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Flavorful Authentic Carne Asada Tacos Recipe Perfect for Cilantro Lime Lovers

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These carne asada tacos feature tender, juicy grilled steak marinated in a bold blend of citrus and spices, topped with a fresh cilantro lime sauce for a vibrant, authentic flavor. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds flank steak or skirt steak, trimmed
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (60 ml)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (loosely packed)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 8–10 small corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup chopped white onion
  • 1/4 cup extra fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (packed) for sauce
  • 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (dairy-free optional)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice for sauce
  • 1 clove minced garlic for sauce
  • Salt to taste for sauce

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Place the flank steak in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, coating fully. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 3-4 hours.
  3. While the steak marinates, blend cilantro, Greek yogurt, lime juice, minced garlic, and salt in a small blender or food processor until smooth. Chill in the fridge.
  4. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until very hot.
  5. Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill steak 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare (internal temp ~135°F / 57°C).
  6. Transfer steak to a cutting board and rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  7. Warm tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet about 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable.
  8. Assemble tacos by placing steak slices on tortillas, topping with chopped onion and fresh cilantro, then drizzling with cilantro lime sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
  9. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

Notes

Marinate steak for 2-4 hours for best flavor and texture; avoid over-marinating to prevent mushy texture. Rest steak after grilling to keep it juicy. Slice against the grain for tenderness. Warm tortillas gently to keep soft. Cilantro lime sauce can be thinned with water or lime juice if too thick. Add jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: carne asada, tacos, cilantro lime, grilled steak, Mexican street food, easy dinner, marinade, flank steak, skirt steak

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/flavorful-authentic-carne-asada-tacos-recipe-perfect-for-cilantro-lime-lovers/