As I took my first bite of these tacos, I was transported to the bustling streets of Mexico, where the aroma of sizzling carne asada wafts through the air. Authentic Carne Asada Street Tacos capture that vibrant spirit, merging juicy, marinated skirt steak with the freshness of diced onions and cilantro—all wrapped in soft tortillas. This quick and easy recipe brings the essence of Mexican street food to your kitchen, creating a crowd-pleasing meal in under 1.5 hours. Not only are they simple to make, but they also offer gluten-free options with the right tortillas, allowing everyone to indulge. Wouldn’t you love to recreate that delicious street food experience at home?

Why are these tacos a must-try?

Authenticity: These tacos bring the genuine taste of Mexican street food directly to your table, allowing you to savor every authentic bite.

Quick & Simple: With a straightforward recipe that takes under 1.5 hours, you’ll be able to whip up a delightful meal without a fuss.

Flavor Explosion: The marinated skirt steak, fresh onions, and cilantro provide a burst of flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Customizable: Feel free to substitute skirt steak with flank or sirloin, or pick your favorite tortillas, making this dish versatile for any preference.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for entertaining, these tacos are sure to impress, whether served alongside Mexican Rice or a creamy dip.

Elevate your taco night by also trying out our delicious Fish Tacos Cilantro or treat yourself to Pumpkin Pie Tacos for dessert!

Mexican Street Tacos Ingredients

For the Steak Marinade

Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce – Adds savory depth to the carne asada; tamari can be used for a gluten-free version.
Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice – Balances flavors with acidity; in a pinch, lemons work just as well.
Canola Oil – Prevents sticking when cooking the steak; feel free to use olive oil for added flavor.
Garlic (minced) – Infuses aromatic flavor and a touch of sweetness to the marinade.
Chili Powder – Delivers mild heat and vibrant color; adjust to suit your spice preference.
Ground Cumin – Known for its warm essence, enhancing the beef’s flavor profile.
Dried Oregano – Adds a hint of herbal freshness to the mix.

For Assembling Tacos

Skirt Steak – The star ingredient, perfect for marinating and grilling; flank or sirloin can be great substitutes for different tastes.
Mini Flour Tortillas – The ideal base for your tacos; swap for corn tortillas for a traditional flair.
Diced Red Onion – Brings crunch and sharpness; white onions can be used if preferred.
Chopped Fresh Cilantro – Elevates freshness and color; feel free to omit if cilantro isn’t your thing.
Lime Wedges – Serve alongside for an extra zesty squeeze to enhance flavors.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Authentic Carne Asada Street Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together ¼ cup of reduced sodium soy sauce, the juice of two freshly squeezed limes, 1 tablespoon of canola oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and a teaspoon each of chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano. This vibrant mixture will serve as the marinade for your skirt steak, providing a depth of flavor that is essential for authentic carne asada street tacos.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place your 1.5 pounds of skirt steak in a resealable bag or a shallow dish, pouring the prepared marinade over it. Ensure the steak is thoroughly coated, sealing the bag or covering the dish tightly. Marinate for at least 1 hour, but for maximum flavor, allow it to soak in the marinade for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator, turning occasionally for even absorption.

Step 3: Heat the Skillet
After marination, heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 3–5 minutes until it’s evenly hot. Add the remaining tablespoon of canola oil, making sure it covers the bottom of the skillet. The hot skillet is crucial for achieving that signature char on your carne asada, bringing those street taco flavors to life.

Step 4: Cook the Steak
Carefully place the marinated skirt steak in the hot skillet, allowing it to sear for about 5–6 minutes without moving it. The steak should develop a beautifully browned crust. After this initial cooking period, flip the steak and continue cooking until it’s browned and reaches your desired level of doneness, which is usually medium rare for optimal juiciness.

Step 5: Slice the Steak
Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute. When ready, thinly slice the steak against the grain to maximize tenderness. The colorful, flavorful slices will be the star of your authentic carne asada street tacos.

Step 6: Warm the Tortillas
While the steak is resting, warm your mini flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for a gluten-free option) in a clean, dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. This warms them up, making them more pliable and the perfect vessel for your carne asada taco creations, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Step 7: Assemble the Tacos
To assemble your authentic carne asada street tacos, place a generous portion of sliced steak in each warmed tortilla. Top with diced red onion and chopped fresh cilantro, providing that fresh crunch and flavor. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice to brighten every bite, encapsulating the vibrant essence of this Mexican street food classic.

Make Ahead Options

These authentic carne asada street tacos are fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to savor a delicious homemade meal without the last-minute rush! You can marinate the skirt steak up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring rich flavors soak in. Simply combine the marinade, coat the steak, and refrigerate it in a sealed bag or container. Additionally, you can chop the onions and cilantro up to 3 days ahead, keeping them in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, cook the marinated steak (remove it from the fridge about 30 minutes beforehand for even cooking) and assemble the tacos with the prepped toppings. This way, you can achieve restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort on busy weeknights!

Mexican Street Tacos Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to add your own twist to these tacos and make them truly yours!

Steak Swap: Try flank steak or sirloin for a different flavor profile and texture—both will marinate beautifully.
Chicken Option: For a lighter alternative, use grilled chicken breasts marinated in the same delicious sauce, retaining that essential flavor.
Tortilla Choices: Swap mini flour tortillas for corn tortillas to keep it gluten-free, or use large tortillas for a heartier bite.
Onion Alternatives: Replace red onions with pickled red onions for an added tang, enhancing the flavor contrast beautifully.
Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh parsley or green onions instead of cilantro for a fresh twist if you’re not a fan of cilantro.
Heat Level: Boost the spice with sliced jalapeños or diced serrano peppers added directly to the tacos for an extra kick.
Vegetarian Twist: Make a vegetarian version using grilled Portobello mushrooms, marinated wells for a deliciously earthy flavor.

Don’t forget to check out our tasty recipes, like Fish Tacos Cilantro for a refreshing twist on taco night, or treat yourself to a sweet finale with Pumpkin Pie Tacos for dessert!

How to Store and Freeze Authentic Carne Asada Street Tacos

Fridge: Store leftover carne asada in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep the flavors intact, try to keep the ingredients separate until ready to eat.

Freezer: Freeze the marinated skirt steak before cooking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking to maintain quality.

Reheating: Reheat cooked carne asada in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 4-5 minutes. This helps maintain the juicy texture and flavor of your Mexican street tacos.

Wrapped Tortillas: Store leftover tortillas in a sealed bag at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.

What to Serve with Authentic Carne Asada Street Tacos

As you savor every bite of your flavorful tacos, consider these delightful accompaniments to turn your meal into a fiesta of flavors.

Mexican Rice: Perfectly seasoned with spices and fresh herbs, this hearty dish complements the marinated steak beautifully.
Creamy Chorizo Queso Dip: Rich and cheesy, this dip adds a comforting contrast, ideal for scooping with tortilla chips.
Southwestern Chopped Salad: Crisp, colorful, and refreshing, this salad brings a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the tacos.
Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred to perfection and slathered in creamy cojita cheese, it’s a sweet bite that pairs wonderfully with your savory tacos.
Pico de Gallo: Fresh and tangy, this salsa adds brightness and zing, enhancing the authentic feeling of your Mexican street tacos.
Margaritas: A classic pairing, these fruity cocktails are perfect for balancing the savory flavors, bringing the party vibe to your table.

With these pairings, you’re sure to create a full-fledged taco night experience everyone will remember!

Expert Tips for Authentic Carne Asada Street Tacos

Marination Duration: Allow the steak to marinate for at least 1 hour, but for optimal flavor, marinate for up to 4 hours. This enhances the depth of taste and authenticity of your Mexican street tacos.
Sear Smartly: Use a cast iron skillet to mimic the high heat of street vendors, achieving that coveted crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Slice for Tenderness: Always slice the cooked steak thinly against the grain. This technique maximizes tenderness and ensures each bite is melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Double Tortillas: For added support and to prevent tearing, consider doubling up on tortillas. This helps hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart.
Substitutions: Feel free to swap skirt steak with flank or sirloin based on availability and personal preference, maintaining the rich flavor of these marvelous tacos!

Authentic Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right meat for carne asada?
Absolutely! When selecting skirt steak for carne asada, look for cuts that are bright red with minimal dark spots. The meat should have a good amount of marbling, which contributes to the flavor and juiciness. If skirt steak isn’t available, flank or sirloin are excellent substitutes with slightly different textures but great flavor.

How should I store leftover carne asada?
For storing leftover carne asada, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you have leftover toppings like onions and cilantro, keep them in separate containers to retain their freshness. The more organized, the better!

Can I freeze carne asada?
Absolutely! You can freeze marinated skirt steak before cooking for up to 2 months. Just make sure to seal it tightly in a freezer-safe bag to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best results, keeping those flavors intact.

What should I do if my tortillas are tearing when wrapping?
Very! If you notice your tortillas tearing, you can try warming them up slightly before assembling. Heat them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. If they’re still fragile, doubling up the tortillas can provide extra support, ensuring your delicious fillings stay safe and sound.

Are these carne asada tacos gluten-free?
Yes! To make authentic carne asada tacos gluten-free, simply use corn tortillas instead of flour. Additionally, ensure that the reduced sodium soy sauce is replaced with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious taco night!

How can I adjust the heat level of the marinade?
Certainly! To adjust the spice level in your carne asada marinade, you can increase or decrease the chili powder according to your taste. If you’d like to add a bit more heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños into the mix. Enjoy customizing your flavor experience!