Carne Asada Tacos are a flavorful and satisfying dish made with grilled marinated steak, served in warm tortillas with fresh toppings. This Ultimate Carne Asada Tacos Recipe delivers juicy steak and authentic Mexican flavors for the perfect taco night meal. The marinade of lime, garlic, and spices gives the steak a smoky, savory taste, while the cilantro and onion toppings add a refreshing crunch. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a casual family dinner, these tacos are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Customize with your favorite toppings and sauces for extra flavor.

Flavorful Grilled Steak Tacos
Carne Asada Tacos are a classic Mexican dish known for their flavorful, juicy grilled steak and fresh toppings. This Ultimate Carne Asada Tacos Recipe offers a simple yet incredibly delicious way to enjoy authentic carne asada at home. Marinated in a blend of lime juice, garlic, and spices, the steak is grilled to perfection and served with traditional toppings like onion, cilantro, and lime. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun taco night with friends, these tacos are sure to be a hit. Pair them with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or hot sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Why Are They Called “Carne Asada Tacos”?
Carne Asada Tacos are named after the main ingredient—carne asada, which means “grilled meat” in Spanish. The steak, typically marinated in citrus, garlic, and spices, is grilled over high heat and served in warm tortillas. Carne Asada is a popular dish in Mexican cuisine, often enjoyed as tacos but also served in burritos, nachos, or on its own. The combination of smoky, tender steak and fresh, vibrant toppings like onion, cilantro, and lime make Carne Asada Tacos a beloved dish around the world.

How Should Carne Asada Tacos Taste?
A perfect Carne Asada Taco should have a balance of smoky, savory flavors from the grilled steak and freshness from the cilantro, onions, and lime. The meat should be juicy, tender, and well-seasoned, with a slightly charred exterior from the grill. The warm tortillas provide a soft base that holds the meat and toppings together, while the lime juice adds a bright, zesty finish. Each bite should be bursting with flavor, from the spices in the carne asada to the crunchy onion and cilantro topping, making these tacos a delightful and satisfying meal.
Read More: Birria Tacos Recipe: A Flavorful Mexican Tradition
It’s About How to Make It Super Yummy or Perfect
To make the Ultimate Carne Asada Tacos Recipe perfectly, follow these key tips:
- Marinate for Flavor: For the best results, marinate the steak for at least 1 hour, but if time allows, let it soak for 8 hours to enhance the flavor.
- Grill Over High Heat: Searing the steak on high heat gives the carne asada its signature charred edges while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
- Slice Against the Grain: After resting the steak, slice it thinly against the grain to ensure each piece is tender and easy to eat in a taco.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm tortillas bring everything together. Heating them directly on the grill adds a nice char and softens the tortillas for a perfect bite.
- Fresh Toppings Matter: The simplicity of cilantro, onion, and lime lets the flavors of the carne asada shine. Add fresh toppings just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Equipment
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Cutting board and knife
- Small bowls for toppings
- Aluminum foil (for resting the steak)
Ingredients
For the Carne Asada:
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp orange juice
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Tacos:
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup chopped white onion
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- Lime wedges for serving
- Salsa or hot sauce (optional)
- Sliced radishes (optional)
- Guacamole or sliced avocado (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the SteakIn a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, fresh cilantro, salt, and pepper.Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s fully coated.Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for more flavor).2. Grill the Carne AsadaPreheat your grill or grill pan to high heat.Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess marinade drip off. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness (135°F/57°C for medium-rare).Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board, cover with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes.3. Prepare the ToppingsWhile the steak rests, prepare the toppings. Finely chop the onion and cilantro, slice the radishes, and warm the tortillas.4. Slice the SteakAfter resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips for tender bites.5. Assemble the TacosTo assemble the tacos, place a few slices of the carne asada on each warmed tortilla. Top with chopped onion, cilantro, radishes, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Add salsa or hot sauce if desired.6. ServeServe the carne asada tacos immediately with extra lime wedges, guacamole, or sliced avocado on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- Marinating Tip: Marinating the steak for at least an hour ensures the flavors penetrate the meat, but for the best results, marinate the steak for up to 8 hours.
- Cooking Tip: Don’t overcook the steak! Flank or skirt steak can become tough if cooked beyond medium. A good medium-rare (135°F/57°C) ensures juicy and tender carne asada.
- Tortilla Warm-Up: To warm tortillas, heat them directly on the grill for about 30 seconds per side or wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven.
- Alternative Toppings: Try adding pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, or crumbled cotija cheese to the tacos for additional texture and flavor.
- Leftover Idea: If you have leftovers, the carne asada works great in burritos, quesadillas, or even as a topping for salads.
Conclusion
This Ultimate Carne Asada Tacos Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy authentic Mexican flavors at home. With marinated, grilled steak, warm tortillas, and fresh toppings, these tacos are bursting with flavor and make for a delicious, satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these carne asada tacos are sure to please. Customize with your favorite toppings, and enjoy a taste of Mexico right in your kitchen!