The Ultimate Guide to Authentic Homemade Carne Asada Tacos: Recipe & Tips

Get ready to experience an explosion of flavor! While my culinary journey has been all about flavor ever since I started my Youtube channel in 2012, this new year truly feels like the peak of gastronomic excitement. I was so incredibly thrilled with these Carne Asada Tacos when I made them just a few hours ago that I couldn’t wait to share the recipe with you. If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself reaching for extra raw onions, a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro, creamy guacamole, a refreshing squeeze of lime, and a dash of your favorite hot sauce. While I’m usually not a fan of raw onions in general, these tacos are the one glorious exception where their sharp bite perfectly complements the rich steak. Trust me, the combination is simply irresistible.

Unlocking the Authentic Flavor of Carne Asada Tacos

Carne Asada, which translates directly to “grilled meat,” is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary tradition deeply rooted in Mexican culture. It’s particularly cherished for its rich, smoky essence and its wonderfully tender texture. This isn’t just any grilled steak; it’s a specific cut of beef, most commonly flank or skirt steak, meticulously marinated and then grilled to absolute perfection before being thinly sliced. When nestled into warm tortillas and adorned with fresh, vibrant toppings, it transforms into the quintessential taco experience that many crave. The true magic, however, lies in a robust and flavorful marinade that not only infuses the meat with incredible depth but also acts as a natural tenderizer, ensuring every bite is succulent and packed with taste. This homemade Carne Asada Tacos recipe aims to capture that authentic, vibrant flavor, bringing a genuine Mexican fiesta right into the comfort of your own kitchen.

The Heart of the Flavor: Crafting the Perfect Chile Marinade

The marinade is undeniably what elevates this carne asada from simply delicious to truly unforgettable. Our recipe utilizes a thoughtful blend of dried ancho chiles, intensely smoky chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and a subtle touch of fresh jalapeño, creating a complex, layered heat profile. If you have any reservations about the spice level, please be assured that we meticulously remove most of the seeds and veins from the chiles. This crucial step allows us to maintain all the amazing, nuanced flavors of the peppers while giving you control over the heat intensity. Ancho chiles provide a mild, fruity, and earthy foundation, while the chipotles contribute their distinctive, deep smokiness. Fresh citrus juices, squeezed from ripe oranges and limes, are not merely for brightening the flavors; they also act as powerful natural tenderizers for the flank steak, promising a melt-in-your-mouth texture with every bite.

This rich, aromatic paste is, quite simply, what dreams are made of for any taco enthusiast! After a brief boil to soften and rehydrate the dried ancho chiles, all the marinade components are carefully blended into a smooth, vibrant sauce. This magnificent mixture then generously coats every inch of the steak, preparing it for an unparalleled grilling experience. The longer you allow the meat to luxuriate in this marinade, the deeper and more profound the flavor penetration will be. Therefore, planning ahead is an essential step if you truly desire spectacular results. Don’t skip this crucial marinating time, as it’s the foundation for incredible flavor.

Choosing and Marinating Your Steak for Optimal Tenderness

The choice of steak is paramount for exceptional carne asada. Flank steak is an outstanding option, revered for its lean characteristics and its remarkable ability to absorb and carry the bold flavors of our chile marinade. Skirt steak presents another fantastic alternative, well-regarded for its rich, beefy taste and its inherent tenderness when prepared with care and cooked correctly. Regardless of which cut you select, prioritize freshness and quality from your butcher or grocery store. Once your chosen steak is thoroughly coated in the homemade chile marinade, it is absolutely vital to allow it ample time to soak up all those incredible, complex flavors. A minimum of two hours in the refrigerator is necessary to begin the tenderizing and flavor-infusion process. However, for the most profound taste and truly succulent texture, marinating the steak overnight is highly recommended. This patient step guarantees maximum tenderness and an explosion of flavor, transforming a straightforward cut of beef into a culinary masterpiece that will delight your palate.

Grilling to Perfection and the Art of Resting Meat

Cooking your flank steak to perfection is just as crucial as crafting the exquisite marinade. High heat is your essential ally here, whether you opt for an outdoor grill, a sturdy cast-iron skillet, or a specialized grill pan. This intense heat facilitates the development of a beautiful, caramelized sear on the exterior of the steak, effectively locking in all the precious juices and cultivating that irresistible charred flavor synonymous with authentic carne asada. While my personal preference leans towards a medium-rare doneness for optimal tenderness and maximum juiciness, please feel empowered to cook the steak to your desired internal temperature. Just exercise caution to avoid overcooking, as flank steak can quickly become tough and dry if cooked beyond medium.

Once your steak has achieved your preferred level of doneness, a critical step that is often overlooked, but absolutely essential, is allowing the meat to rest. Carefully transfer the cooked steak to a clean cutting board, tent it loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest undisturbed for a minimum of 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period is paramount because it allows the internal juices, which have migrated to the center of the steak during cooking, to redistribute evenly throughout the entire cut. This results in every single slice being incredibly moist, tender, and bursting with flavor. Skipping this vital step means that all those delectable juices, instead of remaining within your succulent steak, will unfortunately spill out onto your cutting board, leaving you with drier, less flavorful tacos!

Assembling Your Ultimate Carne Asada Tacos

Oh, the journey to flavor just keeps getting better and better! Once your perfectly cooked flank steak has rested and been skillfully sliced against the grain into delectable bite-sized pieces, it’s time for the grand finale: assembling your magnificent tacos. While some might be tempted by a “Chipotle bowl” style approach, layering all these delicious components into a bowl, for me, it is unequivocally always tacos for dinner! The warmth, pliability, and slight chew of a perfectly grilled or lightly fried corn tortilla are absolutely essential for an authentic experience.

My personal go-to toppings are a generous scattering of finely diced raw white onion and an abundance of fresh cilantro, which together provide a crucial textural contrast and a burst of refreshing flavor. A dollop of creamy guacamole, whether homemade or a quality store-bought variety, adds a luxurious richness. A bright squeeze of fresh lime juice is non-negotiable, as it awakens and brightens all the other flavors. And, of course, no taco is truly complete without a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for that perfect, customizable kick. Feel completely free to personalize your tacos with other beloved toppings such as a sprinkle of salty cotija cheese, a vibrant salsa verde, or even some tangy pickled onions to introduce an additional layer of flavor and texture. The inherent beauty and appeal of tacos lie in their incredible versatility – make them exactly how you love them! This recipe promises to deliver authentic flavor and a truly satisfying meal that your friends and family will undoubtedly rave about. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or a festive taco night. Prepare yourself to impress everyone with these incredible homemade Carne Asada Tacos!

No bowls! Tacos for dinner, always. This recipe delivers authentic flavor and a truly satisfying meal that your friends and family will rave about. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or a festive taco night. Get ready to impress with these incredible homemade Carne Asada Tacos!

5 from 1 vote

Homemade Carne Asada Tacos

By

Julie Maestre

These authentic Carne Asada Tacos feature perfectly marinated and grilled flank steak, infused with a delicious chili marinade, all nestled in warm corn tortillas with your favorite fresh toppings. This recipe is a must-try for your next taco night!

Prep:

15 minutes

Cook:

25 minutes

Total:

40 minutes

Servings:

8
servings

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Ingredients

▢

2
lb
flank steak
▢

1
orange juiced
▢

1
lime juiced
▢

2
scallions
▢

2
garlic cloves
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4
ancho chiles
▢

2
chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
▢

4
tbsp
adobo sauce
▢

1/2
jalapeno (deseeded for less heat)
▢

1
tbsp
vinegar (white or apple cider)
▢

1/4
cup
fresh cilantro
▢

kosher salt to taste

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Instructions

Carefully remove the stems, seeds, and inner veins from the ancho chiles, chipotle peppers, and jalapeño peppers. This step is important for controlling the heat level and achieving a smoother marinade consistency.
Place the prepared ancho chiles in a pot, cover them entirely with water, and bring the water to a boil over medium heat. Allow the chiles to simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are fully softened and pliable.
Once softened, carefully remove the ancho chiles from the boiling water using tongs and ensure they are thoroughly drained of any excess liquid.
Combine the softened ancho chiles, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, deseeded jalapeño, fresh cilantro, minced garlic cloves, freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh lime juice, and vinegar into a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend all ingredients until you achieve a smooth, consistent, and vibrant paste.
Generously season the flank steak on both sides with kosher salt. Don’t be shy with the salt – proper seasoning is absolutely crucial for enhancing the overall flavor of the meat.
Place the seasoned flank steak into a large, sturdy zip-top plastic bag or a shallow, non-reactive dish. Pour the entire chile marinade mixture over the steak, ensuring that it is completely coated.
Seal the bag securely (or cover the dish tightly) and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. For the absolute best, most deeply infused flavor and incredibly tender texture, it is highly recommended to marinate the steak overnight.
Preheat your grill, cast-iron skillet, or grill pan to high heat. Cook the marinated flank steak for approximately 7-8 minutes on each side for a perfect medium-rare doneness. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness. Remember to allow the cooked steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling before proceeding to slice.
While the flank steak is cooking and resting, prepare your corn tortillas. You can quickly grill them to warm and slightly char them, or, if you prefer a crispier texture, lightly deep fry them until golden.
After the resting period, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain into bite-sized pieces. Taste a piece of the steak and check for seasoning; it’s still possible to add a pinch more salt if needed to perfectly balance the flavors.
Serve your exquisitely prepared carne asada on the warm tortillas, generously topped with fresh guacamole, finely diced raw onions, vibrant cilantro, and a delightful drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!

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Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Julie Maestre

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Course:
Main Dish

Cuisine:
Mexican, Mexican American

Servings:

8
servings

Calories:
251

Keyword:
Beef Tacos, Carne Asada, Carne Asada Tacos, Mexican Beef, Grilled Steak Tacos, Flank Steak Tacos, Authentic Tacos

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