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Carne Asada Tacos with Homemade Salsa

Make tender Carne Asada Tacos with bold homemade salsa. Juicy, marinated steak and vibrant toppings—perfect for any season!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

For the Carne Asada
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 3 lbs flank steak
For the Onion Relish
  • 1 white onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
For the Homemade Salsa
  • 2 large tomatoes diced
  • 2 jalapeños diced
  • 1 white onion quartered
  • 4 garlic cloves peeled
  • 4 dried red chile pods
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Assembly
  • 1 32 oz package corn tortillas
  • 2 cups Cotija cheese optional
  • 2 limes wedged (optional)

Method
 

Step 1: Marinate the Carne Asada
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the vinegar, soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices. Place the steak in a glass dish and pour the marinade over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Onion Relish
  1. Combine chopped onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a small bowl. Chill until ready to use. This bright, tangy relish balances the richness of the meat.
Step 3: Make the Salsa
  1. Toast chile pods in a dry skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant. Soak in warm water for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, roast the tomatoes, jalapeños, onion, and garlic at 450°F for 20 minutes until slightly charred.
  2. Blend the roasted vegetables with the softened chiles, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust consistency with water if needed.
Step 4: Cook the Carne Asada
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Remove the steak from the marinade, slice into strips, and sear until browned and cooked through, about 4–6 minutes per batch.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
  1. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave, keeping them soft and pliable for wrapping.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
  1. Layer sliced steak onto tortillas, top with onion relish, spoon over salsa, and finish with cheese and lime juice if desired.