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Whether you’re celebrating Taco Tuesday, hosting a party, or just craving some good Mexican food, this Carne Asada Tacos Recipe is sure to be a hit.

There’s nothing quite like biting into a juicy, flavorful Carne Asada. This carne asada tacos recipe features tender, marinated steak, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas, making for a super delicious meal.
Carne Asada, which translates to “grilled meat,” is a classic Mexican dish that’s all about the marinade.
The steak is soaked in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, fresh lime juice, garlic, and cilantro, then grilled to perfection.
The result is a tender, juicy steak with tons of flavor that’s perfect for slicing up and stuffing into tacos. Don’t skimp on the marinating!
You can customize your tacos with your favorite toppings like pico de gallo, sour cream, and cotija cheese. I personally love the creamy avocado salsa!
This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it great for both beginners and experienced cooks.
You can use different cuts of steak, experiment with the marinade, and add your favorite taco toppings to make it your own. So, let’s dive into why this recipe works so well and how you can make the best Carne Asada Tacos recipe right at home.
Some of our other favorite TACO RECIPES we have on our site include: The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe, Dorito Taco Salad Recipe with Catalina, and Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken Tacos.

Jump to:
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- HOW TO MAKE CARNE ASADA TACOS RECIPE:
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- CAN I USE A DIFFERENT CUT OF STEAK?
- WHAT IS BEST TO TOP THESE WITH?
- ANY ADDITIONS?
- ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Carne Asada Ribeye Tacos
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Flavor-Packed Marinade: The combination of soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro creates a marinade that’s rich, tangy, and full of flavor.
- Versatile Steak Options: You can use ribeye, flank steak, skirt steak, or even hanger steak for this recipe, making it adaptable to your preferences.
- Simple and Easy: With just a few basic steps, you can make restaurant-quality Carne Asada Tacos at home, perfect for Taco Tuesday or any day of the week.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Ribeye steaks
- Olive oil
- Soy sauce
- Scallions
- Limes
- Garlic
- Ground cumin
- Light brown sugar
- Fresh cilantro

HOW TO MAKE CARNE ASADA TACOS RECIPE:
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, scallions, garlic, lime juice, cumin, sugar, and cilantro. Pour into a zip-top bag with the steaks, massage marinade into the meat. Place in the refrigerator for at least one hour up to overnight.
- Discard any leftover marinade. Prepare the grill.
- Grill the steaks over medium-high heat to your desired internal temperature. Medium-rare steaks should be pulled at around 130°F. Allow meat to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN I USE A DIFFERENT CUT OF STEAK?
Absolutely! You can swap the ribeye for other cuts like flank steak, skirt steak, or even flat iron steak.
Each thin cut of meat offers its own unique texture and flavor, so pick your favorite or what’s available at your grocery store.
Just remember, the best part of this delicious carne asada recipe is letting the meat marinate for a long time to maximize flavor.
WHAT IS BEST TO TOP THESE WITH?
The best way to top your carne asada tacos is with fresh pico de gallo, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice.
For even more flavor, add diced onions, avocado, or a sprinkle of white pepper.
These toppings bring out the best in the thin slices of steak, making this a favorite recipe for any occasion, whether it’s Taco Tuesday or Cinco de Mayo.

ANY ADDITIONS?
Whether it’s a few cloves of garlic or some green onions, there are plenty of options here.
- Pico de gallo: Adds freshness and a bit of spice.
- Sour cream: For a creamy, tangy contrast to the juicy steak.
- Avocado slices: For a rich and creamy texture.
- Cotija cheese: Adds a salty, crumbly topping that pairs well with the steak.
- Diced onions: For a bit of crunch and sharp flavor.
- Cilantro: A must for that fresh, herbaceous taste.
- Jalapeño slices: For those who like a bit of heat in their tacos.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens up the flavors.
- Refried beans: Spread a layer on the tortillas before adding the steak for extra richness.
- Hot sauce or chili powder: Pick your favorite for an extra kick.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Don’t forget to save the recipe card!
This is one of those Mexican recipes you’ll want to keep on hand!
- Ribeye steak: Use flank steak or skirt steak for a leaner option.
- Soy sauce: Substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Brown sugar: Use honey or agave syrup as a natural sweetener alternative.
- Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, use fresh parsley or omit it entirely.
- Lime juice: Swap with lemon juice for a slightly different citrus flavor.
- Olive oil: Use vegetable oil or avocado oil if preferred.

HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Store any leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat the steak in a skillet over medium heat before serving.
Freezer: You can freeze the cooked carne asada for up to 3 months.
Store in a freezer-safe bag, and when ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Marinate Longer: For the best flavor, marinate the steak overnight. This allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat.
- Get the Grill Hot: Make sure you have a very hot grill before cooking the steak. This helps to sear the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- Don’t Overcook: For tender carne asada, cook the steak to medium-rare. Overcooking can make the meat tough.
- Rest the Meat: Let the steak rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps keep the juices in the meat, making it more flavorful.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice, garlic, and cilantro make a big difference in the flavor of the marinade.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas on the grill or in a skillet before serving. This makes them more pliable and enhances the flavor.

This Carne Asada Tacos recipe is a delicious main course that’s perfect for any taco night.
With a nice long marinade, that meat is just plain mouth watering.
So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and enjoy some of the best tacos you’ll ever make!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
Carne Asada Ribeye Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 4 scallions thinly sliced
- 2 small limes fresh-squeezed
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro rough chop
- 20 ounces ribeye steaks
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the olive oil, soy sauce, scallions, garlic, lime juice, cumin, sugar, and cilantro. Pour into a zip-top bag with the steaks, massage marinade into the meat. Place in the refrigerator for at least one hour up to overnight.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/3 cup soy sauce, 4 scallions, 2 small limes, 3 garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, 20 ounces ribeye steaks
- Discard any leftover marinade. Prepare the grill.
- Grill the steaks over medium-high heat to your desired internal temperature. Medium-rare steaks should be pulled at around 130°F. Allow meat to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Video
Notes
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No. Absolutely not. This is not at all what carne asada tastes like. Just call it Anglo-American stuff in a tortilla.