Easy Carne Asada Street Tacos recipe (2024)

FAQs

What cut of meat is used for carne asada tacos? ›

In Central and South America, we call pretty much any barbecued or grilled meat asado (or carne asada). The BEST cuts for the Mexican version of the dish we all know and love are either skirt steak or flank steak. Personally, I prefer skirt steak (pictured).

Combine soy sauce, olive oil, vinegar, orange slices, lime juice, orange juice, Worcestershire sauce, cilantro, garlic, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine.

Corn tortillas are the BEST to use for these, but you could use flour tortillas if you like. Heat my corn tortillas on a griddle or skillet for a few minutes on each side. You could also throw them on the grill for a few seconds.

Street tacos are a Mexican dish that is made up of a corn tortilla filled with meat and topped with salsa, cilantro and onions. They are typically served on the street or in restaurants. The difference between street tacos and regular tacos is that street tacos are smaller in size and made with a corn tortilla.

In Spanish, Carne literally means “flesh/meat/beef” and Asada means “roast/broiled/grilled,” so “grilled meat.” When it comes to “carne asada” in cooking, the term refers to grilled and sliced beef, usually skirt, flank or flap steak. The steak is associated with a charred flavor from searing the meat on the grill.

Once your meat is marinated, you're going to want to cook it over quick, high heat. On the grill – Medium-high heat 4 to 8 minutes per side. In the oven – Under the broiler on high 4 to 6 minutes per side. On the stove – Medium-high heat 4 to 8 minutes per side.

You can marinate the meat too long. The citrus in the marinade can break down the meat too much and can cause it to be mushy, dry, and actually tough. I wouldn't marinate any longer than 12 hours. Some can get carnitas and carne asada confused with each other but they couldn't be any more different.

The most common type of meat used to make carne asada is skirt steak or flank steak. Skirt steak is usually thinner and a bit more fatty, whereas flank steak is often a thicker and leaner cut. As long as they're both sliced thinly after grilling, they both make great options for carne asada.

Carne Asada – Asada (or asado) means “roasted” in Spanish. Carne asada is a spicy, marinated grilled steak that's cut into strips. This is the meat that goes into burritos and tacos. Pollo Asado – Pollo means “chicken” in Spanish, which means that pollo asado is grilled, marinated chicken.

Mexicans fondly refer to this as 'la copia' (literally: the copy). If you ask around, you'll be given many reasons for this. But a popular explanation is that the second tortilla can be used to make another taco with any fillings that spill out the side.

What cheese goes on street tacos? ›

Cheeses: I love to use cotija cheese for tacos, but queso fresco or any Mexican blend will work. Fresh Veggies: Thinly slice some radish for an extra fresh crunch.

Whether or not street tacos should come with cheese is ultimately up to the preferences of the individual making or ordering the tacos. Some people may prefer the added flavor and texture of cheese, while others may prefer their tacos without it.

Al pastor (from Spanish, "shepherd style"), tacos al pastor, or tacos de trompo is a preparation of spit-grilled slices of pork originating in the Central Mexican region of Puebla and Mexico City, although today it is a common menu item found in taquerías throughout Mexico but most prominently is from these two parts ...

Carne Asada Tacos Ingredients:

Carne asada: Flank or skirt steak, marinated in a mixture of fresh orange and lime juice, oil, jalapeño, cilantro, garlic and seasonings. You can find the full list of ingredients and instructions for how to make my favorite carne asada recipe here.

Skirt steak and flank steak are the two most popular choices and both are great options! Skirt and flank are thin cuts that will cook quickly and give you loads of beefy flavor -- that's a tough combo to turn down when you're making Carne Asada at home!

Carne Asada is the most common taco meat. Photo by Travis Yewell on Unsplash. Carne Asada is certainly the most popular meat for tacos, and it's plain to see why.