Prepare to grub down on these fully-loaded, authentic Carne Asada Tacos. Think taco truck style goodness made in your own kitchen. The Carne Asada marinade is the same one we use to make Carne Asada Nachos and Carne Asada Fries and Street Tacos.
Hailing from San Diego, we know our Mexican Recipes. When we starting making our Carne Asada Recipe, over 12 years ago, there were zero recipes for it online. ZERO. Now they’re plentiful – but many don’t resemble the authentic carne asada recipe that you find here in Southern California. Our Mexican Carne Asada Recipe has been a reader favorite for years so it’s time to post one for easy carne asada tacos.
Start up the grill and get ready to grub! Don’t forget to make a side of Refried Bean Dip using Instant Pot Refried Bean and air fryer tortilla chips!
What Cut of Meat is Carne Asada?
We’ve tried them all and prefer flank steak, however skirt steak works just as well. It’s what we use for Tacos al Carbon. You can use more expensive cuts, like ribeye, but there are better recipes to use up that ribeye.
What are Carne Asada Street Tacos Made Of?
While topping can vary, the basic Carne Asada taco is filled with marinated steak, 4 ingredient guacamole, onions and cilantro. If you want to be fancy you can add things like Mexican homemade salsa, pico de gallo, mango pico de gallo, Cotija cheese or sour cream but those aren’t traditionally served on authentic carne asada tacos.
Many of the ingredients are also used to make pollo asado tacos using our grilled pollo asado and birria tacos or birria ramen using birria.
What is the Difference Between Carne Asada and Carne Guisada?
Tons. While they’re both made with beef the flavor profile, cooking method and final product vary drastically. Carne Asada rely’s on marinade for flavor vs sauce/gravy. It’s typically grilled while Carne Guisada is cooked low and slow in a gravy so you’re left with more of a wet stew style meat.
What Should I Serve With Tacos?
- Slow Cooker Refried Beans
- Restaurant Style Homemade Salsa
- Mexican Rice
- Mexican-style Corn on the Cob
Now grab a Beermosa, Classic Margarita, Michelada rimmed with Chamoy or Mango Michelada and start on our Carne Asada.
Authentic Carne Asada Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 Batch Carne Asada Recipe
- 12 Corn Tortillas (*Note 1)
- 1 Small White Onion (Diced)
- Chopped Cilantro (To Taste)
Guacamole
- 2 Large Avocados (*Note 2 & 3)
- 1-2 Small Jalapeños (Finely Diced)
- 1 Large Garlic Clove (Finely Minced)
- 1 tsp Fresh Lime Juice
- Garlic Salt (To Taste)
Instructions
- Make the guacamole: add the avocados, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice and a pinch of garlic salt to a medium size mixing bowl. Mash with a fork for creamy guacamole or use a butter knife to cut through the mixture for a chunky guacamole. Taste and add more garlic salt, if needed. Cover and set aside. (*Note 2 & 3)
- Dice the onion and chop the cilantro. Cover and set aside.
- Start grilling the Carne Asada per the Carne Asada recipe directions.
- While the meat is resting for 10 minutes, heat up a comal, cast iron skillet or large non-stick skillet over medium high heat.
- Dice the meat into small bite size pieces.
- Turn the comal/skillet down to medium. Heat up the tortillas, 2 at a time. Heat for approx. 20 seconds on side one, flip and cook for 15 seconds on side two. (Note 1)
- Transfer the two tortillas to a place and start building the tacos: add guacamole, carne asada and top with onions and cilantro to taste.
- Repeat steps 6 and 7 as needed.
- Enjoy immediately.
Notes
Nutrition