Zesty Grilled Carne Asada Tacos
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of homemade Zesty Grilled Carne Asada Tacos, inspired by my favorite local taqueria. This recipe features tender flank or round steak marinated in a zesty lime and spice mixture, perfectly grilled to deliver a satisfying bite. Paired with a fresh salsa bursting with tomatoes, jalapenos, and cilantro, each taco is an explosion of flavor. Topped with crunchy lettuce, fragrant green onions, and a squeeze of lime, these tacos are not only a treat for the taste buds but also a fun and interactive meal for friends and family to enjoy!
6
Servings
567
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
flank or round steak
2 lbs (thinly sliced)
fresh lime juice
1/3 cup (from about 3-4 limes)
garlic powder
2 teaspoons ( )
crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons ( )
fresh ground black pepper
to taste ( )
Mexican oregano
2 tablespoons (finely ground (optional))
plum tomatoes
4 (chopped)
jalapeno pepper
1 (chopped fine)
garlic
1 clove (minced)
green onions
2 (white and green parts, chopped)
cilantro
6-8 sprigs (chopped)
fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons ( )
salt
to taste ( )
fresh cilantro
1/3 cup (chopped)
lettuce
1 cup (shredded)
onion
1 (sliced and grilled (optional))
green onions
4-6 (chopped)
fresh lime wedge
(for serving)
corn or flour tortillas
12 (warmed)
Instructions
1
Start by marinating the steak. In a shallow glass dish, combine the flank or round steak with freshly squeezed lime juice. Let it sit for 1 minute.
2
Add garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and Mexican oregano (if desired) to the steak, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, allowing the beef to absorb the flavors. For best results, marinate for a few hours or overnight.
3
Prepare the salsa while the meat marinates. In a bowl, combine chopped tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, minced garlic, green onions, and chopped cilantro. Add 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
4
When you're ready to cook, heat your grill until it's red hot. Grill the marinated steaks for 1-2 minutes on each side, keeping an eye on them as they are thin and cook quickly.
5
Sprinkle coarse salt over the meat as it cooks. Once done, remove the steaks from the grill and let them cool for a couple of minutes.
6
Slice the steak into thin strips against the grain.
7
Warm the corn or flour tortillas just before serving. To assemble the tacos, place a few strips of steak on each tortilla and add the salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, and grilled onions if using.
8
Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Nutrition Information
25
Fat
33
Carbs
33
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Grilled Carne Asada Tacos?
They are tacos featuring tender flank or round steak marinated in a zesty lime and spice mixture, served with fresh homemade salsa and traditional toppings.
What cut of meat is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of flank or round steak, thinly sliced.
How long should I marinate the steak?
The steak should marinate for at least 20 minutes, but for the best results, it can be marinated for a few hours or even overnight.
What ingredients are in the steak marinade?
The marinade consists of fresh lime juice, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and optional Mexican oregano.
How do I prepare the fresh salsa?
Combine chopped plum tomatoes, finely chopped jalapeno, minced garlic, green onions, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
How long does it take to grill the meat?
Since the steaks are thin, they only need to be grilled for 1-2 minutes on each side on a red-hot grill.
How should I slice the carne asada for the tacos?
Once the steak has cooled for a few minutes, slice it into thin strips against the grain.
What type of tortillas should I use?
You can use 12 corn or flour tortillas, ensuring they are warmed just before serving.
What are the suggested toppings for these tacos?
Toppings include the fresh salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, and optionally grilled onions.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are 567 calories per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving contains 33 grams of protein.
How much fat is in these tacos?
There are 25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 33 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is Mexican oregano necessary for this recipe?
Mexican oregano is optional but adds a specific authentic flavor to the beef marinade.
What kind of tomatoes are best for the salsa?
The recipe specifies using 4 plum tomatoes for the salsa.
How much lime juice is needed for the marinade?
You will need 1/3 cup of fresh lime juice, which is roughly from 3-4 limes.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes 2 tablespoons of crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade and a jalapeno in the salsa, giving it a zesty and spicy kick.
Should I salt the meat before or during grilling?
The instructions suggest sprinkling coarse salt over the meat as it cooks on the grill.
Can I prepare the salsa in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salsa while the meat is marinating and set it aside.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The total ingredient count for this recipe is 19.
What makes the tacos interactive for family and friends?
The assembly process of adding steak, salsa, and various toppings to warmed tortillas makes it a fun meal for groups.
How much lettuce is used as a topping?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded lettuce.
How many green onions are needed in total?
You need 2 for the salsa and an additional 4-6 chopped for the taco assembly.
What is the purpose of letting the steak sit in lime juice for 1 minute?
This initial step helps start the tenderizing process before adding the dry spices.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is recommended for the best flavor, especially for the salsa and marinade.
How hot should the grill be?
The grill should be red hot to ensure quick cooking and a good sear on the thin steak.
What should I serve on the side?
Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal as it contains protein, vegetables, and grains.
How much garlic powder is used in the steak seasoning?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of garlic powder.