Last Updated on July 25, 2025 by Casia Valdés
Few foods evoke the vibrant street scenes of Mexico quite like Street Tacos De Carne Asada. These handheld delights are not only bursting with flavor but also easy to make at home, bringing the essence of Mexican street food straight to your kitchen. Juicy, marinated beef seared to perfection, wrapped in warm corn tortillas, and topped with fresh onion and cilantro—it’s the perfect blend of simplicity and bold flavor.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Street Tacos
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Authentic taste with bold, traditional spices.
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Quick marinade that infuses rich flavor in just 15–60 minutes.
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Perfect for parties or weeknight dinners—easy to scale up.
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Customizable toppings let everyone build their perfect taco.
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Great year-round for summer grilling or cozy winter meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 12)
For the Carne Asada:
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2 lbs carne asada beef (flank or skirt steak works great)
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1 tablespoon cumin
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1 tablespoon kosher salt
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2 teaspoons garlic powder
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1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
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3 tablespoons canola oil
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1 serrano pepper, sliced
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½ roma tomato, diced
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½ white onion, finely diced
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6–8 oz. Dos Equis beer (or similar light Mexican beer)
For Assembly:
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32 small street taco tortillas (corn tortillas preferred)
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½ cup diced white onion
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½ cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro
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Lime wedges, salsa, and avocado for serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Seasonings
In a small bowl, stir together the cumin, kosher salt, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper. This spice blend forms the base of the marinade and helps bring out the deep, smoky flavors of the meat.
Step 2: Season and Dice the Meat
Coat the carne asada thoroughly with the spice mixture. Slice the meat into thin strips, then dice it into bite-sized pieces. This makes for easy taco assembly and better flavor distribution in every bite.
Step 3: Marinate the Carne Asada
Transfer the seasoned meat to a large resealable plastic bag or bowl. Add the sliced serrano pepper, diced tomato, and onion. Pour in the beer and mix well to coat. Let the meat marinate for at least 15 minutes—or refrigerate it for up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Carne Asada
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the entire marinated mixture. Stir occasionally and cook for about 20 minutes, until the liquid has fully evaporated and the meat is nicely browned.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
Heat the tortillas on a skillet or comal until warm and pliable. You can also microwave them under a damp paper towel for 30 seconds.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Spoon the hot carne asada into each tortilla. Top with diced white onion and fresh chopped cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime, a dollop of salsa, or a few slices of avocado for an extra kick.
Tips for the Best Street Tacos
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Choose the right cut: Flank or skirt steak gives the best balance of tenderness and flavor.
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Don’t over-marinate: The beer quickly breaks down the meat; no need to leave it overnight.
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Use fresh tortillas: Warm, soft corn tortillas make all the difference in texture and taste.
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Add heat carefully: Serrano peppers pack a punch—adjust to your spice preference.
Variations and Additions
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Grilled Version: Grill the marinated carne asada over high heat for smoky flavor.
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Pineapple Salsa: Add a spoonful of sweet-and-spicy salsa for a taco al pastor twist.
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Cheese Lovers: Sprinkle with crumbled cotija or shredded queso fresco.
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Avocado Crema: Blend avocado, lime, and sour cream for a smooth taco topping.
What to Serve With Street Tacos De Carne Asada
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Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
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Refried beans or charro beans
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Elote (Mexican street corn)
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Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips
These tacos are incredibly versatile and make a great main dish for any festive meal or laid-back dinner night.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
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Prep in advance: You can marinate the meat and refrigerate it for up to a day.
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Store leftovers: Keep cooked carne asada in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freezer-friendly: Freeze the cooked beef in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat in a skillet before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Street Tacos De Carne Asada are a staple of Mexican street food—they’re quick, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. With a few simple ingredients and a short marinating time, you can create restaurant-quality tacos in your own kitchen. Whether you’re throwing a taco night with friends or just feeding the family on a weeknight, this recipe brings joy, spice, and a touch of Mexico to your table.
Street Tacos De Carne Asada
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, stir together the cumin, kosher salt, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper. This spice blend forms the base of the marinade and helps bring out the deep, smoky flavors of the meat.
- Coat the carne asada thoroughly with the spice mixture. Slice the meat into thin strips, then dice it into bite-sized pieces. This makes for easy taco assembly and better flavor distribution in every bite.
- Transfer the seasoned meat to a large resealable plastic bag or bowl. Add the sliced serrano pepper, diced tomato, and onion. Pour in the beer and mix well to coat. Let the meat marinate for at least 15 minutes—or refrigerate it for up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the entire marinated mixture. Stir occasionally and cook for about 20 minutes, until the liquid has fully evaporated and the meat is nicely browned.
- Heat the tortillas on a skillet or comal until warm and pliable. You can also microwave them under a damp paper towel for 30 seconds.
- Spoon the hot carne asada into each tortilla. Top with diced white onion and fresh chopped cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime, a dollop of salsa, or a few slices of avocado for an extra kick.
