• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pinch and Swirl
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • About
  • Free Recipe EBook
  • My Saved Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • About
  • Free Recipe EBook
  • My Saved Recipes
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Recipes » Main Course Recipes » Mexican Main Courses

    Carne Asada Tacos

    Published: Aug 21, 2023 by Marissa Stevens · 19 Comments

    Gluten Free

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Carne Asada Tacos transform grilled steak into an edible fiesta. It's a simple meal that will make you feel like you're at a bustling street market in the heart of Mexico, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you're gathering with friends or enjoying a family dinner, these tacos are an ideal choice for a lively meal.

    Carne Asada Tacos served on a tray with pico de gallo, lime wedges and sour cream.

    Imagine tender, juicy Carne Asada wrapped in freshly grilled corn tortillas and topped with vibrant Pico de Gallo, crunchy cabbage, spicy jalapeño, fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, and the crumbly perfection of Cotija cheese. Finish with a splash of hot sauce, squeeze of fresh lime juice, a dollop of sour cream, and your personal taco creation is complete. Made in just 45 minutes, these tacos aren't just easy to make, they're a sure way to turn any gathering into a party.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients You Need To Make Carne Asada Tacos
    • Recipe Options
    • How to Make Carne Asada Tacos (Your Game Plan!)
    • How to Serve
    • More Ways to Serve Carne Asada
    • Recipe Video
    • Carne Asada Tacos
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients You Need To Make Carne Asada Tacos

    Carne Asada Tacos Ingredients on a white marble board.
    • Carne Asada: or Carne Asada made in the oven
    • Corn Tortillas: Opt for tortillas with a slightly thicker texture for a heartier bite and to hold the fillings well.

    Toppings:

    • Pico de Gallo: Serve your favorite store bought salsa or make Homemade Pico de Gallo (it's easy) or other homemade salsa.
    • Purple or Green Cabbage: Look for crisp, vibrant-colored heads without any blemishes.
    • White Onion: A fresh onion should have a smooth outer skin and feel heavy for its size.
    • Jalapeño: Choose firm jalapeños with smooth skin; avoid any with wrinkles.
    • Fresh Cilantro: Leaves should be vibrant green without yellowing. It's best to choose bunches that are aromatic (a good sign of freshness).
    • Cotija Cheese: When choosing Cotija cheese, opt for fresh and moist for a milder taste, or aged and crumbly for a saltier kick.
    • Avocados: Ripe avocados should be firm, but yield slightly under gentle pressure.
    • Hot Sauce: Such as Tobasco or Cholula. Choose based on your desired heat level.
    • Sour Cream: For a creamy texture and a mild tang, or you can use Mexican crema for a richer flavor. Lime Crema or Cilantro Lime Crema are also good options.
    • Lime: Fresh limes should have smooth, shiny skin and feel firm to the touch.

    Recipe Options

    • Swap out corn tortillas with flour tortillas if you prefer a softer texture.
    • Instead of grilling, char tortillas on a hot cast iron skillet for 30 seconds each side. This gives a smoky flavor and a crisp-yet-soft texture.
    • If you find Cotija cheese too salty, substitute with queso fresco for a creamier, less salty flavor.
    • Not a fan of spice? Replace Jalapeño with diced bell peppers for color without the heat.
    • Don't have Pico de Gallo? Use your favorite salsa or salsa verde instead. Or freshly diced tomatoes, onions, and a dash of lime juice make a quick substitute.
    • Avocado slices are creamy and delicious, but for an added flavor twist, use Salsa Guacamole instead.
    • Introduce a smoky flavor by adding some grilled corn kernels.
    • Sprinkle on some diced pineapple for a tropical twist and a burst of tangy sweetness.
    Carne Asada Tacos served on a white plate with a lime wedge.

    How to Make Carne Asada Tacos (Your Game Plan!)

    1. Prepare the Marinade: Begin with the marinade for your skirt steak. (You can also opt for flank steak or sirloin.) You'll need the following marinade ingredients:

    • Jalapeño
    • Garlic cloves
    • Cilantro
    • Orange juice, lime juice, and lemon juice
    • Apple cider vinegar
    • Olive oil
    • Cumin
    • Kosher salt and Ground black pepper

    Allow 15 minutes for prep and let the meat marinate for at least an hour, but no more than 8 hours. Refer to the Carne Asada recipe for detailed photos, instructions, and a video tutorial.

    2. Grill the Steak: Once marinated, grill the meat. Depending on your desired doneness, this could take up to 20 minutes. Remember to let the meat rest before thinly slicing it across the grain.

    3. Prep the Toppings: While the steak marinates, assemble your taco toppings. Make the Pico De Gallo at least 15 minutes before eating.

    4. Grill the Tortillas: While your steak is resting after grilling, make the tortillas. Grill them for roughly 30 seconds on each side. Then, wrap them in foil to keep them soft and warm.

    5. Serve With: Pair these tacos with sides like Homemade Refried Beans, Refried Black Beans or Slow Cooker Pinto Beans and Mexican Rice or Mexican Cauliflower Rice. A platter of Mexican Corn on the Cob is another great choice. And a tip: pitchers of margaritas, or family-friendly Virgin Margaritas or Virgin Mojitos are always a hit!

    How to Serve

    Serving Carne Asada Tacos family-style is all about allowing everyone letting everyone craft their perfect taco. Lay out a spread with a plate of the warm, thinly sliced Carne Asada, a stack of warm corn tortillas, and bowls of each topping, from the Pico de Gallo to the crumbled Cotija cheese. Arrange hot sauce, sour cream, and optional lime wedges at the table's center. Invite everyone to assemble their tacos, combining flavors and textures that appeal most to them. It's a fun and interactive way to enjoy a taco night where everyone gets exactly what they want!

    More Ways to Serve Carne Asada

    Carne Asada is versatile and can be the star ingredient in many dishes. Here are some of the best ways to serve it, especially when you're hosting a group:

    • Filling and perfect for a handheld meal: Carne Asada Burritos.
    • A delightful crunch with every bite: Carne Asada Nachos.
    • Cheesy and irresistible: Carne Asada Quesadillas.
    • A fusion of flavors that's fun to share: Carne Asada Fries.
    • For those wanting a lighter yet flavorful option (complete with homemade MOJO dressing): Carne Asada Salad.

    Recipe Video

    SUBSCRIBE TO VIDEOS

    Carne Asada Tacos served on a tray with pico de gallo, lime wedges and sour cream.

    Carne Asada Tacos

    Marissa Stevens
    The perfect way to dress up grilled steak and make it a party!
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 12 tacos
    Calories 646 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
      

    For the Carne Asada tacos

    • 1 recipe Carne Asada
    • 12 corn tortillas

    Toppings

    • 1 recipe Pico de Gallo
    • 2 cups thinly sliced purple or green cabbage
    • finely chopped white onion
    • thinly sliced jalapeño
    • 1 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
    • 6 ounces crumbled Cotija cheese 6 ounces or more or queso fresco
    • 2 medium avocados peeled, seeded and thinly sliced or Salsa Guacamole
    • hot sauce such as Tobasco or Cholula
    • sour cream to taste or Mexican crema
    • lime wedges optional

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare this Carne Asada recipe.
    • Grill tortillas about 30 seconds per side. Wrap in foil to keep warm.
    • Serve thinly sliced Carne Asada with warm tortillas and individual toppings family-style letting everyone assemble their own tacos.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 646kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 41gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 840mgPotassium: 962mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 545IUVitamin C: 20.3mgCalcium: 217mgIron: 4.3mg
    Keyword 4th of July, Cinco de Mayo, easy, father's day, gluten free, Independence Day
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.

    More Mexican Main Courses

    • Chorizo Tacos served on an oval platter.
      Chorizo Tacos
    • Shrimp Tacos served on a white oval platter with extra sauce on the side.
      Shrimp Tacos
    • Mexican Chopped Salad served on a gray plate and photographed from the top.
      Mexican Chopped Salad
    • Carne Asada Nachos served in a rimmed baking sheet with guacamole salsa and sour cream.
      Carne Asada Nachos

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Comment Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Sabrina says

      September 11, 2016 at 8:57 am

      These look delicious, Marissa!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        September 11, 2016 at 6:16 pm

        Thank you, Sabrina! xo

        Reply
    2. Kevin | Keviniscooking says

      August 31, 2016 at 4:10 pm

      You're talkin' my language with these beauties. Can't go wrong with a mojo marinade and these are topped with all my favs. Nice pics here Marissa, Now I'm hungry.

      Reply
    3. Karly says

      August 29, 2016 at 7:04 am

      JUST ONE MORE DAY UNTIL TACO TUESDAY!! After seeing these, I'll be counting down the minutes! YUM!!

      Reply
    4. Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says

      August 28, 2016 at 5:12 am

      A party indeed! Those toppings add great flavor and texture and also make these tacos so much fun to put together! And it's funny, I've been craving tacos for a like a month straight now, so these are reaaaaally calling my name!

      Reply
    5. Sonali- The Foodie Physician says

      August 25, 2016 at 11:04 am

      These look so festive and flavorful! There's something about tacos that just yells "Party!!" 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 26, 2016 at 4:57 pm

        So true, Sonali! There's something so fun about everyone assembling their own and, of course, it takes a lot of pressure off of the hosts! 🙂

        Reply
    6. Sarah @ Snixy Kitchen says

      August 24, 2016 at 9:41 pm

      I want to come to your taco party!! I'll join the hungry masses in line for one of these tacos!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 26, 2016 at 4:58 pm

        You are always invited to my taco parties, Sarah! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

      August 24, 2016 at 5:47 pm

      Marissa you always have great entertaining ideas! And I love entertaining so I always find lots of fun recipes 😀 And your avocadoes are just perfect! 😀

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 26, 2016 at 4:58 pm

        You are the Queen Entertainer, Lorraine. So I take that as a huge compliment...xo

        Reply
    8. Beeta @ Mon Petit Four says

      August 24, 2016 at 5:44 pm

      whahhhh, I am still dying over the last post with the carne asada, and then you go and turn them into tacos!?? I need this NOW. These have my name written all over it. I could seriously eat this tacos breakfast, lunch, and dinner and be a very happy camper. AMAZING!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 26, 2016 at 4:59 pm

        hahaha, thank you, Beeta!! mmm, tacos for breakfast. You may be on to something... 🙂

        Reply
    9. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

      August 24, 2016 at 4:08 pm

      I LOOOOVE that you turned that gorgeous carne asada into tacos, Marissa!! These look absolutely perfect! I'm thinking every day should be #TacoTuesday with these beauties! I'll most definitely need AT LEAST two for each hand! Pinned! Cheers, friend!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 26, 2016 at 5:00 pm

        Thanks, Cheyanne! What is it about tacos, right? They just always sound good...

        Reply
    10. Dorothy Dunton says

      August 24, 2016 at 9:29 am

      Hi Marissa! This is exactly what i envisioned when I read your Carne Asada post! But, I forgot the margaritas! 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 26, 2016 at 5:00 pm

        I loved it that you said it on that last post, Dorothy! I thought, "She read my mind!"

        Reply
    11. Helen @ Scrummy Lane says

      August 23, 2016 at 10:48 am

      This is pretty much my idea of a perfect meal, Marissa! How did you know??

      Your photos are gorgeous - I love how you've NOT mashed up the avocado and rather placed it on top in big chunks. Yum!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        August 26, 2016 at 5:02 pm

        Thank you, Helen! Yes, love big chunks of avocado. Even when I make guacamole, I still like to leave them pretty chunky. 🙂

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    The best food happens at home. I love delicious food prepared simply with fresh ingredients and that’s just what you’ll find here! You can count on me for well tested, mouthwatering recipes designed for home cooks. Learn more →

    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Facebook
    12 Recipes to Know by Heart Book Cover
    Subscribe for Free E-Cookbook

    Reader Favorites

    • Oven Roasted Crispy Pork Belly
    • lemon garlic pasta served in a white bowl
      Lemon Garlic Pasta
    • Carne-Asada thinly sliced across the grain featured
      Carne Asada Recipe
    • Shrimp Tacos served on a white oval platter with extra sauce on the side.
      Shrimp Tacos
    • Bacon Wrapped Scallops
    • Creamy Tomato Bisque
      Tomato Bisque
    • Mashed Red Potatoes photographed from above featured
      Mashed Red Potatoes
    • Grilled Lamb Chops
    • Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings
    • Rice Cooker Mexican Rice served in a gray ceramic bowl and photographed from above.
      Rice Cooker Mexican Rice

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Meet Marissa
    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 PinchandSwirl

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Email