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Everyone loves Mexican tacos and Grilled Carne Asada Tacos are as authentic as they get. Flank steak is marinated in delicious flavors, grilled and sliced thinly and to add a little extra flavor, the tortillas are grilled as well.

Carne asada tacos

Here in  Southern California we are blessed with 2 things: year ’round great weather and a heavy Mexican cuisine influence and there is no end to the authentic Mexican food restaurants. Sometimes I don’t always feel like eating out when I’m craving Mexican food and the beauty of that is, it is so easy to get authentic tasting Mexican food at home.

 Because of the near idyllic weather, I am usually grilling pretty much year ’round, except for the few days of rain (of which I wish there were more because we have a serious drought).

Carne asada tacos

Grilled Carne Asada Tacos are a popular Mexican street dish. Carne asada is thinly sliced beef, either flank or skirt steak, that is marinated for at least 8 hours and typically grilled to achieve a generous amount of charring.

Which steak is best for fajitas?

I like to use either skirt or flank steak. It depends on what my store has available that day.

How long do you marinate steak fajitas?

The steak should marinade at least 2 hours up to 8 hours. Don’t marinate too long as there is acid in the juices in this marinade and it can make the meat tough.

What spices are in fajita seasoning?

The most common blend is cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper

How long do you cook skirt or flank steak on the grill?

A very hot grill is best and can be ready in 6 to 8 minutes depending on what doneness  you prefer.  Use a meat thermometer to measure the inner temperature.  115 to 120°F (46 to 49°C) for medium-rare.  125 to 130°F (52 to 54°C) for medium

Resting the meat is a must?

Do not slice into the meat right off the grill. You want to allow it to rest so all the juice don’t run out and stay in the meat.

Carne asada tacos

For an American-style BBQ twist, I made a chipotle bacon BBQ sauce gives the tacos a nice spicy-sweet kick to round out the flavors. So good!

Carne asada tacos being topped with bbq sauce

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Yield: 6

Grilled Carne Asada Tacos

Carne asada tacos being topped with bbq sauce

Flank steak is marinated in delicious flavors, grilled and sliced thinly and to add a little extra flavor, the tortillas are grilled as well.

Prep Time 9 hours
Cook Time 8 minutes
Additional Time 2 hours
Total Time 11 hours 8 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the marinade:
  • Juice of 3 oranges, 1 cup
  • Zest of 2 oranges
  • Juice of 2 limes, 2 tablespoons
  • 1/3 cup red or white wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 garlic clove, peeled
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 pounds flank or skirt steak
  • 6 Flour tortillas

Instructions

  1. To a blender or food processor add the orange juice and zest, lime juice and zest, red wine vinegar, cilantro, green onion, soy sauce, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
  2. To a large container with a lid, add the beef and pour over the marinade. Make sure it is well coated. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Allow the meat to sit at room temperature for 1 hour before grilling. * see note Preheat grill.
  4. Grill the meat on high for 4 minutes per side for medium, longer for medium well.
  5. Remove and allow the meat to rest for a few minutes.
  6. Grill the tortillas on 1 side.
  7. Slice the beef into thin strips and add to the tortillas. Top with salsa, fresh cilantro and chipotle BBQ sauce.

Notes

* This produces more tender meat.

Nutrition Information


Amount Per Serving Calories 313Saturated Fat 3gCholesterol 90mgSodium 1023mgCarbohydrates 17gFiber 1gSugar 1gProtein 35g
© Culinary Ginger
Cuisine: Mexican / Category: Dinner Ideas