Get ready for some tasty Street Style Carne Asada Beef Tacos! These tacos are filled with juicy beef that’s marinated just right, giving it that bold flavor we all love. Yum!
Every bite feels like a mini celebration! I like to load mine up with fresh toppings like onions and cilantro for that extra crunch. It’s taco night done right! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: Flank steak is ideal for this recipe due to its flavor and texture. You can also use skirt steak if that’s easier to find. Both cuts are great for grilling, but if you’re looking for a leaner option, sirloin works well too.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds brightness to the marinade. If you don’t have limes, bottled lime juice can work in a pinch. For a twist, you could use lemon juice, but it’s a bit less tangy.
Cumin and Chili Powder: These spices give the steak a warm, earthy flavor. If you like it spicier, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder taste, use smoked paprika instead of chili powder.
Guacamole: I love homemade guacamole, but store-bought varieties are convenient too. If avocado isn’t available, mashed peas can be a fun alternative, though the flavor will change.
Queso Fresco: This crumbly cheese adds a nice touch, but if you can’t find it, feta cheese is a suitable substitute. It’s slightly saltier, so you might want to reduce the salt in other parts of the recipe.
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Steak for Tacos?
Grilling steak to perfection is key! Start by marinating the meat for a good flavor infusion. Overnight is best, but even an hour will help. When ready to cook, preheat the grill to medium-high heat for even cooking.
- Discard any marinade left over to avoid burning and intensifying flavors.
- Cook for 6-8 minutes on each side for medium-rare, but use a meat thermometer if unsure.
- Let the steak rest after grilling for 5-10 minutes; this keeps it juicy before chopping.
Street Style Carne Asada Beef Tacos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 1 pound flank steak (or skirt steak)
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembly:
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup guacamole
- 1 cup fresh pico de gallo (diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice)
- 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco (or feta cheese)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour to marinate the steak. After that, cooking will take about 20 minutes. In total, you can enjoy your delicious tacos in about 1 hour and 35 minutes, including marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, combine the fresh lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Steak:
Place the flank steak in a zip-top bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag tightly, removing as much air as possible, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For the best flavor, marinate it overnight if you can!
3. Grill the Steak:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the steak out of the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Grill the steak for about 6-8 minutes on each side, depending on how you like it cooked. When it’s done, remove it from the heat and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before cutting.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the steak is resting, warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they are slightly charred and flexible. This step will make your tacos even tastier!
5. Chop the Steak:
After the steak has rested, chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to place on your tortillas.
6. Assemble Your Tacos:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Take a warm tortilla and place a portion of the chopped carne asada on it. Top it off with a generous scoop of guacamole and fresh pico de gallo.
7. Add Final Touches:
Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco on top, and don’t forget to add a few fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Street Style Carne Asada Beef Tacos are now ready to be enjoyed! Serve them warm and fresh for the best experience.
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak is traditional, you can substitute with skirt steak or even sirloin if you prefer. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly based on the cut you choose, so always check for doneness.
How Long Can I Marinate the Meat?
You can marinate the flank steak for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. If you’re short on time, even 1 hour will work, but letting it sit overnight allows the flavors to penetrate more deeply!
Can I Make Tacos Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can grill the steak ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat the meat in a skillet before assembling the tacos. The toppings can also be prepared in advance; just keep them in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
How Do I Store Leftover Tacos?
It’s best to store the components separately. Keep any leftover meat in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store tortillas, guacamole, and pico de gallo separately so they don’t get soggy. Reassemble the tacos when you’re ready to enjoy them!
