Get ready to transport your kitchen to the vibrant streets of Mexico with these mouthwatering Carne Asada Tacos that are so authentic and delicious, they'll have your family and friends begging for seconds! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a culinary masterpiece that combines perfectly seasoned, tender flank steak with fresh, zesty toppings that will make every bite an explosion of flavor. Whether you're a taco enthusiast or a home cook looking to spice up your dinner routine, this recipe is your ticket to an unforgettable meal that's both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the flank steak. Pat it dry with paper towels and place it on a cutting board.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Rub the marinade evenly over the flank steak, ensuring it is well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.
- While the steak is marinating, prepare your toppings. Dice the onion and chop the cilantro, placing them in separate bowls for easy serving.
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated flank steak to the grill or skillet.
- Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is recommended for optimal tenderness).
- Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more flavorful and tender.
- While the steak is resting, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this by placing them on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side or heating them in a dry skillet over medium heat until pliable.
- After the steak has rested, slice it against the grain into thin strips. This helps ensure tenderness in each bite.
- To assemble the tacos, take a warm tortilla and add a portion of the sliced flank steak. Top with diced onions and chopped cilantro to taste.
- Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, enhancing the flavors of the carne asada.
- Enjoy your delicious carne asada tacos with your favorite sides or salsas!
Tips
- Meat Matters: Always choose a high-quality flank steak and pat it completely dry before marinating to ensure perfect seasoning and a beautiful sear.
- Marination Magic: While 15 minutes of marinating works, letting the steak sit for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator can intensify the flavors even more.
- Slicing Secrets: Always slice the steak against the grain to guarantee maximum tenderness. This technique breaks up the muscle fibers, making each bite melt in your mouth.
- Heat Control: Use a cast-iron skillet or grill for the best caramelization. Make sure it's scorching hot before adding the steak to achieve those perfect, slightly charred edges.
- Tortilla Tip: Warm your corn tortillas just before serving to enhance their flavor and prevent them from cracking when folding.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh cilantro and squeeze lime juice right before serving to brighten up the entire dish and add a zesty kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
