Irresistible Mexican Street Tacos: Your Guide to Authentic Carne Asada

Craving the vibrant flavors of Mexico? Look no further than Mexican Street Tacos, a culinary staple that embodies simplicity and deliciousness. Among the vast world of street tacos, carne asada Mexican street tacos stand out as a true classic, a gold standard for taco aficionados. If you’re searching for an easy yet authentic Mexican dinner recipe, these flavorful carne asada tacos are your perfect answer. Get ready to say “¡olé!” to taco night!

Overhead view of carne asada mexican street tacos, in a double layer of crispy corn torillas and sprinkled with cilantro and onion, showcasing the delicious simplicity of authentic Mexican street food.

Discover the Magic of Asada Tacos

This incredibly popular recipe is about to become your new go-to for taco Tuesdays and beyond. These Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos are not just quick to make; they are bursting with authentic flavor. Imagine tender, juicy carne asada, perfectly seasoned and simply adorned with fresh diced onion and cilantro. Paired with a side of classic pinto beans, these tacos offer a taste of genuine Mexican street food that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to prepare at home.

This recipe is a special one, crafted and perfected with passion. The creator’s enthusiasm for sharing these tacos is infectious, and once you taste them, you’ll understand why. They are not just good; they are truly exceptional, a testament to the simple beauty of Mexican cuisine.

What Exactly Are Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos?

“Carne asada” translates to “grilled meat,” but in the context of Mexican street tacos, it refers to thinly sliced or chopped steak that’s been marinated and cooked to perfection. Authentic Mexican street tacos are all about highlighting quality ingredients and straightforward preparation. Carne asada tacos typically feature this flavorful steak as the star, complemented by minimal yet impactful toppings like diced white onion and fresh cilantro.

Often cooked on a large, flat griddle called a plancha, street-style carne asada is kept warm in its own juices, ensuring each bite is tender and full of flavor. This recipe recreates that authentic experience using a large skillet, locking in the moisture and intensifying the taste of the meat.

Overhead view of carne asada mexican street tacos in a double layer of corn tortillas sprinkled with chopped onion and cilantro, highlighting the essential components of traditional Mexican street tacos.

The Secret Ingredient for Unforgettable Mexican Street Tacos

Ready to uncover the secret to truly tender and flavorful carne asada? It’s Mexican beer!

You might be surprised, but beer is a fantastic meat tenderizer. This is especially beneficial when using less expensive cuts of steak like flank or skirt steak, which are known for being slightly tougher. As the beer simmers and cooks down with the meat, the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind a depth of flavor and a remarkable tenderness. The beer imparts a rich, earthy note that elevates these Mexican street tacos from simple to spectacular.

Effortless Steps to Make Authentic Mexican Street Tacos at Home

Making these carne asada Mexican street tacos is surprisingly easy, breaking down into just a few simple steps:

Prep: Chop your steak and vegetables.
Marinate: Combine the meat with the marinade ingredients and let it sit.
Cook: Sizzle everything in a skillet until perfectly cooked.
Serve: Assemble your tacos and enjoy!

That’s all there is to it! And the best part? You only need one skillet for the entire cooking process, making cleanup just as easy as the recipe itself. For the tortillas, you can warm them on a traditional comal, char them over an open flame for that authentic smoky flavor, or simply microwave them wrapped in a damp towel. Charring them is highly recommended for the best street taco experience.

Straight ahead view of five carne asada mexican street tacos being sprinkled with fresh cilantro, showcasing the final touches on this easy Mexican recipe, with fresh onion also visible as a topping.

Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos Recipe

Grab your skillet and get ready to create incredibly flavorful tacos de asada right in your kitchen! This authentic Mexican street tacos recipe is destined to become a family favorite, perfect for any night of the week, especially Taco Tuesday!

Authentic Carne Asada Mexican Street Tacos Recipe

This recipe makes amazing tacos de asada with just a skillet, perfect for Taco Tuesday! Flavorful and truly authentic, these Mexican street tacos will quickly become your most requested meal!

Recipe Rating: 4.97 from 52 votes

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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 356kcal
Author: Karly Gomez

Ingredients

2 lbs carne asada*
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cracked pepper
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 serrano pepper, sliced
½ roma tomato, diced
½ white onion, finely diced
6-8 oz. Dos Equis beer
32 street taco tortillas
½ cup white onion, diced, for garnish
½ cup cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Combine cumin, salt, garlic powder, and pepper. Coat carne asada. Slice into strips, then dice. Place in a plastic bag or bowl with serrano pepper, tomato, onion, and beer. Marinate for 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until liquid evaporates and meat is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
Serve in street taco corn tortillas, topped with onion and cilantro.

Recipe Notes

*If carne asada is unavailable, use top or bottom round, flank, or skirt steak. Thin, lean meat is best.

Nutrition Information

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Originally posted Jan. 7, 2016, and updated May 9, 2019

Imagery Shot With

Canon EOS 6D | Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens