Carne Asada Tacos
This Carne Asada Tacos recipe features juicy, citrus-marinated flank steak that is sliced thin and tucked into toasty, cheesy tortillas, then loaded with street corn, chipotle crema, queso fresco, and fresh lime. They are bold, smoky, and packed with flavor in every bite.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time5 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 8 tacos
Carne Asada
- 1.5-2 pounds flank steak
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 limes juiced and zested
- 1 orange zested
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 4 garlic cloves pressed or finely minced
- 2 tablespoons diced chipotle peppers like La Consteña brand
- ½ cup fresh cilantro minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 2 teaspoons cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil for searing the steak
Chipotle Crema
- 2/3 cup sour cream
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons diced chipotle peppers in adobo
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Pinch of salt
Toppings
- prepared street corn salad
- 8 Flour tortillas
- 4 tablespoons butter for toasting tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese Monterey jack works instead
- Queso fresco crumbled
- Fresh lime wedges
In a large bowl or baking dish, whisk together all marinade ingredients until well combined. Pound the flank steak with a meat mallet to tenderize, then submerge fully in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.
Prepare the street corn salad, according to the instructions. Cover and refrigerate. This can be made up to 2 days ahead.
In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use. Taste and adjust if needed.
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and coat the bottom with avocado oil. Remove the steak from the marinade and let excess drip off. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches about 120°F. Transfer to a cutting board, rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
Heat a large pan over low heat. Lightly butter one side of each tortilla. Place tortillas buttered side down in the pan, top each with about 1/4 cup shredded cheese, and cook until the cheese begins to melt, about 3 minutes. Fold in half and cook until golden and crisp on both sides.
Carefully open each tortilla and fill with sliced carne asada. Top with street corn, chipotle crema, queso fresco, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately.