Place the chopped steak on the warm tortillas and top with freshly chopped onions, slices of avocado, sour cream, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Serve immediately, and enjoy the burst of fresh, bold flavors in every bite.

Nutritional Benefits of Carne Asada Street Tacos

Carne Asada Street Tacos are a balanced meal that combines protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Each taco, without toppings, provides approximately 146 calories, making it a lighter option that can be part of a satisfying meal. With 13.97g of protein per taco, these tacos are a great source of lean protein, which helps in muscle building and recovery.

The 14.41g of carbohydrates come primarily from the corn tortillas, offering a moderate amount of energy to fuel your day. Additionally, the 3.74g of fat per taco comes from the avocado oil in the marinade and any additional toppings, such as avocado or sour cream, providing a rich texture without being overly greasy.

Carne Asada Street Tacos also offer 2.03g of fiber per taco, helping to promote healthy digestion. The tacos are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A (205 IU), Vitamin C (9.61 mg), and Calcium (42.73 mg). The steak and toppings provide important micronutrients, and the combination of fresh cilantro, onions, and avocado boosts the overall nutrient profile of the tacos.

By controlling your toppings, you can easily adjust the calorie count and fat content of the tacos to suit your preferences, making them as light or as indulgent as you like.

Serving Suggestions for Carne Asada Street Tacos

Carne Asada Street Tacos are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to elevate your taco experience:

• Add Salsas: A variety of salsas can add a pop of freshness and spice to your tacos. You can try a classic salsa verde, a smoky chipotle salsa, or a fruit-based salsa like mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast to the savory steak.

• Serve with Rice and Beans: For a more filling meal, serve your carne asada tacos alongside a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. The combination of tacos with these sides creates a traditional Mexican meal that’s both hearty and satisfying.

• Pair with a Light Salad: For a lighter option, serve your tacos with a simple side salad of mixed greens, avocado, and a lime vinaigrette. This will balance the richness of the tacos with a fresh, zesty side.

• Top with Pickled Vegetables: If you like an extra tangy flavor, top your tacos with pickled onions or jalapeños for an added layer of acidity that complements the grilled steak.

Conclusion

Carne Asada Street Tacos are a flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make meal that brings the taste of authentic Mexican street food to your kitchen. With marinated, grilled steak, fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, and avocado, and the perfect corn tortilla, these tacos offer a burst of flavor in every bite. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or any time you’re craving a quick and delicious meal. With their rich marinade, savory steak, and simple ingredients, Carne Asada Street Tacos will surely become a favorite go-to dish in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy!