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Flavorful Carne Asada Tacos Recipe Easy Fresh Cilantro Lime Tacos

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This carne asada taco recipe features tender skirt steak marinated in a citrus and spice blend, grilled to perfection, and served with fresh cilantro, lime, and corn tortillas for an authentic and easy taco experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (680g) skirt steak or flank steak, trimmed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup / 60ml), fresh is best
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed if possible
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (divided; half for marinade, half for topping)
  • 810 small corn tortillas
  • 1 medium white onion, finely chopped
  • Extra lime wedges for squeezing
  • Sliced jalapeños or hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and about half of the chopped cilantro. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Marinate the Steak: Place the skirt or flank steak in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring even coating. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-3 hours.
  3. Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan: Heat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until very hot, about 10 minutes.
  4. Grill the Steak: Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard leftover marinade. Cook steak on hot grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature ~130°F / 54°C). Adjust time for preferred doneness.
  5. Rest and Slice: Transfer steak to cutting board and rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips.
  6. Warm the Tortillas: While steak rests, warm corn tortillas on grill about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred. Keep warm wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
  7. Assemble the Tacos: Layer sliced carne asada onto each tortilla. Top with chopped white onion and remaining cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and add sliced jalapeños or hot sauce if desired.

Notes

Marinate steak for 2-3 hours for best flavor but 30 minutes works in a pinch. Avoid overcooking steak to keep it juicy. Slice against the grain for tenderness. Warm tortillas before serving. If no grill is available, broil steak in oven on high, watching closely.

Nutrition

Keywords: carne asada, tacos, cilantro lime, grilled steak, Mexican street food, easy tacos, skirt steak, flank steak, fresh lime, corn tortillas