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Best Carne Asada Tacos: Simple Marinade and Grilling Guide

Close-up of three freshly made Carne Asada Tacos topped with diced white onion and fresh cilantro on a white plate.
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Make authentic, tender Carne Asada Tacos using this straightforward recipe. This guide focuses on a flavorful marinade and the best method for grilling steak to ensure juicy results every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs skirt or flank steak
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
  • 12 small corn tortillas
  • Toppings: Diced white onion, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, salsa verde

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, salt, pepper, cilantro, and minced jalapeño, if using.
  2. Marinate the steak: Place the steak in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but no more than 12 hours, for the best flavor and tenderness.
  3. Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit). Clean and lightly oil the grates.
  4. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the excess liquid. Pat the steak dry slightly with paper towels.
  5. Grill the carne asada: Place the steak directly over the heat. Grill for 3 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness. You want good char marks. Do not overcook to keep the steak tender.
  6. Rest the steak: Remove the steak from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest, uncovered, for 10 minutes before slicing. This step is important for juicy steak.
  7. Slice the steak thinly against the grain into small pieces suitable for tacos.
  8. Prepare the tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas directly over a gas burner for a few seconds per side until pliable, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and steam them briefly.
  9. Assemble your tacos: Layer the sliced carne asada onto the warm tortillas. Top with diced white onion, fresh cilantro, and your preferred salsa verde. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, substitute half the orange juice with pineapple juice in the marinade.
  • If you do not have a grill, you can achieve a good sear by cooking the steak in a very hot cast-iron skillet.
  • Always slice steak against the grain to guarantee tender bites in your tacos.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://miameal.com/carne-asada-tacos-best-recipe-tender-steak-guide/