Go Back
–+ servings
Homemade Carne Asada Street Tacos with citrus marinated steak, salsa verde, cotija cheese, grilled pepper, lime wedges, and warm corn tortillas.
Reynaldo’s Cocina 📍

Carne Asada Street Tacos

Street style carne asada tacos made with steak marinated in orange juice, citrus, garlic, and warm spices then finished with salsa verde, cotija cheese, cilantro, and fresh lime.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinate Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
Marinade
  • 1/2 cup orange juice fresh preferred
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp Sazon
  • 2 tsp kosher salt
For Tacos
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup salsa verde
  • 1/2 cup cotija cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
  • 2 grilled guero peppers
  • 2 limes cut into wedges

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Cast iron skillet or grill
  • Tongs

Method

  1. Add the steak to a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a separate bowl combine orange juice, lime juice, avocado oil, garlic, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, chili powder, oregano, black pepper, white pepper, Sazon, and kosher salt.
  3. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Pour the marinade over the steak.
  5. Toss until evenly coated.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  7. Heat a cast iron skillet or grill over high heat.
  8. Remove the steak from the marinade.
  9. Cook until browned and lightly charred on both sides.
  10. Remove from the heat and rest for 5 minutes.
  11. Slice the steak against the grain.
  12. Chop into small taco sized pieces.
  13. Warm the corn tortillas.
  14. Fill each tortilla with carne asada.
  15. Top with salsa verde, cotija cheese, and chopped cilantro.
  16. Serve with grilled guero peppers and fresh lime wedges.

Notes

• Orange juice should brighten the flavor of the steak without making it sweet.
• Marinating helps the citrus, garlic, and spices work deeper into the meat.
• Always slice against the grain for the most tender bite.
• Let the steak rest before chopping to help retain its juices.
• Warm tortillas before assembling for better texture and flexibility.
• Keep toppings balanced so the carne asada remains the star of the taco.
• Salsa verde should complement the steak, not overpower it.
• Cook over high heat to develop a flavorful char and authentic street taco texture.
• These tacos are perfect for gatherings, cookouts, and taco nights.
• Leftover carne asada reheats well for burritos, quesadillas, or taco bowls.
QR Code linking back to recipe