Authentic Carne Asada Tacos with Guacamole

Name: Authentic Carne Asada Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 Batch Carne Asada Recipe; 12 Corn Tortillas ((*Note 1)); 1 Small White Onion (Diced); Chopped Cilantro (To Taste); 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)

Darcey Olson
October 11, 2020
Last Updated: November 18, 2020

Prepare to grub down on these fully-loaded, authentic Carne Asada Tacos. Think taco truck style goodness made in your own kitchen.

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!

What Cut of Meat is Carne Asada?

We’ve tried them all and prefer flank steak, however skirt steak works just as well. 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, guacamole, onions and cilantro. If you want to be fancy you can add things like Mexican salsa, Cotija cheese or sour cream but those aren’t traditionally served on authentic carne asada tacos.

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 Classic Mexican Margarita or Mexican Michelada and start with our Carne Asada Marinade.

Print Recipe

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Authentic Carne Asada Tacos

Fully-loaded Carne Asada Tacos stuffed with tender Carne Asada, guacamole, onions and cilantro. This Mexican recipe is a taco staple on Southern California restaurant menus for good reason.

Prep Time15 mins

Cook Time20 mins

Carne Asada Resting Time10 mins

Total Time45 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Avocado, Carne Asada, Cinco de Mayo, Flank Steak, Grilled, Guacamole, Mexican, tacos

Servings: People

Calories: 654kcal

Author: Darcey Olson

Cost: $33

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

Note 1. Keep an eye on the tortillas as they cook. They cook quickly and timing may vary depending on the skillet and stove used. They will be super soft and pliable when done.

Note 2. Feel free to use your own guacamole recipe - many guacamole recipes call for tomatoes or onions, but we like to keep it simple.

Note 3. Tip- make the guacamole before you put the carne asada on the grill, so you're not rushing back and forth from the kitchen to the grill.