Street Tacos De Carne Asada
Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Mexico with these mouthwatering Street Tacos De Carne Asada. Tender, marinated carne asada seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, cooked to perfection, and nestled in warm street taco tortillas.
Topped with a zesty medley of diced tomatoes, onions, and serrano peppers, these tacos are a fiesta for your senses. Follow this simple recipe to recreate the authentic flavors of Mexican street food right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Bold, Authentic Flavors: The combination of cumin, garlic, and cracked pepper perfectly seasons the tender carne asada, while the marinade of beer, serrano pepper, and fresh vegetables adds a zesty, smoky depth.
Juicy and Tender Meat: Marinating the diced carne asada ensures every bite is infused with flavor and cooked to perfection.
Classic Street Taco Style: These tacos embrace the simplicity of traditional street food, featuring flavorful meat, fresh onion, and cilantro wrapped in soft corn tortillas.
Quick and Versatile: With a short marinade time and straightforward preparation, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Customizable: Guests can add their favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, or lime wedges, tailoring their tacos to their taste.
Key Ingredients:
Carne Asada: The star of the dish, seasoned with cumin, garlic powder, kosher salt, and cracked pepper for bold, savory flavor.
Serrano Pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the marinade.
Beer (Dos Equis): Infuses the meat with a rich, malty flavor while tenderizing it.
Fresh Vegetables: Roma tomato and white onion add a touch of sweetness and crunch to the marinade and garnish.
Corn Tortillas: Perfect for holding the tender, flavorful carne asada.
Cilantro and Onion: Classic garnishes that enhance the freshness of every bite.
Street Tacos De Carne Asada
Ingredients:
2 lbs carne asada*
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon cracked pepper
3 tablespoons canola oil
1 serrano pepper sliced
½ roma tomato diced
½ white onion finely diced
6-8 oz. dos equis beer
32 street taco tortillas
½ cup white onion diced, for garnish
½ cup cilantro roughly chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
Mix together the cumin, salt, garlic powder, pepper, and coat the carne asada with it.
Slice into strips, then dice.
Add it to a large plastic bag or bowl with a cover, and mix the meat with the serrano pepper, tomato, onion, and beer.
Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but up to 1 hour.
Heat a large skillet with the canola oil over medium high heat, then pour in the entire marinated mixture and allow to cook, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid has evaporated and the meat is cooked through, around 20 minutes.
Serve in street taco corn tortillas and top with the onion and cilantro.
Enjoy!!
Notes:
Marination Time: Marinating the carne asada allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish. While 15 minutes is the minimum marination time suggested, extending it up to an hour will enhance the taste further.
Meat Selection: Ensure to choose quality carne asada for the best taste and texture. Look for well-marbled cuts that are suitable for grilling or frying.
Cooking Temperature: When heating the skillet with canola oil, medium-high heat is recommended to achieve a nice sear on the meat without burning the spices.
Liquid Evaporation: It’s important to cook the marinated mixture until all the liquid has evaporated. This step concentrates the flavors and caramelizes the meat, enhancing its taste and texture.
Tortilla Choice: Opt for authentic street taco corn tortillas to complement the flavors of the carne asada. The smaller size of street taco tortillas makes them perfect for serving appetizer-sized portions.
Garnish: The diced white onion and roughly chopped cilantro add freshness and crunch to the tacos. Feel free to adjust the amounts according to personal preference.
Customization: These street tacos are versatile and can be customized with additional toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or lime wedges to suit individual tastes.
Nutrition Information:
YIELDS: 16 | Serving Size: 2 street tacos
Calories: 310kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 690mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat for carne asada?
While the recipe calls for carne asada, you can use other cuts of beef such as flank steak or skirt steak as a substitute.
Just make sure to slice the meat against the grain for tenderness.
Can I adjust the spice level in the recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the serrano pepper.
On the other hand, if you like it spicier, you can add more serrano pepper or even incorporate other hot peppers to your taste.
Can I use a different type of oil for cooking?
Yes, you can use different types of cooking oil such as vegetable oil or olive oil instead of canola oil.
Choose an oil with a high smoke point suitable for high-heat cooking.
Can I make the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to marinate the meat, simply combine it with the prepared marinade and let it marinate for the recommended time.
What are some popular toppings for street tacos?
In addition to the suggested diced onions and chopped cilantro, popular toppings for street tacos include salsa, guacamole, lime juice, crumbled cheese (such as queso fresco or Cotija cheese), and a variety of hot sauces.
Feel free to customize your tacos with your favorite toppings!
Can I grill the carne asada instead of cooking it in a skillet?
Yes, grilling the carne asada is a popular method for this recipe.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the marinated meat until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the meat.
Can I use a different type of beer for the marinade?
Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using Dos Equis beer, you can experiment with different types of beer to add unique flavors.
Some popular options include lager, amber ale, or even a Mexican-style beer like Corona or Modelo.
How do I warm up the street taco tortillas?
There are a few methods you can use to warm up the tortillas.
You can heat them directly on a hot skillet or griddle for a few seconds on each side until they become pliable.
Alternatively, you can wrap them in foil and place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes.
Can I make the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to marinate the meat, simply mix it with the carne asada and let it marinate for the recommended time.
What other toppings can I add to my street tacos?
Street tacos are versatile, and you can customize them with various toppings.
Some popular options include salsa verde, guacamole, diced tomatoes, crumbled cheese (such as queso fresco or Cotija cheese), chopped jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime juice.
Feel free to get creative and add your favorite flavors!