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Tacos De Asada

Tacos De Asada

Tacos De Asada deliver smoky seared flank steak with bright citrus and creamy guacamole for an easy weeknight dinner that sings with texture and flavor. The marinade blends orange juice and lime juice for tender, juicy meat while pantry spices create depth. Perfect for sharing, these street tacos come together quickly and are a crowd pleasing, make ahead friendly choice you will want to repeat.
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 10 tacos
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Grill or Grill Pan
  • Freezer bag
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Paper towel
  • Tongs

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 – 2 pounds flank steak pounded to an even thin thickness Pounded to an even thin thickness, provides an easy-to-slice, tender base for the tacos that soaks up marinades quickly and grills evenly to develop a flavorful char.
  • 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce Reduced sodium soy sauce contributes a savory, umami-rich backbone to the marinade while keeping salt levels moderate so other seasonings remain balanced.
  • 1/4 cup orange juice Orange juice brightens the marinade with natural sweetness and acidity, helping to tenderize the meat and add a subtle citrus aroma that complements grilled beef.
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice Added lime juice imparts sharp citrus acidity that tenderizes fibers and brightens flavors, balancing the sweetness of orange juice and brown sugar.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Used olive oil binds the marinade ingredients, helps transfer heat during searing, and keeps the steak moist while grilling to a slightly crisp exterior.
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar Brown sugar introduces caramelized sweetness that enhances the meat’s char and counterbalances salty and acidic notes for a well-rounded flavor profile.
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke Liquid smoke delivers concentrated smoky aroma without a smoker, reinforcing a charred, grilled flavor especially when cooking indoors or on quick flames.
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin Ground cumin brings warm, earthy, slightly nutty spice that complements the beef and anchors the savory, Southwestern-Mexican flavor profile of the dish.
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder Garlic powder supplies mellow, long-lasting garlic flavor that infuses the marinade evenly and withstands the high heat of grilling without burning like fresh garlic can.
  • 2 tsp EACH smoked paprika, chili powder Measured smoked paprika and chili powder add a layered heat and smoky depth: smoked paprika contributes sweet smokiness while chili powder delivers mild chili warmth.
  • 1 tsp EACH salt, onion powder, ground coriander Combined salt, onion powder, and ground coriander season the meat with savory balance, gentle allium notes, and citrusy, floral undertones to round out the marinade.
  • 1/2 tsp EACH pepper, cayenne pepper Equal parts pepper and cayenne pepper introduce a background spice and a sharper heat kick that can be adjusted to taste to enliven the filling.
  • 10 -12 corn tortillas (like La Tortilla Factory) Warmed corn tortillas serve as the traditional vessel for tacos, offering a tender, slightly sweet corn flavor that complements the grilled steak and toppings.
  • 1 recipe pico de gallo recommended Prepared pico de gallo adds fresh, bright acidity and crunchy texture from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime, contributing brightness and contrast to rich meat.
  • Guacamole recipe to follow Prepared guacamole provides creamy richness and cooling fat that mellows spice, adds silkiness to the taco bite, and highlights fresh avocado flavor.
  • Cotija cheese Crumbled Cotija cheese brings a tangy, salty, slightly crumbly texture that contrasts creamy guacamole and pico while enhancing overall savory notes.
  • sour cream Sour cream offers a cool, tangy creaminess that softens heat and adds a smooth mouthfeel, perfect for balancing spicy or acidic toppings.
  • Homemade Salsa Homemade salsa contributes customizable freshness, acidity, and heat depending on the recipe, adding a lively, saucy element to each taco.
  • hot sauce Hot sauce imparts concentrated heat and acidity in small amounts, enabling diners to adjust spiciness and add punchy flavor to individual tacos.
  • Recipe Grilled Pineapple Salsa optional Grilled pineapple salsa, served optionally, introduces charred sweetness and tropical acidity that complements the savory steak with a bright contrast.
  • Recipe Mexican Street Fries optional Mexican street fries served optionally provide a hearty, crispy-accented side option with bold seasonings that pair well with tacos for a complete meal.
  • 4 medium ripe avocados peeled and pitted Peeled and pitted ripe avocados supply the base for guacamole with smooth, buttery texture and mild, rich flavor that binds other guacamole ingredients.
  • 1 Roma tomato seeded, chopped Seeded and chopped Roma tomato adds firm flesh, mild sweetness, and juiciness to the guacamole, contributing fresh acidity and pleasant texture contrast.
  • 1 jalapeno seeded, deveined, diced more or less to taste Seeded, deveined, and diced jalapeno delivers a crisp, vegetal heat to the guacamole; adjusting seeds allows control over spiciness while adding green pepper notes.
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion rinsed, drained, patted dry Finely diced red onion, rinsed and patted dry, provides sharp, crunchy bursts of allium flavor without excess bite thanks to rinsing, improving guacamole texture.
  • 2 garlic cloves minced Minced garlic imparts pungent savory depth and aromatic complexity to the guacamole, rounding out the other fresh flavors with a warm garlic note.
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro Finely chopped cilantro contributes bright, herbaceous, citrusy-green flavor that lifts the guacamole and ties it to traditional Mexican flavor profiles.
  • 3 -4 tablespoons fresh lime juice Fresh lime juice adds zesty acidity that prevents avocado browning, brightens flavors, and balances the creamy richness in the guacamole.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin Ground cumin brings a subtle warm, earthy undertone to the guacamole that complements cilantro and garlic, adding complexity to the creamy mixture.
  • 1/4 teaspoons salt plus more to taste Measured salt seasons the guacamole to enhance overall flavor, while additional salt can be added to taste to achieve the desired balance.
  • pepper to taste Ground pepper is used to taste to provide gentle heat and a peppery bite that complements the creamy and acidic elements in the guacamole.

Instructions
 

  • Add Spice Mix seasonings to a small bag or sealable container; whisk and set aside.: You will notice aromatic, earthy notes as the powdered spices come together which helps ensure even distribution later, and this step prevents clumping when the spice mix hits wet ingredients. One common mistake is skimping on whisking which leaves pockets of strong flavor; thoroughly combine until the color is uniform and the aroma is cohesive.
  • Add all Marinade Ingredients (except steak) to a large freezer bag and whisk to combine. Add 3 tablespoons Spice Mix to Marinade and whisk to combine. Add steak, squeeze out excess air, seal and turn to evenly coat. Marinate in the refrigerator 4-12 hours (the longer the better).: The marinade will smell tangy and sweet with savory depth, and fully coating the flank steak lets the acids and aromatics penetrate. A typical pitfall is not removing air from the bag which limits contact between meat and marinade, so press out as much air as possible and flip the bag a few times during marinating to redistribute the liquid.
  • While steak is marinating, prepare pico de gallo and other toppings aside from guacamole and refrigerate.: Freshly chopped Roma tomato and crisp red onion will smell bright and vegetal, and chilling the toppings lets flavors meld. Avoid making guacamole too early or it will brown; keep the avocado components separate until closer to service to preserve color and texture.
  • When ready to grill, mix remaining Spice Mix with 2 tablespoons olive oil to create a wet Spice Rub.: The oil blooms the spices, releasing fragrant oils and creating a paste that adheres to the meat for a better sear. A mistake here is using too little oil which prevents an even rub; aim for a cohesive paste that spreads smoothly over the steak.
  • Discard marinade and pat steaks dry with paper towel. Rub steak evenly all over with Spice Rub and let rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. I use this time to make guacamole (recipe to follow).: Patting dry reduces steaming and allows the surface to caramelize, and resting brings the steak closer to even cooking temperature. Do not skip the drying step or the meat will not form a proper crust; you want a dry surface to achieve those desirable charred notes.
  • Grease and preheat outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to high heat. Add steak and turn down to medium-high. Grill steak for 5-6 minutes per side, turning once, for medium (recommended 145 degrees F). For medium-well, continue cooking steak over indirect flame for an additional 5-10 minutes per side, depending on thickness. *If you like your steaks rare then use HIGH heat so you can get the charred outside in less time.: As the steak hits the hot grates you will hear an immediate sizzle and smell a toasty, caramel aroma which signals the Maillard reaction. Using direct high heat first gives a crisp exterior, then moving to medium high ensures an even cook. Overcrowding the grill is a common error that drops temperature and prevents searing, so work in batches if needed.
  • Remove steak and let rest 10 minutes before chopping into small pieces.: Resting allows juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, tender pieces rather than a dry, leaking steak. You will notice the meat relax and become easier to slice, a clear sign you are ready. Cutting too soon is a frequent mistake that causes the juices to run out; patience here pays off in texture.
  • Warm tortillas in the microwave, in a skillet or char on the grill or open gas stovetop flame until warm but still pliable (detailed instructions in notes).: Warmed corn tortillas should smell slightly toasted and feel soft yet sturdy enough to hold fillings. Charring them briefly adds smoky complexity, but overheating leads to brittleness, so aim for pliability rather than crispness to prevent tearing when assembling.
  • Assemble Street Tacos by layering warmed corn tortillas with carne asada steak, pico de gallo, guacamole, sour cream and cotija. Serve with optional lime wedges and hot sauce.: The finished taco should combine textures and temperatures, with bright pico de gallo cutting through rich guacamole and savory steak. A common assembling error is overfilling tortillas which makes them hard to eat, so balance portions to keep them tidy and enjoyable.
  • Mash avocados in a medium bowl to desired consistency. Fold in all remaining ingredients. Taste and add additional lime juice or salt to taste.: When you mash the avocados , you will sense a silky, cool texture that contrasts the warm steak, and folding in the aromatics develops a layered flavor. Overworking the avocado can make it overly loose, so stop mashing when you reach a chunky creamy balance.
  • Serve immediately or cover with plastic wrap (press the plastic so it is touching the top of the guacamole to prevent browning) and refrigerate until ready to serve.: Fresh guacamole should look vibrant and smell herbaceous from the cilantro and lime, and pressing plastic directly on the surface minimizes air contact. A common mistake is letting guacamole sit uncovered which speeds oxidation, resulting in an unappetizing brown layer.

Notes

  • Choose the right cut Use flank steak for its long grain and ability to absorb marinades, and remember to pound it thin for consistent cooking.
  • Control marinating time Marinate no less than four hours and no more than twelve to get great flavor without compromising texture from the citrus.
  • Dry before searing Pat the steak dry before applying the wet spice rub so you get a proper sear and caramelization rather than steaming.
  • Preheat the grill or pan Ensure the cooking surface is very hot before adding the steak to achieve that desirable char and rich Maillard flavors.
  • Rest after cooking Allow the steak to rest for at least ten minutes to let juices redistribute, which preserves tenderness when you chop it.
  • Warm tortillas properly Use a quick char or short skillet heat to keep them pliable and fragrant, avoiding overcooking which makes them brittle.
  • Assemble with balance Aim for modest amounts of steak and toppings per tortilla to keep the tacos easy to eat and full of contrasting textures.
Keyword carne asada tacos, Easy Taco Dinner, grilled flank steak tacos, street tacos recipe