Description
These Cheese-Loaded Carne Asada Tacos combine tender, marinated flank or skirt steak grilled to perfection with melted shredded cheese, fresh onions, and cilantro, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for a flavorful Mexican-inspired main course that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your taco cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Carne Asada:
- 1½ pounds flank or skirt steak
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a bowl or resealable bag, combine orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the flank or skirt steak, ensuring it is fully coated with the marinade. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Cook the Carne Asada: Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels to ensure a proper sear. Heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a hot skillet or griddle until pliable. Sprinkle each tortilla generously with shredded cheese and allow it to melt slightly over medium heat. Top with slices of the carne asada, diced onions, and chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and additional cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra cheesy tacos, sprinkle cheese directly onto the skillet, place a tortilla on top, and let it crisp for a minute before flipping and adding the fillings.
- These tacos pair well with guacamole, salsa, or sour cream for added flavor.
- Use corn tortillas to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- For best flavor, marinate the steak overnight if possible.
