Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico with these mouthwatering Street Tacos de Carne Asada. Tender, marinated carne asada seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, cooked to perfection, and nestled in warm street taco tortillas. Topped with a zesty medley of diced tomatoes, onions, and serrano peppers, these tacos are a fiesta for your senses. Follow this simple recipe to recreate the authentic flavors of Mexican street food right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, Authentic Flavors: The combination of cumin, garlic, and cracked pepper perfectly seasons the tender carne asada, while the marinade of beer, serrano pepper, and fresh vegetables adds a zesty, smoky depth.
- Juicy and Tender Meat: Marinating the diced carne asada ensures every bite is infused with flavor and cooked to perfection.
- Classic Street Taco Style: These tacos embrace the simplicity of traditional street food, featuring flavorful meat, fresh onion, and cilantro wrapped in soft corn tortillas.
- Quick and Versatile: With a short marinade time and straightforward preparation, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Customizable: Guests can add their favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or lime wedges, tailoring their tacos to their taste.
Key Ingredients
- Carne Asada: The star of the dish, seasoned with cumin, garlic powder, kosher salt, and cracked pepper for bold, savory flavor.
- Serrano Pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the marinade.
- Beer (Dos Equis): Infuses the meat with a rich, malty flavor while tenderizing it.
- Fresh Vegetables: Roma tomato and white onion add a touch of sweetness and crunch to the marinade and garnish.
- Corn Tortillas: Perfect for holding the tender, flavorful carne asada.
- Cilantro and Onion: Classic garnishes that enhance the freshness of every bite.
Street Tacos de Carne Asada Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs carne asada*
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cracked pepper
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 serrano pepper, sliced
- ½ roma tomato, diced
- ½ white onion, finely diced
- 6-8 oz. Dos Equis beer
- 32 street taco tortillas
- ½ cup white onion, diced, for garnish
- ½ cup cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Meat: In a bowl, combine cumin, kosher salt, garlic powder, and cracked pepper. Coat the carne asada evenly with the spice mixture.
- Prepare the Marinade: Slice the seasoned meat into strips, then dice into bite-sized pieces. Place the meat in a large resealable plastic bag or a covered bowl. Add the sliced serrano pepper, diced roma tomato, diced onion, and beer. Mix well to ensure the meat is thoroughly coated.
- Marinate: Allow the meat to marinate for at least 15 minutes, preferably up to 1 hour, to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Meat: Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour the entire marinated mixture into the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid has evaporated and the meat is cooked through, approximately 20 minutes.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the meat is cooking, warm the street taco tortillas in a separate skillet or on a griddle until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the cooked carne asada onto the warmed tortillas. Top with diced white onion and chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Serve immediately, accompanied by lime wedges, salsa, or guacamole if desired.
Notes
- Marination Time: Marinating the carne asada allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. While 15 minutes is the minimum marination time suggested, extending it up to an hour will enhance the taste further.
- Meat Selection: Ensure to choose quality carne asada for the best taste and texture. Look for well-marbled cuts that are suitable for grilling or frying.
- Cooking Temperature: When heating the skillet with canola oil, medium-high heat is recommended to achieve a nice sear on the meat without burning the spices.
- Liquid Evaporation: It’s important to cook the marinated mixture until all the liquid has evaporated. This step concentrates the flavors and caramelizes the meat, enhancing its taste and texture.
- Tortilla Choice: Opt for authentic street taco corn tortillas to complement the flavors of the carne asada. The smaller size of street taco tortillas makes them perfect for serving appetizer-sized portions.
- Garnish: The diced white onion and roughly chopped cilantro add freshness and crunch to the tacos. Feel free to adjust the amounts according to personal preference.
- Customization: These street tacos are versatile and can be customized with additional toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or lime wedges to suit individual tastes.
Nutrition Information
Yields: 16 servings | Serving Size: 2 street tacos
- Calories: 310kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Protein: 17g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g