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Recipe

A perfect carne asada taco relies on a flavorful citrus-based marinade and a quick, high-heat sear to get that signature smoky char.

Carne Asada Tacos

Mexico
4 servings (8 tacos), 4 hours total (including marinating)
Sources: Cross-checked against Serious Eats and Rick Martínez’s techniques.
Watch it made
4 servings
You’ll need
13 items · tap to check off
For the Marinade
For the Tacos
Make it step by step
10 steps · 135 min of timed cooking
  1. Combine all marinade ingredients in a large bowl or zip-top bag and add the steak, ensuring it is well-coated.
  2. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though 4 hours is ideal to let the lime juice tenderize the meat.⏱ 120 min
  3. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
  4. Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat or place a heavy cast-iron skillet over high heat until it is smoking hot.
  5. Grill or sear the steak for 3-5 minutes per side until deeply charred on the outside and medium-rare inside.⏱ 5 min
  6. Transfer the meat to a cutting board and let it rest for 10 minutes to keep the juices inside.⏱ 10 min
  7. Dice the steak into small, bite-sized cubes, cutting against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  8. Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or over an open flame until they are soft and lightly toasted.
  9. Assemble tacos by dividing the steak among the tortillas and topping with diced onion, fresh cilantro, and salsa.
  10. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.
💡
Chef’s tip · Always slice the steak against the grain to ensure every bite is tender and easy to chew.
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