Name: Carne Asada Street Tacos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 0.75 lb flank steak; 0.25 cup orange juice; 0.25 cup lime juice 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons soy sauce 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon chili powder 6 corn tortillas; 0.5 cup diced white onion; 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro Lime wedges, for serving

Juicy, sizzling, and straight from the streets of Mexico to your kitchen, Carne Asada Street Tacos are everything you want in a taco: simple, bold, and exploding with flavor. The meat is marinated to perfection, grilled or seared for that ideal char, then chopped and piled high into warm corn tortillas with fresh cilantro and diced onion. Add a squeeze of lime, and you’re transported to a late-night taco stand without leaving home.

These tacos aren’t fussy, and that’s their magic. With just a few ingredients, the authentic flavor of carne asada shines. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, whether it’s taco night, game day, or a casual summer cookout.

Why You’ll Love This Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe

Quick cook time once marinated.
Classic, authentic Mexican street food flavor.
Uses budget-friendly flank or skirt steak.
Customizable toppings to make it your own.
Perfect for parties, meal prep, or a weeknight dinner.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

Skirt steak or flank steak are the top choices for carne asada thanks to their rich flavor and tender texture when sliced properly. Skirt steak has a more intense beef flavor, while flank steak is a bit leaner. Whichever you choose, be sure to slice against the grain after cooking for the most tender bite.

Ingredients for the Carne Asada Street Tacos

The beauty of carne asada tacos is that every ingredient serves a purpose in building bold, balanced flavor.

Flank or Skirt Steak: The star of the dish. Marbled enough to stay juicy, yet lean enough to soak up all the marinade.
Orange Juice + Lime Juice: A citrusy blend that tenderizes the meat while adding zing.
Garlic + Cumin + Chili Powder: The holy trinity of taco seasoning, giving the steak depth and warmth.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness that enhances the overall flavor.
Corn Tortillas: Classic vessel for street tacos. They’re sturdy and carry flavor without overpowering.
White Onion + Fresh Cilantro: The traditional taco toppings, chopped and sprinkled for a fresh bite.
Olive Oil: Helps the marinade penetrate and coats the steak evenly.

How To Make the Carne Asada Street Tacos

Step 1: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, cumin, and chili powder. Mix well to create a vibrant marinade.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place the steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour in the marinade, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.

Step 3: Grill or Sear the Steak

Remove steak from the marinade and pat dry. Grill over medium-high heat or sear in a hot skillet for 4-5 minutes per side. Rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Heat corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until slightly charred and pliable.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Top each tortilla with sliced steak, chopped onion, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for that final citrusy punch.

Serving and Storing Your Carne Asada Street Tacos

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and is ideal for sharing. Serve the tacos fresh off the skillet or grill, garnished with lime wedges and a side of salsa or hot sauce.

For storing leftovers, keep the sliced steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture. Tortillas can be stored separately in a sealed bag at room temperature or refrigerated.