Dinner

Weeknight Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

Name: Weeknight Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489351H40M16S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1/4 cup orange juice; 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 1/2 pound flank steak or skirt steak; 12 corn tortillas; 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1/2 cup diced white or red onion; 1 cup pico de gallo (optional)

ByElena Hart October 24, 2025October 24, 2025

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Introduction

Carne asada tacos are a quick and flavorful dinner option that bring the taste of a Mexican street favorite right into your home. Juicy grilled steak paired with fresh toppings wrapped in warm corn tortillas makes for an irresistible meal perfect for weeknights.

The image shows three tacos stacked close together on a white plate, set on a white marbled surface. Each taco has a slightly toasted white corn tortilla as the base, with visible light brown charred spots. The first layer inside each tortilla is small pieces of grilled steak, cooked medium with pink centers and a browned exterior. On top of the meat is a fresh mixture of diced red tomatoes, white onions, and green cilantro leaves scattered generously, adding vibrant red, white, and green colors. The tacos look fresh and juicy, with colorful toppings resting unevenly on the soft tortillas. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 1/2 pound flank steak or skirt steak
12 corn tortillas

1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup diced white or red onion
1 cup pico de gallo (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, vegetable oil, minced garlic, distilled white vinegar, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
Step 2: Preheat an outdoor grill to high heat, about 400 to 450°F (204 to 232°C). Brush both sides of the steak with the marinade mixture.
Step 3: Place the steak on the grill and cook for 7 to 10 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 130 to 135°F. Baste the meat every couple of minutes until the last two minutes of grilling. Discard any leftover marinade.

Step 4: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Then slice against the grain and cube into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Prepare the toppings by chopping cilantro, dicing onion, and serving pico de gallo if using. Warm the corn tortillas.
Step 6: Assemble tacos by placing sliced carne asada in the center of each warm tortilla. Top with cilantro, onion, and any additional toppings of your choice.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the steak for 1 to 2 hours before grilling.
Use a cast iron skillet indoors if a grill isn’t available, cooking steak over medium-high heat.
Swap corn tortillas for flour tortillas if preferred.

Add sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warm. Tortillas and toppings are best stored separately to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Three soft corn tortillas are arranged on a speckled gray plate on a white marbled surface. Each tortilla has two layers and is topped with diced grilled steak pieces showing a pinkish center, mixed with small chopped pieces of red tomatoes, white onions, and green cilantro leaves. Toasted spots dot the tortillas adding a slight charred texture. Two partially sliced lime wedges rest above the plate, while one lime wedge is placed below it, with scattered bits of cilantro on the surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, skirt or flank steak works best due to their texture and flavor, but sirloin can be used if needed. Just be mindful of cooking times to avoid toughness.