Carne Asada Street Tacos (Authentic, Easy Recipe)

These carne asada street tacos are everything we love about simple summer food. Grilled steak, warm corn tortillas, and just a few fresh toppings are all you need. They’re full of flavor and come together easily, making them perfect for casual dinners or relaxed entertaining.

We’ve lived in Southern California two different times. And even when we were on the East Coast and the kids were young, we spent every summer there. Every year, we rented the same house just a few blocks from the ocean. The summers were magical and filled with the kind of memories that stay with you forever. Most days ended at the beach.

Our Friday night ritual was simple: take the kids surfing at Doheny Beach, then stop at our favorite taco stand on the way home. It was the best kind of place. You ordered at the window and took it home. It was always a toss-up between carne asada street tacos or fish tacos, and more often than not, we’d get one of each.

Now, living again on the East Coast, we find ourselves missing those flavors. This carne asada street tacos recipe comes close. Maybe it’s the grill, the citrus marinade, or just the memory of those summers, but either way, it never disappoints.

What is the difference between street tacos and regular tacos?

There are a couple of things that differentiate street tacos and regular tacos. Street tacos are typically smaller in size and made with warm, soft corn tortillas. As you can imagine, the origin came from the streets of Mexico. Locals who worked on the farms would wrap their tortillas around whatever meat they had and eat them on the go.

What is carne asada?

Carne asada literally means “grilled meat,” and typically refers to marinated beef, most often skirt or flank steak that’s cooked over high heat. The marinade, usually made with citrus, garlic, and spices, gives the meat its signature bold, slightly smoky flavor.

Best meat for carne asada street tacos

Skirt steak and flank steak are the most popular cuts of beef for carne asada street tacos, and either will work well.

• Skirt steak (our preference): more flavorful and tender when cooked properly
• Flank steak: slightly leaner, but still a great option

Carne asada marinade

The marinade is what gives carne asada street tacos their depth of flavor. A combination of citrus, garlic, and spices tenderizes the meat while adding a bright, slightly smoky taste.

For the best results, marinate the steak for up to 24 hours. If you’re short on time, even 3–4 hours will still give you great flavor, but overnight makes all the difference.

Ingredients for carne asada street tacos

For the carne asada:

• Skirt steak (or flank steak)
• Orange zest and juice
• Lime juice (from 3 limes)
• Chipotle sauce
• Soy sauce
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves
• Cumin
• Dried oregano
• Smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh cilantro
• Thinly sliced onions

For serving:

• Soft corn tortillas, warmed
• Thinly sliced radishes
• Fresh cilantro
• Tomatillo salsa or pico de gallo
• Lime wedges
• (Optional) queso fresco

How to make carne asada street tacos

One of the things I love most about these carne asada street tacos is how quickly they come together, aside from the marinating time, which is well worth it.

Step 1:

Place the skirt steak in a shallow baking dish. Add all of the marinade ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until smooth. Pour the marinade over the steak and top with thinly sliced onions. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Step 2:

When ready to cook, heat the grill on high until very hot, then reduce to medium-high heat. Grill the steak until nicely charred and cooked through.

If you don’t have a grill, a cast iron skillet or grill pan works just as well. You may need to cook the meat in batches depending on the size of your pan.

Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest. Just before serving, slice into thin strips or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3:

Prepare all the toppings and place each in a separate bowl.

How to warm corn tortillas

To warm the tortillas, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle a few drops of water into the pan and place a tortilla directly on top. Heat for about 30 seconds, flip, and repeat. Remove and cover with foil to keep warm.

You can also wrap tortillas in foil and warm them in the oven, but they tend to stick together and tear more easily.

How to assemble carne asada street tacos

Family-style is the way to go here. Arrange the grilled carne asada, warm tortillas, and toppings on a table or counter and let everyone build their own tacos.

Traditionally, each taco is served with two corn tortillas for structure. Add the carne asada, then top with cilantro, radishes, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.

While queso fresco can be added, authentic street tacos are typically served without cheese.

What to serve with carne asada street tacos

These carne asada street tacos pair perfectly with simple sides:

• Rice
• Black beans or refried beans
• Guacamole and chips (our favorite)
• A fresh, slightly spicy salad

Tips for the best carne asada street tacos

• Marinate overnight whenever possible
• Use skirt steak for the most authentic flavor
• Grill over high heat for a good char
• Let the meat rest before slicing
• Always use two corn tortillas per taco

FAQs about carne asada street tacos

What is the best meat for carne asada street tacos?
Skirt steak is the most traditional and flavorful choice, though flank steak is a great alternative.

How long should you marinate carne asada?
For best results, marinate for 12–24 hours. If you’re short on time, 3–4 hours will still work.

Are street tacos made with corn or flour tortillas?
Authentic street tacos are made with small, soft corn tortillas.

What toppings go on carne asada street tacos?
Traditional toppings include chopped onion, cilantro, and lime. Extras like radishes and salsa are also common.

More summer grilling recipes

• Grilled peaches with whipped ricotta
• The best grilled burgers (secret ingredient)
• Grilled buttermilk chicken