Street Tacos De Carne Asada
Bold, smoky, and bursting with vibrant flavor, Street Tacos de Carne Asada are the ultimate celebration of Mexican street food culture.
Each bite delivers tender marinated beef, seared to perfection, paired with the warmth of toasted corn tortillas and the sharp freshness of cilantro and onion. Infused with a touch of beer, serrano heat, and fragrant spices, this dish evokes the soul of a bustling taco stand — rustic, savory, and utterly satisfying.
Whether served at a family gathering or a late-night craving fix, these tacos don’t just fill your plate — they ignite your senses.
Why Will People Love This Street Tacos de Carne Asada Recipe:
Authentic Street Food Experience: These tacos deliver the unmistakable flavor of traditional Mexican street food, offering a nostalgic and soul-satisfying culinary journey right from your own kitchen.
Bold, Authentic Flavor: The marinade of spices, serrano pepper, and beer infuses the beef with a deep, rich, and slightly smoky flavor that feels like it came straight off a street cart in Mexico.
Tender and Juicy Meat: Marinating the carne asada and searing it quickly over high heat locks in moisture and creates a tender bite with a flavorful crust.
Perfect for Sharing: Served on small tortillas, these tacos are fun, interactive, and ideal for gatherings — everyone builds their own just the way they like it.
Balanced Simplicity: The garnish of fresh onions and cilantro offers a clean contrast to the savory meat, keeping each bite refreshing and satisfying.
Customizable and Versatile: Whether you top them with avocado, salsa, or a squeeze of lime, these tacos adapt easily to personal taste while staying true to their roots.
Key Ingredients:
Carne Asada (Beef) – The heart of this dish, marbled and flavorful, cut thin and marinated to absorb every bit of spice and beer-infused richness.
Cumin, Garlic Powder & Cracked Pepper – A robust spice trio that forms the foundation of the marinade, adding earthy warmth, depth, and a subtle kick to the meat.
Serrano Pepper – This slender chili adds bright, green heat that enlivens the marinade and balances the richness of the beef.
Dos Equis Beer – Not just a liquid, but a flavor carrier — the beer tenderizes the beef and adds a malty, slightly bitter edge that deepens the overall taste.
White Onion & Roma Tomato – Used both in the marinade and as a garnish, these aromatics offer freshness and bite, enhancing both texture and balance.
Corn Tortillas – Slightly charred and warm, they provide the perfect chewy, toasty vessel to cradle the flavorful filling and complete the street taco experience.
Expert Tips:
Use skirt or flank steak for best flavor: These cuts are traditional for carne asada due to their deep beefy taste and ability to absorb marinades well. Slice against the grain after cooking to ensure tenderness.
Don’t skip the beer: The carbonation and maltiness in beer help tenderize the meat and infuse it with complexity. For deeper flavor, marinate the meat for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
Dry the meat before searing: Pat the marinated beef dry before adding to the skillet. This step ensures a caramelized, crusty sear rather than steaming in its own juices.
Double up tortillas: For an authentic street taco feel and to prevent tearing, layer two tortillas per taco. Toast them lightly on a dry skillet or open flame for added depth.
Rest the meat before serving: Let the cooked meat sit for a few minutes before assembling the tacos. This helps redistribute the juices and prevents sogginess in your tortillas.
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:
Prepare the Seasoning:
In a small bowl, mix together the cumin, kosher salt, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper.
Season and Dice the Meat:
Coat the carne asada evenly with the spice mixture. Slice the meat into thin strips, then dice into small, bite-sized pieces.
Marinate the Carne Asada:
Transfer the meat to a large resealable plastic bag or covered bowl. Add the sliced serrano pepper, diced tomato, and finely chopped white onion. Pour in the beer, then mix thoroughly to combine. Let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Cook the Meat:
Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the entire marinated mixture to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has fully evaporated and the meat is browned and cooked through — about 20 minutes.
Assemble the Tacos:
Warm the corn tortillas. Spoon the carne asada into each tortilla and top with diced onion and fresh chopped cilantro.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve hot with lime wedges, salsa, or avocado if desired.
Important Notes When Making Street Tacos de Carne Asada:
Marination time matters: While a 15-minute marinade will work in a pinch, allowing the beef to sit for at least 1 hour (or overnight in the fridge) intensifies the flavor and helps tenderize tougher cuts like skirt or flank steak.
Balance heat and aromatics: Serrano peppers add serious heat—use with caution if cooking for sensitive palates. You can also remove the seeds or substitute with jalapeño for a milder profile.
Cut uniformly for even cooking: Dice the beef into small, evenly-sized pieces. This ensures it cooks uniformly and quickly, creating a juicy interior and seared edges with each bite.
Evaporate the liquid fully: Don’t rush the cooking process. Let the beer-based marinade fully reduce in the skillet. This step is essential to concentrate flavor and avoid a watery taco filling.
Fresh garnishes bring it to life: The richness of the meat is best balanced with fresh toppings like crisp onions, bright cilantro, and a splash of lime. These aren’t just decorative—they complete the flavor profile.
How To Enjoy Street Tacos de Carne Asada After Cooking:
Warm the Tortillas Properly
Use a dry skillet or open flame to lightly char your corn tortillas.
Heat each side for about 20–30 seconds until warm, pliable, and slightly blistered. This enhances the texture and brings out a subtle corn aroma.
Assemble with Intention
Spoon a generous amount of the sizzling hot carne asada into the center of each tortilla.
Avoid overfilling—street tacos are meant to be folded and eaten with your hands in 2–3 bites.
Add Fresh Toppings
Top with a pinch of finely diced white onion and freshly chopped cilantro.
Optional: Add thin slices of avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, pickled red onions, or jalapeño for additional depth.
Finish with Brightness
Don’t skip the lime wedge! A squeeze of fresh lime juice balances the savory meat with acidity and freshness.
Consider a splash of your favorite salsa—tomatillo, chipotle, or roasted tomato all pair beautifully.
Pair Thoughtfully
Drink pairing: Serve with a cold Mexican lager, a citrusy agua fresca, or a light margarita.
Side dishes: Enjoy with a side of Mexican rice, elote (street corn), or simple black beans.
Savor the Experience
Serve tacos hot, preferably on a warm plate.
These tacos are best eaten immediately for peak flavor and tortilla texture—no reheating needed.
Nutrition Information:
For Street Tacos de Carne Asada (per taco, based on 32 tacos total and standard portions):
Calories: 120 kcal | Total Fat: 6.5 g | Saturated Fat: 2.1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.3 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.9 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg | Sodium: 210–270 mg (depending on salt level and tortilla brand)
Total Carbohydrates: 9.8 g | Dietary Fiber: 1.4 g | Sugars: 1.2 g | Protein: 8.5 g
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!