Description
These Cheese-Loaded Carne Asada Tacos combine juicy, marinated flank steak grilled to perfection with melted Mexican cheese, fresh avocado, and vibrant garnishes for a delicious and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Carne Asada:
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (or your choice of cheese)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salsa (optional)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the Carne Asada: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Apply Marinade: Rub the marinade evenly onto both sides of the flank or skirt steak. Cover the steak and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to enhance the flavor infusion.
- Grill the Steak: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated steak on the hot grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side to reach medium-rare or longer if preferred. Grill until nicely charred and cooked through.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Then slice the steak thinly against the grain into strips.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the steak rests, heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for approximately 30 seconds on each side until soft and slightly charred.
- Assemble the Tacos: Layer each warmed tortilla with a generous amount of shredded cheese. Add the sliced carne asada on top, allowing the heat from the meat to melt the cheese slightly.
- Add Toppings: Top the tacos with thinly sliced red onions, fresh cilantro, and avocado slices. Add salsa if desired to enhance flavor and zest.
- Serve: Serve the tacos hot with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus. Enjoy these cheesy, flavorful carne asada tacos!
Notes
- For best results, marinate the steak for the full 2 hours to maximize flavor.
- You can use either flour or corn tortillas depending on your preference.
- If you prefer a spicier taco, add chopped jalapeños or a spicy salsa.
- Allowing the steak to rest after grilling helps retain its juices and keeps it tender.
- Use a hot grill or grill pan to get optimal searing and smoky flavor.
