Embarking on a culinary journey to create the perfect homemade Mexican meal is a delightful experience, especially when the star of the show is succulent Carne Asada Tacos. If you’re passionate about vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, then you’re in for a treat. This particular recipe for Carne Asada Tacos isn’t just delicious; it’s an homage to the incredible culinary inspiration found in the food blogging community, particularly from talented home cooks like Pam at For the Love of Cooking. Her Mexican-inspired dishes are truly exceptional, consistently delivering bold, authentic flavors that impress every time.

Having previously crafted these magnificent Carne Asada Tacos, I decided to surprise my husband with them again this past weekend. A true connoisseur of fine steak, his face lit up with a huge smile – a testament to the irresistible appeal of this dish. There’s something uniquely satisfying about serving a meal that brings such joy, especially when it’s made with love right in your own kitchen.

Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

Recipe inspired by For the Love of Cooking

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 – 2 lbs of flank steak (or skirt steak for a similar texture)
• 1/3 cup white vinegar (for tenderizing and tang)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (adds umami and saltiness)
• 1/2 cup olive oil (helps distribute flavor and keeps meat moist)
• 1 tsp ground cumin (essential earthy, warm spice)
• 1-2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (to taste, for a subtle kick)
• 1 tsp salt (enhances all flavors)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (mellow garlic flavor throughout)
• 1 tsp chili powder (mild warmth and color)
• 1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked, for depth and color)
• 1 tsp onion powder (or 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives, if substituting)
• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano for authenticity)
• Juice of 2 fresh limes (brightens and tenderizes)
• 4-5 cloves garlic, freshly minced (for pungent aroma and flavor)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a gallon-sized resealable bag or a large non-reactive bowl, combine the vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, cumin, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, onion powder (or chives), oregano, lime juice, and minced garlic. Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
2. Marinate the Steak: Add the flank steak to the bag or bowl, ensuring the meat is fully coated with the marinade. Seal the bag (or cover the bowl) and refrigerate for at least 6 hours. For optimal flavor and tenderness, marinating overnight (12-24 hours) is highly recommended. The longer the marination, the deeper the flavor penetration.
3. Grill to Perfection: Preheat your grill to a high temperature. Once hot, remove the steak from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off (do not wipe it dry). Place the steak on the hot grill. Grill for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to achieve your desired degree of doneness. Flank steak cooks relatively quickly due to its thinness.
4. Rest the Meat: This step is absolutely crucial! Once grilled, transfer the steak to a cutting board and LET IT REST for at least 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and moist result. Skipping this step will result in dry, tough steak.
5. Slice Against the Grain: Once the meat has rested and slightly cooled, slice it ACROSS the grain into thin strips or small, bite-sized chunks. Slicing against the grain breaks up the muscle fibers, making the meat much more tender and enjoyable to eat.

Serving Your Authentic Carne Asada Tacos

The beauty of tacos lies in their customizability. For an authentic and incredibly satisfying experience, serve your perfectly grilled Carne Asada on warm corn tortillas. To assemble the ultimate taco, layer your meat with a dollop of creamy guacamole, a generous spoonful of our homemade Quick Salsa (recipe below), and for an extra layer of freshness and zest, don’t forget Pam’s fantastic Onion, Cilantro and Lime Juice Relish. Finish with a sprinkle of your favorite Mexican cheese, such as cotija, queso fresco, or Oaxaca cheese, for that perfect savory touch. Other excellent additions include finely diced white onion, a dash of hot sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Quick & Zesty Salsa Recipe

Recipe adapted from Aggie’s Kitchen

A fresh, vibrant salsa is the perfect accompaniment to Carne Asada Tacos, offering a bright contrast to the rich flavors of the steak. This quick salsa recipe comes together in minutes and is bursting with authentic taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (Mexican or fire-roasted for extra flavor), well drained
• 1/2 small red onion, roughly chunked
• 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and deveined (for less heat), roughly chunked (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic
• Juice of 1 fresh lime
• Small bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: Place all the ingredients – drained diced tomatoes, red onion chunks, jalapeño pieces, garlic cloves, lime juice, and chopped cilantro – into the bowl of a food processor.
2. Pulse to Consistency: Secure the lid and pulse the ingredients in short bursts until you achieve your desired consistency. Some prefer a chunkier salsa with distinct pieces, while others might prefer a smoother, more finely chopped texture. Be careful not to over-process, as you want to maintain some texture.
3. Season and Serve: Taste the salsa and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For best flavor, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld. This salsa is fantastic with tacos, but also perfect for dipping tortilla chips, or as a topping for eggs, grilled chicken, or fish.