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Active Time:30 minsTotal Time:1 hr 30 minsServings:8Yield:8 servings, 2 tacos eachJump to Nutrition Facts
Active Time:30 minsTotal Time:1 hr 30 minsServings:8Yield:8 servings, 2 tacos each
Active Time:30 mins
Active Time:
30 mins
Total Time:1 hr 30 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 30 mins
Servings:8
Servings:
8
Yield:8 servings, 2 tacos each
Yield:
8 servings, 2 tacos each
Jump to Nutrition Facts
Jump to recipe
How to Make Carne Asada Tacos
Choose the Cut of Beef
For this recipe, we recommend using flank steak or skirt steak. Flank steak is fairly lean, and it’s thicker and wider than skirt steak. Skirt steak has a rich, beefy flavor with a long and narrow shape. Both flank steak and skirt steak are excellent cuts of beef for carne asada tacos—just make sure to slice them against the grain after cooking. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making them tender and easier to chew.
Make the Marinade
The carne asada marinade consists of 5 simple ingredients: white vinegar, chili powder, extra-virgin olive oil, salt and garlic powder. Marinate the steak for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. The vinegar helps tenderize the steak, and the chili powder gives it a boost of spicy flavor.
Make the Salsa
The salsa can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead. Here are tips onhow to dice tomatoes, how to cut an onion and how to cut an avocado.
How to Cook Carne Asada
Broiling the carne asada is a quick and easy method. Place the marinated steak on a rimmed baking sheet and broil for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until preferred doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. Here are moretips on how to check for doneness. You can also grill the carne asada over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
How Many Calories Are in Carne Asada Tacos?
There are 350 calories per serving, which is 2 tacos.
Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)Ingredients½cupwhite vinegar2tablespoonschili powder2tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil2 ¾teaspoonssalt, divided1teaspoongarlic powder2poundsflank or skirt steak, trimmed and cut into 3 equal portions1poundtomatoes, chopped2-4 fresh jalapeño peppers or serrano chiles, seeded and finely diced½cupchopped onion½cupchopped fresh cilantro1ripe but slightly firm avocado, dicedJuice of 1 lime165- to 6-inch corn or whole-wheat flour tortillas, warmed1/3 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (see Tip) or other shredded cheese
Cook Mode(Keep screen awake)
Ingredients
½cupwhite vinegar
2tablespoonschili powder
2tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil
2 ¾teaspoonssalt, divided
1teaspoongarlic powder
2poundsflank or skirt steak, trimmed and cut into 3 equal portions
1poundtomatoes, chopped
2-4 fresh jalapeño peppers or serrano chiles, seeded and finely diced
½cupchopped onion
½cupchopped fresh cilantro
1ripe but slightly firm avocado, diced
Juice of 1 lime
165- to 6-inch corn or whole-wheat flour tortillas, warmed
1/3 cup crumbled Cotija cheese (see Tip) or other shredded cheese
Directions
Make salsa about 20 minutes (and up to 2 hours) before cooking the meat: Gently combine tomatoes, jalapeños (or chiles) to taste, onion, cilantro, avocado, lime juice and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
Position rack in upper third of oven; preheat broiler.
Place the steak on a rimmed baking sheet (discard the marinade). Broil for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium. Transfer to a clean cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Thinly slice against the grain. Serve the steak wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with salsa and cheese.
Equipment
Tip
Cotija cheese, also called queso añejo or queso añejado, is an aged Mexican cheese similar to Parmesan. Find it near other specialty cheeses or in Mexican grocery stores.
To warm tortillas, wrap in barely damp paper towels and microwave on High for 30 to 45 seconds, or wrap in foil and bake at 300°F until steaming, 5 to 10 minutes.
To make ahead
Marinate the steak (Step 1) for up to 1 day. Prepare the salsa (Step 2) up to 2 hours ahead.
Originally appeared: EatingWell Magazine, January/February 2012; updated November 2022
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Nutrition Facts(per serving)350Calories14gFat28gCarbs29gProtein
Nutrition Facts(per serving)
- Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.
