Name: Juicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced; 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons); 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1/3 cup olive oil; Juice of 1 orange (about 1/4 cup); Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons); 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for grilling; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for grilling; 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak, excess fat removed; 16 corn tortillas, warmed (or flour tortillas); 1/2 medium onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese; Lime wedges, for serving; Optional toppings: guacamole, pico de gallo, toasted red chile salsa

If you're craving that perfect blend of smoky, tangy, and spicy all wrapped up in a warm tortilla, you're going to LOVE this Juicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe. Trust me, once you try these, you'll be dreaming about them all week long!

The image shows five grilled steak tacos arranged on a large white speckled plate. Each taco has three layers: a charred yellow corn tortilla base, a thick green guacamole spread in the middle, and small pinkish grilled steak cubes on top. They are garnished with white chopped onions and green cilantro leaves. On the plate, there are also green lime wedges scattered around the tacos. In the center of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with chunky guacamole, with a silver spoon inside it. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Juicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Juicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Juicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made many carne asada recipes in my kitchen, but this one stands out with its fresh marinade and the juicy, tender steak it yields. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends.

Bold, vibrant flavor: The marinade balances citrus, spice, and herbs for an authentic taste that sings.
Easy to prepare: Just whisk, marinate, and grill — no fussing with complicated steps.
Perfectly juicy steak: Marinating the flank or skirt steak locks in all those mouthwatering juices.
Customizable toppings: Add your favorites like cotija cheese, cilantro, and fresh lime to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you hit the store, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each ingredient is key to making these tacos truly outstanding. Look for fresh produce, good-quality steak, and authentic spices to bring this recipe to life.

Flat lay of a fresh green jalapeño pepper, four whole brown garlic cloves with papery skins, a small bunch of bright green cilantro sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with bright orange fresh orange juice, a small white bowl with pale green lime juice, a small white bowl of clear white wine vinegar, a scattering of coarse kosher salt crystals, a heap of mixed red and dark brown chili powders in a small white bowl, ground cumin and dried oregano displayed as small mounds on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl containing finely ground black pepper, a raw skirt steak with marbled fat trimmed, sixteen stacked soft yellow corn tortillas on a simple white ceramic plate, a small pile of finely diced white onion, a small bunch of chopped fresh cilantro, a small mound of crumbly white cotija cheese, and fresh lime wedges arranged neatly—all ingredients fresh and natural, perfect symmetry and balanced layout, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Jalapeño pepper: Provides just the right kick without overpowering the marinade.
Garlic: Adds rich, savory depth that pairs beautifully with the citrus.
Cilantro: Freshness that brightens up the marinade and complements the toppings.
Olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the steak evenly and locks in moisture.
Orange juice: Gives a subtle sweetness and tenderizes the meat with natural acids.
Lime juice: Adds essential citrus tang—can’t have carne asada without it!
White wine vinegar: Balances the flavors and adds a gentle acidic bite.
Chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, ancho chili powder: These spices create the authentic Mexican flavor profile that makes these tacos stand out.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the meat perfectly before and after grilling.
Flank or skirt steak: The star of the show—choose a cut with little excess fat for the best grilling results.
Corn tortillas: Traditional, warm, and perfect for wrapping up tender carne asada.
Onion and cilantro for topping: Classic taco garnishes that add crunch and fresh flavor.
Cotija cheese: Salty, crumbly cheese that adds a creamy, tangy finish.
Lime wedges and optional extras: Guacamole, pico de gallo, or toasted red chile salsa to amp up your taco game.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Juicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe is how easily you can adapt it to your taste and dietary needs. Whether you like it spice-forward, loaded with toppings, or a bit lighter, the base recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity.

Spicy Kick: I love adding extra minced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce right on top of the tacos for that extra zing that wakes up every bite.
Vegetarian Version: For friends who don’t eat meat, swapping the steak for grilled portobello mushrooms marinated in the same citrus and spice blend makes a surprisingly delicious alternative!
Seasonal Twist: In summer, I like adding fresh diced mango or pineapple to the toppings. The sweet fruit balances the smoky grilled steak beautifully and adds a refreshing burst of flavor.
Cheese Swap: Cotija is classic, but if you want something creamier, try crumbled queso fresco or even a sprinkle of sharp cheddar for a twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Juicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

Three tacos are placed on white parchment paper over a dark plate with a white marbled background. Each taco has a soft, yellow corn tortilla base, folded in half. The first layer inside the tortillas is a green, creamy guacamole spread. On top are chunks of grilled meat with a brown grilled outside and a pink inside. There are small white onion pieces and chopped green cilantro sprinkled over the meat. Small bits of white cheese are lightly scattered on top. A bright green lime wedge sits on the plate next to the tacos. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisking Together the Vibrant Marinade

Start by combining the minced jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, and fresh citrus juices (orange and lime) in a medium bowl. Whisk in the white wine vinegar, chili powders, cumin, oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until everything comes together in a beautiful aromatic mixture that hints at the bold flavors to come. This step builds the flavor foundation, so taste the marinade and adjust seasoning if you like a little more heat or tang.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak for Maximum Flavor

Place your cut of flank or skirt steak in a large baking dish or gallon-sized ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the meat and turn it to ensure every inch is coated with the vibrant mixture. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours—ideally up to 4 hours. This resting time lets the citrus and spices tenderize and infuse the steak with delicious flavor. Just remember not to go beyond 8 hours so the meat doesn’t start to break down too much.

Step 3: Prep and Heat the Grill

Remove the steak from the marinade, discarding any leftover liquid. Pat the steak dry with paper towels—this helps achieve a nice sear. Drizzle a little olive oil on both sides of the steak and season lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Preheat your grill or grill pan to a medium-high temperature, aiming for about 400-450°F. A hot grill seals in those juices and creates that signature grilled crust.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place the steak on the grill and close the lid. Depending on your cut and thickness, grill for 4 to 8 minutes per side. Skirt steak tends to cook closer to 4 minutes per side, while flank steak may need closer to 6-8 minutes. Look for that gorgeous char and smoky aroma as your clue that the meat is almost ready. Use an oven-safe meat thermometer if you want to be sure of doneness. The wait is worth it!

Step 5: Rest and Slice for Juiciness

Once off the grill, transfer your steak to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This pause lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite stays juicy and tender. Then slice the steak into bite-sized chunks—perfect for piling onto tortillas without the mess.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Warm your tortillas until they’re soft and pliable—either on the grill, in a skillet, or wrapped in a towel inside a tortilla warmer. Spoon a generous amount of your sliced carne asada onto each tortilla, then top with finely diced onions, chopped cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, and a bright squeeze of fresh lime juice. The combination of smoky, tangy, and fresh is simply irresistible.

Step 7: Add Your Favorite Extras

Bring your tacos to life with optional toppings like creamy guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, or a spicy toasted red chile salsa. Serve everything alongside lime wedges for guests to add a little extra zing as they like. These finishing touches can take your Juicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe from delicious to downright unforgettable.

Top Tip

Making Juicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe at home is all about layering flavors and paying attention to the details. Here are some insider tips that really elevate this classic dish and make it shine every time.

Perfect Marinade Timing: I’ve learned that marinating the steak for at least 2 hours is essential to get that bold citrus and spice flavor to really penetrate the meat — but never go past 8 hours to avoid mushy texture.
Pat Steak Dry Before Grilling: Drying off the steak after marinating is a game changer. It helps get that beautiful sear on the grill instead of steaming the meat.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Resting the steak for 5 minutes after grilling lets the juices redistribute so every bite is juicy and tender — don’t rush this!
Warm Those Tortillas Right: Keeping your tortillas wrapped in a warm towel or tortilla warmer preserves their softness and prevents cracking which makes assembling your tacos much easier and tastier.

How to Serve Juicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

The image shows a large piece of grilled steak on a wooden board with clear dark grill marks. The steak is sliced into long, thick pieces on the left side, and smaller diced cubes are placed on the right side near a knife with a wooden handle. The meat inside is pinkish with a slightly red center, showing it is cooked medium. The wooden board has a rustic texture and is the only surface visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes are what make these tacos truly pop! Stick to the classic toppings like finely diced white onion, bright chopped cilantro, and crumbly cotija cheese. A good squeeze of fresh lime ties it all together with a zesty burst. If you want to mix it up, add creamy guacamole, fresh pico de gallo for that sweet heat, or a smoky toasted red chile salsa for extra depth.

Side Dishes

Round out your feast with some traditional Mexican sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh jicama slaw for crunch. Grilled corn on the cob with a sprinkle of chili powder and cotija cheese also complements these tacos beautifully. And don’t forget chips and salsa for snacking as you wait!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover carne asada, store the sliced steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to 3 days and remains flavorful for quick taco fixes or salads the next few days.

Freezing

To freeze, place cooked, cooled steak pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Your carne asada can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the steak gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or beef broth to keep it moist, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain tenderness. Warm your tortillas separately so they stay soft and ready to go.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What cut of steak is best for Carne Asada Tacos?

Flank steak and skirt steak are the traditional and best choices for Carne Asada Tacos because they absorb the marinade well and grill quickly to develop great flavor and tenderness.

Can I make the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix the marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good whisk before adding the steak to ensure all the flavors are well blended.

How do I keep my tortillas warm and soft for serving?

Place tortillas inside a tortilla warmer or wrap them in a clean kitchen towel and put them inside a large zip-top bag to trap heat and moisture. This keeps them pliable and perfect for tacos.

Can I grill the carne asada indoors?

Yes! If you don’t have an outdoor grill, a grill pan heated to medium-high (400-450°F) on the stovetop works wonderfully. Just be sure to cook the steak with the lid closed if possible to mimic outdoor grilling.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about making Juicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe from scratch—the grill marks on the steak, the fresh bright garnish, and the burst of lime juice all come together to create an irresistible meal. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or a fun gathering, these tacos bring authentic Mexican flavors right into your home kitchen with love and ease. So fire up your grill, get those tortillas warmed, and enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite!