If you’re looking for the ultimate flavor-packed street taco experience, you’ve got to try these Carne Asada Skirt Steak Tacos. Tender, juicy skirt steak is soaked in a zesty marinade, expertly grilled, and tucked into warm tortillas with all your favorite toppings—a recipe that’s always a hit at my table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Marinade Flavor: Fresh citrus, savory Worcestershire, and garlic infuse the steak with tangy, bold notes that make each taco unforgettable.
- Quick Grill, Big Results: Skirt steak cooks in minutes, so you get restaurant-quality Carne Asada Skirt Steak Tacos on your plate fast—even on a busy weeknight.
- Customizable Toppings: Make it your own with grilled limes, creamy avocado, or fresh pico de gallo—everyone can build their perfect taco.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Serve a crowd with steak tacos that deliver smoky char, juicy bites, and massive crowd-pleasing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but powerful! Each ingredient plays a starring role in bringing out the savory depth, tenderness, and color that make Carne Asada Skirt Steak Tacos a true sensation. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip or two for each.
- 2 pounds skirt steak, trimmed and cut into thirds: Skirt steak’s marbling and grain make it ideal for soaking up flavor and grilling up juicy and tender.
- ½ cup Worcestershire sauce: Adds rich, umami backbone for extra savory depth.
- 1 orange, juiced (about ½ cup): The sweet citrus helps tenderize and balances the bolder flavors in the marinade.
- 1 lime, juiced (about ¼ cup): Brightens the entire marinade and brings a tangy zing.
- ¼ cup onion, chopped: Lends a subtle sweetness and savory base note to the marinade.
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes: Adds gentle heat and a touch of smokiness, but you can scale up or down for your preferred spice level.
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed: Fresh garlic is a must for that punchy, aromatic flavor.
- Zest of 1 lime: The zest provides a fragrant citrus oil you won’t want to skip—it really wakes up the whole dish.
- 3 tablespoons beef rub (for dry rub): Your favorite beef rub or taco seasoning brings that essential outer crust of flavor to every slice.
- Your favorite taco fixings: Think warm corn tortillas, avocado slices, cilantro, diced tomatoes, onion, and grilled lime wedges.
Variations
What I love most about these tacos is how easy it is to tweak them to suit your taste buds, pantry, or dietary needs. Don’t be shy—mix things up to discover your own signature Carne Asada Skirt Steak Tacos!
- Swap the Steak: Flat iron or flank steak also work beautifully if you don’t have skirt steak handy—just adjust the grilling time as needed.
- Make It Spicier: Add minced jalapeño or chipotle in adobo to your marinade for an extra kick of heat.
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of grapefruit or pineapple juice to the marinade for a fruitier, tropical note.
- Allergy-Friendly: If you need soy-free or gluten-free, look for a Worcestershire sauce or marinade substitute to match your needs.
- Vegetarian Option: Marinate portobello mushrooms or thick slabs of zucchini and grill them as you would the steak—delicious!
How to Make Carne Asada Skirt Steak Tacos
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Combine all your marinade ingredients—Worcestershire sauce, orange juice, lime juice, onion, chili flakes, garlic, and lime zest—in a large gallon-sized bag. Mix well, add the steak, and toss so everything is coated. Seal tightly and let the magic happen in the fridge for at least 2 hours. I usually let it go closer to 6 hours for the deepest flavor, but any time you can spare works!
Step 2: Prep the Grill
A hot grill is essential for true carne asada flavor! You want it blazing—think 450 to 500°F for direct grilling. While the grill heats, remove the steak from the marinade (don’t worry if some bits of onion or garlic cling on), pat dry, and discard the marinade. Sprinkle the beef rub generously on both sides.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
Place the steak directly over high heat. Grill for about 3–4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. The key is to check for desired doneness: we aim for 125°F for rare or 135°F for medium rare. The steak should have gorgeous grill marks and a caramelized crust by the time you pull it off.
Step 4: Rest, Slice, and Serve
Let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before slicing—this keeps all those lovely juices right where they belong. Make sure to slice *against the grain* for the most tender bites. Pile the steak into warm tortillas and get creative with toppings!
Pro Tips for Making Carne Asada Skirt Steak Tacos
- Marinade Magic Time: While a short marinade works in a pinch, letting your steak soak for 4–6 hours guarantees ultra-juicy, flavor-packed bites—without overpowering the beef.
- Searing Success: Make sure your grill grates are cleaned and oiled to prevent sticking and promote the best grill marks on your Carne Asada Skirt Steak Tacos.
- Slice Against the Grain: The muscle fibers in skirt steak are distinct—always slice perpendicular to those fibers for steak that practically melts in your mouth!
- Serve It Hot: For authentic flavor and texture, keep everything from the steak to the tortillas piping hot as you assemble your tacos.
How to Serve Carne Asada Skirt Steak Tacos
Garnishes
The simplest touches often bring the most flavor. Classic garnishes include creamy avocado slices, fresh cilantro, diced white onion, juicy tomatoes, and tangy grilled lime wedges for a burst of acidity. A sprinkle of crumbly queso fresco never hurts, either!
Side Dishes
Round out your Carne Asada Skirt Steak Tacos with sides like smoky grilled corn, Mexican street corn salad (elote), charro beans, or a zesty cabbage slaw. A bowl of chips and fresh salsa on the side turns taco night into a true fiesta.
Creative Ways to Present
Set up a build-your-own taco bar for parties with colorful toppings and warm tortillas nestled in a festive basket. For something special, serve the tacos open-faced on a wooden board with lime wedges and all the fixings artfully arranged for guests to grab and assemble.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store sliced steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep toppings and tortillas separate for the freshest taco experience when you’re ready to dig in again.
Freezing
Carne asada freezes very well! Wrap cooled steak slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat steak slices in a skillet or a hot oven with a splash of beef broth or water to keep them moist. Avoid microwaving if you can, as this can make the steak a touch tough—stovetop is best for preserving that juicy texture.
FAQs
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Can I cook Carne Asada Skirt Steak Tacos without a grill?
Absolutely! You can use a cast iron skillet or grill pan on the stovetop. Get it nice and hot, add a touch of oil, and sear the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side until they reach your preferred doneness. You’ll still get beautifully caramelized steak for your tacos.
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How do I know when the steak is done?
The best way to check is with a digital thermometer. Aim for 125°F for rare and 135°F for medium rare. Remember, the steak will continue to cook a bit as it rests, so pull it off a couple degrees before your target.
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Can I marinate the steak overnight?
It’s best to limit the marinating time to 6 hours—any longer, and the acid from the citrus can break down the steak too much, affecting texture. For best results, aim for 2–6 hours.
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What tortillas work best for Carne Asada Skirt Steak Tacos?
I always reach for corn tortillas for this recipe—they’re authentic and hold up to the juicy steak, but you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. Just give them a quick toast on the grill or over a flame to bring out the flavor and soften them up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a taco night that’s anything but ordinary, you can’t beat the bold flavors and sizzling simplicity of Carne Asada Skirt Steak Tacos. Whether you’re having friends over or just treating yourself, these tacos deliver pure joy in every bite. Fire up the grill and dig in—you’re about to make your new favorite dinner!
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Carne Asada Skirt Steak Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Grilling
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Juicy and flavorful Carne Asada Skirt Steak Tacos made with a zesty marinade and a savory dry rub, perfect for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Skirt Steak:
- 2 pounds skirt steak, trimmed and cut into thirds
Marinade:
- 1/2 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 1 orange, juiced (approx 1/2 cup)
- 1 lime, juiced (approx 1/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- Zest of 1 lime
Dry Rub:
- 3 tablespoons beef rub
Instructions
- Marinating: Place all marinade ingredients in a large gallon-sized bag. Mix together. Add the steak to the marinade, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 2 to 6 hours.
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to 450-500°F for direct cooking. Pat dry the marinated steak and season with dry rub. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
- Serving: Remove from heat, slice against the grain, and use as taco or burrito filling.
Notes
- Cooking times vary based on steak size. Use a digital thermometer for accurate doneness.
- Skirt steak allows for different cooking temperatures for guests’ preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 350 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 4g
- Sodium: Approx. 600mg
- Fat: Approx. 22g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 6g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 36g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 110mg
