Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos

Authentic Carne Asada Street Tacos

Carne Asada street tacos bring a taste of Mexico to your table, featuring tender, marinated beef cooked to perfection and served in warm, corn tortillas. With flavorful garnishes of fresh onion and cilantro, this recipe is an easy-to-make classic that’s perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs carne asada (see note for preferred cut)
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cracked pepper
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 serrano pepper, sliced
• ½ roma tomato, diced
• ½ white onion, finely diced
• 6-8 oz. Dos Equis beer (or any light Mexican beer)
• 32 street taco corn tortillas
• ½ cup white onion, diced, for garnish
• ½ cup cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish

Selecting and Preparing Carne Asada

Carne Asada, or grilled beef, is best made with cuts like flank steak or skirt steak. These cuts offer the perfect balance of lean meat and fat, making them ideal for absorbing the marinade and cooking quickly. Trim any excess fat, as it helps the beef cook evenly and creates tender bites for your tacos.

1. Prepare the Seasoning Mix
   In a small bowl, combine the cumin, kosher salt, garlic powder, and cracked pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful seasoning blend. This seasoning brings out the classic flavors of Carne Asada with a hint of smokiness from the cumin and garlic.
2. Season and Cut the Beef
   Spread the seasoning mix evenly over the carne asada, ensuring that every piece is well-coated. Once seasoned, slice the beef into thin strips, then dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. This size is ideal for taco fillings and will allow each bite to be flavorful and tender.

Marinating the Carne Asada

The marinade is key to infusing the beef with bold flavors. Adding beer, fresh vegetables, and serrano pepper deepens the taste and helps tenderize the meat.

1. Combine the Marinade Ingredients
   Place the diced beef in a large resealable plastic bag or a covered bowl. Add the sliced serrano pepper, diced tomato, diced white onion, and beer. Gently mix everything in the bag or bowl to ensure the beef is well-coated in the marinade.
2. Marinate the Beef
   Allow the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, letting it marinate for up to an hour will help the flavors penetrate deeper. The beer not only enhances the taste but also adds a subtle tenderness to the meat as it sits.

Cooking the Carne Asada

Cooking carne asada on the stovetop is easy and provides excellent results. Using a large skillet helps to cook the meat evenly and allows for quick evaporation of the liquid, ensuring that the beef browns beautifully.

1. Heat the Oil and Add the Marinated Meat
   In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of canola oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the entire marinated beef mixture to the skillet, including the vegetables and any remaining marinade.
2. Cook the Beef
   Allow the beef to cook, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid has evaporated and the meat is cooked through. This should take about 20 minutes. As the liquid evaporates, the beef will begin to brown, creating a delicious caramelized exterior on each piece.

Assembling the Street Tacos

Street tacos are best served with warm, corn tortillas. Heating the tortillas before serving makes them pliable and enhances the flavors of the corn.

1. Warm the Tortillas
   While the carne asada is finishing up, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are soft and slightly toasted. Alternatively, you can wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
2. Assemble the Tacos
   Place a portion of the cooked carne asada onto each tortilla. Garnish with diced white onion and chopped cilantro. The fresh onion and cilantro add a wonderful crunch and a pop of freshness that complements the rich, savory meat.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos are delicious on their own, but you can add a side of lime wedges for an extra burst of citrusy flavor. If you’d like, serve them with salsa, guacamole, or a spicy hot sauce for added heat and texture.

Tips for the Perfect Carne Asada Tacos

1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef
   Flank steak or skirt steak works best for carne asada. These cuts are flavorful and tender when sliced thin and cooked quickly.
2. Marinate for More Flavor
   While 15 minutes is sufficient, allowing the beef to marinate for up to an hour enhances the flavors. The beer helps to tenderize the meat, while the serrano pepper and vegetables add depth to the taste.
3. Use Fresh Corn Tortillas
   For authentic street tacos, use small corn tortillas. They’re sturdy enough to hold the filling without overpowering the flavors of the beef.
4. Add Fresh Garnishes
   Fresh diced onion and cilantro are traditional garnishes for street tacos. These toppings add a crisp texture and fresh flavor that balance the richness of the meat.

FAQs

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer, but corn tortillas are traditionally used for street tacos and offer a more authentic flavor.

What’s the best cut of meat for carne asada?
Flank steak or skirt steak are ideal cuts for carne asada. Both cuts have a balance of lean meat and fat that makes them flavorful and tender when cooked.

Can I cook carne asada on the grill instead of a skillet?
Absolutely! Grilling carne asada adds a smoky flavor. Grill the meat over medium-high heat until it’s cooked through, then dice and serve in the tacos.

Is there a substitute for beer in the marinade?
If you prefer not to use beer, you can substitute it with beef broth or even a splash of citrus juice like orange juice. This will add a different layer of flavor to the marinade.

How long can I marinate the carne asada?
For the best flavor, marinate for at least 15 minutes to 1 hour. You can also marinate the beef overnight if you’d like, but avoid marinating for longer than 24 hours as the meat may become too tender and lose its texture.

Can I make the carne asada ahead of time?
Yes, carne asada can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the meat in a skillet before serving.

Enjoy making these easy and delicious carne asada street tacos at home. This recipe brings authentic Mexican flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or simply satisfying a craving for tacos!