Name: Tender Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced; 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons); 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1/3 cup olive oil; Juice of 1 orange (about 1/4 cup); Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons); 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for grilling); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more for grilling); 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak, excess fat removed; 16 corn tortillas, warmed (or flour tortillas); 1/2 medium onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese; Lime wedges, for serving; Sliced avocado; Sour cream; Salsa

If you’ve been craving something bursting with bold, smoky flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, you’ve come to the right place. This Tender Carne Asada Tacos Recipe is hands down one of my favorite go-to meals when I want that perfect combo of juicy steak, fresh toppings, and a little kick of spice.

Two corn tortillas are placed on wax paper on a white plate with a white marbled background. Each tortilla has a first layer of chunky green guacamole spread evenly, followed by a layer of small cubed dark brown grilled meat bits, sprinkled with small white cheese crumbles and tiny pieces of white onion and green cilantro on top. On the right side of the plate, there are two lime wedges with light green and yellow colors. Above the plate, a white bowl filled with chopped green cilantro is partly visible. The whole scene has soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Tender Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Tender Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Tender Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I seriously can’t get enough of these carne asada tacos. The marinade is packed with fresh herbs and citrus, and grilling the steak just right brings out that unbeatable smoky char that makes every bite sing.

Super Tender Steak: Using flank or skirt steak gives you juicy, flavorful meat that’s thinly sliced for tender bites.
Flavor-Packed Marinade: The blend of citrus, garlic, and chili spices really wakes up your taste buds.
Easy to Make: With just a little advance marinating time, the grilling and assembly go so quickly.
Customizable Toppings: Load them up with onions, cilantro, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of fresh lime—or add avocado and salsa for even more flavor.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When I shop for these tacos, I always aim for the freshest produce and best-quality meat to make the flavors pop. A few key ingredients come together to make this dish truly shine, and picking the right steak and herbs sets the foundation.

Flat lay of a fresh green jalapeño pepper, four whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a small bunch of vibrant green cilantro sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl holding bright orange juice, a small white ceramic bowl containing pale yellow lime juice, a small white ceramic bowl with clear white wine vinegar, small piles of red chili powder, kosher salt, ground cumin, dried oregano, ancho chili powder, and freshly ground black pepper each displayed separately on the white surface, one large piece of raw flank steak with minimal fat, a neat stack of soft yellow corn tortillas, half a medium white onion finely diced and arranged in a clean pile, a small white ceramic bowl filled with crumbly white cotija cheese, and lime wedges with bright green rinds and juicy interiors, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Jalapeño pepper: Adds just enough heat without overpowering the marinade.
Garlic: Brings fragrant, savory depth to the steak.
Cilantro: Fresh herbs that brighten and balance the rich meat.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the steak evenly and keeps it juicy.
Orange and lime juice: The citrus tenderizes the meat and adds a zesty, fresh note.
White wine vinegar: Adds acidity and layers of flavor.
Spices (chili powder, cumin, oregano, ancho chili powder): These give the classic smoky, earthy profile that’s signature to carne asada.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning—both in marinade and on the grill.
Flank or skirt steak: These cuts grill quickly and absorb the marinade beautifully.
Corn tortillas: Traditional, with just the right texture and flavor to cradle the steak.
Onion and more cilantro: Classic toppings that add crunch and brightness.
Cotija cheese: Salty, crumbly, and perfect for topping tacos.
Lime wedges: A fresh squeeze at the end wakes up every bite.
Optional toppings: Feel free to add creamy avocado, sour cream, or your favorite salsa to personalize your tacos.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Tender Carne Asada Tacos Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your own tastes and pantry. Whether you want to adjust the heat level, add fresh seasonal ingredients, or keep it classic, these tacos are a fantastic base to experiment with.

Variation: For a smoky twist, try adding a tablespoon of smoked paprika to the marinade—I love how the smoky notes complement the grilled steak perfectly.
Vegetarian option: Swap the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms or seasoned tofu for a delicious meat-free alternative that still packs great flavor.
Seasonal fresh toppings: In summer, diced mango or pineapple add a sweet contrast, while in fall, roasted peppers can bring a cozy depth.
Spice it up: If you like your tacos hotter, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce when assembling.
Cheese swap: If you can’t find cotija, a crumble of feta or queso fresco works beautifully as well.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Tender Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

The image shows a wooden board filled with small chunks of cooked steak. The steak pieces have a browned, slightly charred exterior with a soft pink center, showing they are cooked medium. The pieces are uneven in size but closely packed together, giving a textured look with dark grill marks and juicy cut surfaces. The wooden board has a light brown color with visible grain, placed on a white marbled surface in bright natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavorful Marinade

Start by combining the minced jalapeño, garlic, and chopped cilantro with olive oil, fresh orange and lime juice, and white wine vinegar. Then add chili powder, kosher salt, cumin, oregano, ancho chili powder, and black pepper. Stir until everything melds into one vibrant and aromatic mixture. This marinade is the heart of our tacos, infusing the steak with bright, bold flavors that take the dish to the next level.

Step 2: Marinade Magic—Coat and Chill the Steak

Place your flank or skirt steak in a shallow dish or resealable bag and pour the marinade over it, making sure every inch is coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but if you can, let it soak overnight. This slow flavor soak helps break down the muscle fibers, making the steak incredibly tender and deeply flavorful—well worth the wait!

Step 3: Get That Grill Going Hot and Ready

Heat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s nice and hot. Before grilling, give the steak a light sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper to enhance the savory notes during cooking. You want that steak sizzling the moment it hits the grate.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place your steak on the grill and cook 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness and how you like it done—medium rare or medium is ideal here. Look for a nice char with grill marks, and listen to that satisfying sizzle. Once grilled, let the steak rest for 10 minutes; this is key to locking in all those delicious juices for ultimate tenderness.

Step 5: Warm and Soften the Tortillas

While the steak rests, warm your corn tortillas on the grill or in a hot skillet for about 30 seconds per side. You want them pliable with just a hint of golden brown so they fold easily without breaking—a perfect taco cradle for our juicy steak.

Step 6: Slice Thin, Against the Grain

Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the rested steak against the grain. This technique is crucial for tenderness—it shortens the muscle fibers so every bite feels melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Step 7: Assemble and Enjoy!

Load each warm tortilla with tender steak slices. Top generously with finely diced onion, fresh cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime for that bright pop! Feel free to add avocado, sour cream, or salsa for that extra personal touch. Now, dig in and savor every flavorful bite of your homemade Tender Carne Asada Tacos!

Top Tip

Mastering the art of the Tender Carne Asada Tacos Recipe comes down to a few simple but game-changing tips that I’ve picked up along the way. These little tricks make all the difference between good tacos and unforgettable ones.

Marinate Overnight: Letting your flank or skirt steak soak in that vibrant marinade for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, helps break down the meat fibers and infuses it with bold flavors. This patience truly pays off with tender, juicy results.
Slice Against the Grain: After grilling and resting, thinly slice your steak against the grain to maximize tenderness and avoid chewy bites. This was a game changer in my first attempts.
Keep Tortillas Warm and Soft: Warming the corn tortillas just before serving keeps them pliable and makes folding those tasty slices of carne asada a joyful experience, not a battle.
Season Just Before Grilling: Adding kosher salt and black pepper to the steak right before it hits the grill helps build that perfect crust without drawing out moisture prematurely. Avoiding seasoning too early prevents drying out the meat.

How to Serve Tender Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

Three soft yellow corn tortillas are filled with layers of green guacamole at the base, topped with chunks of grilled dark brown steak with a slightly pink center. The steak is sprinkled with small pieces of white onion and chopped green cilantro, along with small crumbles of white cheese. The tacos rest on a white paper lining inside a dark plate, placed on a white marbled surface. In the background, a white bowl with green cilantro leaves and a piece of lime add to the setting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic toppings of diced onions, chopped cilantro, and crumbly cotija cheese add vibrant freshness and texture to your carne asada tacos. Don’t forget the lime wedges for that zesty squeeze of brightness just before biting in. For an extra creamy touch, sliced avocado and a dollop of sour cream blend beautifully. A drizzle of your favorite salsa can kick up the flavor and spice to your preference.

Side Dishes

Pair your tacos with traditional Mexican sides like Mexican rice, charro beans, or a refreshing jicama salad for balance. Grilled corn with a sprinkle of chili powder and cotija cheese is another fantastic accompaniment that complements the smoky flavors of the carne asada perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your delicious tacos, store any leftover grilled steak in an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Keep the tortillas separate, wrapped in foil or a tortilla warmer, to maintain their softness.

Freezing

If you want to save the carne asada for longer, slice the cooled steak and freeze it in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the sliced steak in a skillet over medium heat just until heated through, adding a splash of water or beef broth to keep it juicy. Warm your tortillas separately on the stove or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel to keep them pliable.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of meat for this carne asada recipe?

Yes! While flank and skirt steak are traditional and tender choices perfect for grilling, you can also try flap meat or hanger steak. Just be sure to marinate well and slice thinly against the grain.

How long should I marinate the steak?

For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the steak for at least 2 hours. However, marinating overnight is ideal and will deeply infuse the meat with the delicious spices and citrus notes.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the steak in a hot cast-iron skillet or broil it in the oven. Just make sure to get a nice sear for that smoky flavor.

How do I keep the tortillas from tearing?

Warming the tortillas until they are hot and pliable before assembling the tacos helps prevent tearing. You can warm them on the grill, in a skillet, or wrapped in a damp cloth in the microwave.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sinking your teeth into tender, flavorful carne asada served on soft warm tortillas with fresh, zesty toppings. This Tender Carne Asada Tacos Recipe is that perfect crowd-pleaser — simple to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and utterly satisfying. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos will bring everyone to the table eager for seconds. So fire up your grill, embrace the flavors, and enjoy this delicious slice of Mexican tradition in your own kitchen!