Asada beef tacos are the perfect weeknight meal when you’re craving something flavorful, satisfying, and quick. Growing up, my abuela would make the most tender and delicious carne asada every Sunday, and the aroma of citrus and grilled beef still brings back such warm memories. These asada beef tacos are my attempt to recreate that magic, simplified for a busy life without sacrificing any of the amazing flavor. Forget takeout tonight; let’s make some amazing asada beef tacos together! I hope you’re ready to learn how to create a family favorite!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This asada beef tacos Recipe
Asada Beef Tacos: The ULTIMATE Easy Recipe!
Tender, flavorful asada beef tacos made with a simple citrus marinade. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 tacos
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition:
Protein: 25g
Carbs: 20g
Fat: 20g
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 corn tortillas or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced white onion, salsa verde, lime wedges, guacamole
Instructions
- 1. Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl or resealable bag, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- 2. Add the flank steak or skirt steak to the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- 3. Prep Ingredients: While the beef marinates, prepare your toppings. Chop the cilantro and onion. Have your salsa, lime wedges, and guacamole ready to go.
- 4. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over mediumhigh heat. Remove the beef from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill or pan sear the beef for 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For mediumrare, aim for an internal temperature of 130135°F (5457°C).
- 5. Remove the beef from the skillet and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender beef.
- 6. Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain. This step is crucial for tender tacos!
- 7. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat, or wrap them in foil and heat in the oven for a few minutes. Aim for soft and pliable.
- 8. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warmed tortilla with sliced asada beef.
- 9. Top with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, diced onion, salsa verde, lime wedges, and guacamole.
- 10. Serve Immediately! Enjoy warm!
Notes
- For best results, use freshly squeezed orange and lime juice. Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
This asada beef tacos recipe is a total game changer. It’s incredibly simple to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The marinade does all the work, ensuring the beef is tender and bursting with citrusy, savory deliciousness. Seriously, the flavor payoff for the minimal effort is astounding. Plus, the recipe is easily customizable to your taste preferences like increasing the spice or topping it all off with your favorite salsa. Asada beef tacos bring major comfort and happiness with every single bite. Let me explain what exactly makes this recipe special!
Ingredients Needed for This asada beef tacos Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible asada beef tacos:
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Beef:
- 1.5 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn tortillas or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced white onion, salsa verde, lime wedges, guacamole
How to Make This asada beef tacos Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create mouthwatering asada beef tacos:
- 1. Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl or resealable bag, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- 2. Add the flank steak or skirt steak to the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- 3. Prep Ingredients: While the beef marinates, prepare your toppings. Chop the cilantro and onion. Have your salsa, lime wedges, and guacamole ready to go.
- 4. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over mediumhigh heat. Remove the beef from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill or pan sear the beef for 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For mediumrare, aim for an internal temperature of 130135°F (5457°C).
- 5. Remove the beef from the skillet and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender beef.
- 6. Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain. This step is crucial for tender tacos!
- 7. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat, or wrap them in foil and heat in the oven for a few minutes. Aim for soft and pliable.
- 8. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warmed tortilla with sliced asada beef.
- 9. Top with your favorite toppings like chopped cilantro, diced onion, salsa verde, lime wedges, and guacamole.
- 10. Serve Immediately! Enjoy warm!
How to Serve This asada beef tacos Recipe
Serve these incredible asada beef tacos immediately while the beef is still warm and juicy. A side of Mexican rice and refried beans makes a complete and satisfying meal. For extra flavor, serve with a variety of toppings like pickled onions, cotija cheese, or a creamy avocado crema. When plating, arrange the tacos on a platter and garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a pop of color.
How to Store This asada beef tacos Recipe
Store leftover asada beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the tortillas separately to prevent them from becoming soggy. To freeze, wrap the cooked beef tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw the beef completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Warm the tortillas before serving.
Tips to Make This asada beef tacos Recipe
To avoid tough beef, don’t skip marinating the meat! If you don’t have time to marinate for hours, even 30 minutes makes a difference. Don’t overcook the beef. Overcooked beef will be tough. The best way to achieve great flavor is to let the asada beef sit in the juice and flavor from the ingredients. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the marinade. Get crazy with toppings! Feel free to add some different toppings to the mix.
Helpful Notes for This asada beef tacos Recipe
Flank steak and skirt steak are both excellent choices for asada beef tacos because they’re flavorful and cook quickly. If you can’t find either of these, you can use sirloin steak, but be sure to slice it thinly against the grain. Freshly squeezed orange and lime juice make a huge difference in the flavor of the marinade, so avoid using bottled juice if possible. I really prefer freshly squeezed. If using corn tortillas, warm them up on a skillet to help prevent them from cracking.
Variation of This asada beef tacos Recipe
For a seasonal twist, try adding grilled pineapple to your asada beef tacos during the summer months. The sweetness of the pineapple complements the savory beef perfectly. For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with grilled portobello mushrooms marinated in the same marinade. Want a creamy kick? Mix together sour cream with your favorite hot sauce and some lime juice and then add to the taco with everything else. Remember you can always add the toppings you like!
FAQs About This asada beef tacos Recipe
What cut of beef is best for asada beef tacos?
Flank steak or skirt steak are the most commonly used cuts for asada beef tacos. They’re flavorful, relatively inexpensive, and cook quickly on the grill or in a skillet.
What toppings go well with asada beef tacos?
Popular toppings for asada beef tacos include chopped cilantro, diced white onion, salsa verde or roja, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dollop of guacamole or sour cream.
How do you make asada beef tacos taste authentic?
Using high-quality ingredients, marinating the beef in citrus juices and spices, and grilling the beef over high heat will help achieve an authentic flavor. Don’t forget the fresh toppings for a complete experience.
Can I make asada beef tacos indoors?
Yes, you can make asada beef tacos indoors using a cast-iron skillet or a grill pan. Just be sure to ventilate your kitchen well, as the beef can produce some smoke.
Conclusion
These asada beef tacos are packed with bold citrus flavor and tender, juicy beef, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Simple to prepare yet full of authentic taste, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. If you enjoyed this recipe and want more easy, flavorful meal ideas, be sure to follow me on Pinterest for more inspiration.