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Marinated flank steak makes these authentic carne asada tacos the best we’ve ever had. Who needs a restaurant or vacation now?!
What is Flank Steak?
In the culinary arts, flank steak refers to a steak that has been cut from the beef flank primal cut.
Flank steak can be identified by the characteristic grain of the meat.
These long, stringy muscle fibers can be tough, which is why it’s important to either break them down through slow, moist cooking or by slicing it across this grain.
Some butchers sell flank steak under the name “London Broil,” while others use that term for cuts from the round (that’s the butt of the cow).
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Authentic Carne Asada Tacos
Cade and I honeymooned in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It was wonderful, warm, relaxing and oh so delicious. I swear there’s just nothing like all of that fresh food down there. Oh my goodness I can smell it! I don’t love how Cabo has changed, it’s so much more of a tourist spot instead of a tropical vacay, but the food is still delicious.
We had two favorites (well three if you count Cade’s love of coconut shrimp) the authentic carne asada tacos and chicken nachos.
Authentic Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
I wish that I had the for real authentic carne asada tacos recipe, but since I don’t we’ve been experimenting instead. Their’s is juicy, tender, and while I adore steak with crusty sea salt and pepper (natural flavor is amazing when done correctly) their’s definitely has got a little more flavor goin’ on.
I love that the steak is thinly sliced, and you get a caramelized crust on the outside. The little bits of “crust” on the steak is deliciously flavorful. A grill definitely is key to this recipe, and a great grill makes it even better.
One of my favorite parts about tacos, besides the fact that they are so fresh and delicious, is that they are easier on your waistline too. For example, A 3 ounce serving of beef is an excellent source of protein, zinc, vitamin B12, selenium and phosphorus and a good source of niacin, vitamin B6, iron and riboflavin. (You can check out other fantastic facts about how much healthier beef is than you realize by reading at the Beef Council.
Bet you thought chicken was the only best option huh? ) That’s just 3 ounces! And trust me, you don’t need huge servings no matter how delicious anything is. But that’s what else is great about tacos, you can load up on yummy veggies too. It’s a great way to eat healthier without even trying.
And while we are talking about deliciousness we better stop for a moment and talk about home cooked corn tortillas. Obviously 100% homemade are my absolute favorite, but I do not have the time, or tortilla press to make that happen. We are in love with the fresh, uncooked flour tortillas, in fact they are all that we will use, but recently they’ve come out with a corn version. Woohoo!! They are so delicious! You have to start scoping your local grocery store for Tortilla Land Fresh corn tortillas. Or check their website for locations.
Can You Make Carne Asada Tacos With Flour Tortillas?
Traditionally, Carne Asada Tacos are made with corn tortillas.
But, you could use flour tortillas if you choose.
Authentic Carne Asada Tacos
Authentic Carne Asada Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 1/2-2 lbs Flank Steak
- 1/3 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce, we always use low sodium
- 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper
- 2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Oregano, chopped (we used gourmet garden tube herbs found in produce)
- 2 teaspoons Lime Juice
- 5 Cloves Garlic, minced
For the Tacos
- Corn Tortillas
- Pico De Gallo
- Guacamole, we just used wholly guacamole from the store
- Queso Fresco, found in the cheese section
- Cilantro, Chopped
- 1 Lime, sliced in wedges
Instructions
- In a large Ziploc bag, combine all ingredients and squish the bag to blend everything together.1 1/2-2 lbs Flank Steak, 1/3 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar, 1/4 Cup Soy Sauce, 1/4 Cup Olive Oil, 1 teaspoon Cumin, 1 1/2 teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper, 2 teaspoon Kosher Salt, 1 teaspoon Chili Powder, 1 teaspoon Onion Powder, 2 teaspoons Fresh Oregano, 2 teaspoons Lime Juice, 5 Cloves Garlic
- Add the flank steak and place in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes up to overnight.
- Heat a grill to medium high heat. Add the steak and turn down to medium heat.
- Cook the meat for 6 min and flip for another 5-8 min. Flank steak does not have much fat so you really should serve this more like medium verses well done, otherwise the meat will be chewy instead of juicy.
- Remove the meat from the grill to a cutting board and tent with foil for 6-10 min.
- Slice thin and serve on a platter for build your own tacos.
- Meanwhile, heat a griddle, grill or pan to medium heat and warm up (or cook) each side of the tortillas.Corn Tortillas
- Fill your taco with meat, pico de gallo, guacamole, cheese, cilantro and a squirt of lime juice.Pico De Gallo, Guacamole, Queso Fresco, Cilantro, 1 Lime
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Pork Carnitas with pickled red onions
These tacos are amazing. This is my second time making them, first time I used leftover cross rib roast and marinated and warmed on the stove. This time I followed the recipe as per instructions with the steaks. Amazing both ways. The marinade is perfection. Followed your recommended toppings, and added shredded lettuce, diced red onion and tomato. Didn’t have Pico, so used salsa. I’ve forwarded this recipe to basically everyone I know. Old el paso kits can’t compare!
Melissa…you’ve made my day!! Thank you so much! We sure love these tacos too! Thank you for the feedback!
I came across this recipe because I wanted to make Carne Asada tacos for my husband for Cinco de Mayo. I chose this recipe because it looked doable, it didn’t have a hugely complex ingredient list but looked like it had enough to be flavorful. Other recipes I looked at had either a million ingredients listed (too complicated) or just a couple (too bland?). Anyway, this recipe was awesome. The meat was super flavorful, so delicious, and my husband and I both loved these tacos. Bravo!
Thank you so much Katie! Glad you all enjoyed it!
Thank you for this awesome recipe! My husband and I really enjoyed the tacos! I just wanted to give one comment about the presentation of the recipe. The “Ts” is confusing when you later spell out “Teaspoon.” I spent some time asking other people whether Ts was Tablespoon (even though it isn’t traditionally) or if it was Teaspoon. Ts just isn’t one you see often and the inconsistency in presentation made me question what you meant :). Just trying to help out future readers. Thanks!
I’m sorry about that. Usually we type everything out but I must have been tired and wrote it like I so when recipe testing on paper. THanks!
Thanks for sharing!
These were FANTASTIC! I have tried several Carne Asada recipes in the past and never thought the meat was very flavorful ~ yours was perfect! Thank you for a great new addition to our dinner rotation. I’m glad I found you and I’m excited to try more of your creations!
I’m so glad to hear you liked it! Thanks! ~Cade
Yummy! I need to try this! I buy those same tortillas at Costco. That way I never run out!