Name: Spicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 jalapeño pepper seeded and minced; 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons); 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1/3 cup olive oil; juice of 1 orange (about 1/4 cup juice); juice of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons juice); 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for grilling; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more for grilling; 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak, excess fat removed; 16 corn tortillas, warmed (or flour tortillas); 1/2 medium onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup chopped cilantro; 1 cup crumbled cotija cheese; lime wedges, for serving; Optional toppings: guacamole, pico de gallo, toasted red chile salsa

If you're craving bold, zesty flavors wrapped up in a warm tortilla, you’re going to love this Spicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe. It’s all about juicy, marinated steak kissed by the grill and topped with fresh, vibrant fixings that make every bite a little fiesta.

The image shows five grilled steak tacos arranged on a large white speckled plate. Each taco has three layers: a charred yellow corn tortilla base, a thick green guacamole spread in the middle, and small pinkish grilled steak cubes on top. They are garnished with white chopped onions and green cilantro leaves. On the plate, there are also green lime wedges scattered around the tacos. In the center of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with chunky guacamole, with a silver spoon inside it. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to say, making these tacos always feels like a mini celebration in my kitchen. The marinade packs so much punch, and grilling the steak brings out that irresistible smoky aroma. It’s honestly one of my go-to recipes when I want something hearty but authentic.

Bold Flavor Boost: The marinade combines citrus, herbs, and gentle heat to tenderize and flavor every bite of steak.
Simple Yet Authentic: Using staple Mexican ingredients keeps things true to tradition while being easy to pull together.
Perfect for Gatherings: Yields 8 servings, making it great for family dinners or taco nights with friends.
Customizable Toppings: Fresh onions, cilantro, cotija cheese, and optional extras let you build your own perfect taco.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For this spicy carne asada, you’ll want fresh, quality ingredients that bring the authentic flavors to life. When shopping, look for a good quality flank or skirt steak with minimal excess fat — trust me, it makes all the difference for grilling. And don’t skip the fresh citrus and herbs; they brighten the dish beautifully.

Flat lay of a fresh green jalapeño pepper, four whole brown garlic cloves with papery skins, a small bunch of bright green cilantro sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl filled with bright orange fresh orange juice, a small white bowl with pale green lime juice, a small white bowl of clear white wine vinegar, a scattering of coarse kosher salt crystals, a heap of mixed red and dark brown chili powders in a small white bowl, ground cumin and dried oregano displayed as small mounds on a white ceramic plate, a small white bowl containing finely ground black pepper, a raw skirt steak with marbled fat trimmed, sixteen stacked soft yellow corn tortillas on a simple white ceramic plate, a small pile of finely diced white onion, a small bunch of chopped fresh cilantro, a small mound of crumbly white cotija cheese, and fresh lime wedges arranged neatly—all ingredients fresh and natural, perfect symmetry and balanced layout, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Jalapeño pepper: Adds subtle heat without overwhelming the marinade.
Garlic: A classic aromatic that gives the steak that irresistible savory edge.
Cilantro: Fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the marinade and final taco.
Olive oil: Helps coat the steak and blend flavors while keeping it juicy.
Orange juice: Provides natural sweetness and tenderizes the meat with acidity.
Lime juice: Adds fresh citrus zing and amps up the bright flavors.
White wine vinegar: Boosts acidity to tenderize and balance the marinade.
Chili powder: Builds warm, earthy spice complexity.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning to enhance the steak’s natural flavors.
Ground cumin: Introduces that classic smoky, nutty undertone.
Dried oregano: Adds a hint of herbal depth.
Ancho chili powder: Deepens the chili flavor with mild heat and richness.
Freshly ground black pepper: Gives just the right bite and aroma.
Flank steak or skirt steak: Lean, flavorful cuts that soak up the marinade wonderfully.
Corn tortillas: Warmed for soft, slightly chewy taco shells that hold everything together.
Onion: Diced finely for fresh crunch and bite.
Cilantro: A topping to elevate freshness one more time.
Cotija cheese: Crumbled salty tang that complements the spicy meat perfectly.
Lime wedges: For that final spritz of brightness and acidity.
Optional toppings: Guacamole, pico de gallo, and toasted red chile salsa let you customize your tacos with extra richness or heat.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Spicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Whether you like it extra spicy, want to keep it light, or add some seasonal toppings, these tacos welcome all sorts of personal touches.

Swap the steak: I’ve found that using skirt steak gives a great rich flavor with a bit of chewiness, but flank steak works beautifully too if you want a slightly leaner option.
Dial up the heat: Love it fiery? Keep the seeds in your jalapeño or add a chopped serrano for an extra kick. It’s the perfect way to turn up the heat on this spicy carne asada tacos recipe.
Make it vegetarian: For a meatless spin, grilled portobello mushrooms marinated in the same spicy mix deliver robust flavor and texture. I tried this once and was amazed at how satisfying it was!
Seasonal toppings: Try adding fresh mango salsa in summer for a sweet and spicy twist, or roasted poblano peppers in the cooler months to bring some smoky warmth.
Keep it gluten-free: Corn tortillas keep things authentic and gluten-free, but if you prefer flour tortillas, just be sure to check the ingredients to keep allergy concerns in mind.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

Three tacos are placed on white parchment paper over a dark plate with a white marbled background. Each taco has a soft, yellow corn tortilla base, folded in half. The first layer inside the tortillas is a green, creamy guacamole spread. On top are chunks of grilled meat with a brown grilled outside and a pink inside. There are small white onion pieces and chopped green cilantro sprinkled over the meat. Small bits of white cheese are lightly scattered on top. A bright green lime wedge sits on the plate next to the tacos. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together the Vibrant Marinade

Start by combining minced jalapeño, garlic, chopped cilantro, olive oil, fresh orange and lime juices, white wine vinegar, and all your spices in a medium bowl. Whisk everything well until it forms a beautifully fragrant, tangy marinade. You’ll notice the citrus and spices bring together a bright and zesty aroma that hints at the depth of flavor coming up.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak to Infuse Flavor

Place your trimmed flank or skirt steak in a large baking dish or a gallon-size ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the meat, then turn it a few times to make sure every inch is coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours—this allows the flavors to really soak in. Just a heads-up: don’t marinate longer than 8 hours, or the acidity can start to break down the meat too much and make it mushy.

Step 3: Prepare and Heat the Grill

When you’re ready to cook, pull the steak out and discard the excess marinade. Pat it dry carefully with paper towels so it sears well on the grill. Lightly drizzle olive oil on both sides and sprinkle with coarse salt and black pepper to enhance the natural flavors. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). This temperature is perfect for getting that beautiful char while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Place your steak on the hot grill, close the lid, and cook for 4–8 minutes per side depending on thickness. If you’re using skirt steak, lean towards about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare; flank steak benefits from 6–8 minutes per side. Keep an eye on the grill and use an instant-read thermometer if you want to be precise—aiming for your preferred doneness. The smell of that smoky seared meat is pretty irresistible at this point!

Step 5: Rest, Slice, and Get Ready to Assemble

Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is super important because it lets the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender and juicy. Then slice the steak into bite-sized chunks perfect for your tacos — easy to eat and full of flavor in every bite.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos with Fresh Toppings

Warm your tortillas so they’re soft and pliable, making them easy to fold around the filling. Spoon generous portions of the carne asada onto each tortilla, then top with diced onions, fresh chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese. Finish it off with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for that perfect zippy brightness. If you have extras like guacamole, pico de gallo, or toasted red chile salsa, don’t hesitate to add those for even more layers of flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Immediately

Spicy Carne Asada Tacos are best enjoyed right away, while they’re warm and fresh. Grab your favorite margarita or cold cerveza, gather friends or family, and dig in! I promise, these tacos make every bite feel like a celebration of authentic Mexican street food — with your special twist.

Top Tip

Mastering the Spicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe is simpler than you think, especially when you keep a few key tips in mind. These tricks save time, boost flavor, and make the whole cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Marinating Time: Stick to marinating your steak for 2 to 4 hours. I learned from experience that going beyond 8 hours makes the meat mushy due to the acidic marinade—definitely not what you want!
Pat Dry Before Grilling: Always pat the steak dry before grilling to get a perfect sear. Excess marinade on the surface creates steam, which prevents that beautiful grilled crust.
Tortilla Warmth: Keep your tortillas warm and pliable by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel and placing them inside a large zip-top bag. It keeps them soft and ready to fold around your carne asada without cracking.
Rest the Meat: Don’t skip resting the steak for 5 minutes after grilling. This step lets the juices redistribute, keeping every bite juicy and tender.

How to Serve Spicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

The image shows a large piece of grilled steak on a wooden board with clear dark grill marks. The steak is sliced into long, thick pieces on the left side, and smaller diced cubes are placed on the right side near a knife with a wooden handle. The meat inside is pinkish with a slightly red center, showing it is cooked medium. The wooden board has a rustic texture and is the only surface visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic toppings of finely diced onions, fresh cilantro, and crumbly cotija cheese are a must. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds the perfect zesty brightness. For extra flair, add guacamole, pico de gallo, or a smoky toasted red chile salsa to bring more layers of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

Complement your tacos with warm Mexican rice, refried black beans, or grilled street corn (elote). A simple cabbage slaw with a tangy lime dressing also pairs beautifully, adding crunch and freshness that balance the rich grilled steak.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas separate wrapped in a clean towel inside a zip-top bag to maintain softness.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked carne asada in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 2 months. For best flavor, slice the steak before freezing so you can thaw just the amount you need.

Reheating

Reheat leftover steak gently in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through to prevent drying out. Warm tortillas wrapped in foil inside a low oven or microwave briefly with a damp paper towel to keep them soft.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other cuts of steak besides flank or skirt?

While flank and skirt steak are ideal for their flavor and texture, you can try other cuts like sirloin. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain and adjust grilling time as needed.

How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe has a moderate level of heat from the jalapeño and chili powders, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or removing the jalapeño seeds based on your taste.

Can I prepare the marinade in advance?

Absolutely! The marinade can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just add the steak when you’re ready to marinate for the suggested 2 to 4 hours.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! Use a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet heated to medium-high. Sear the steak similarly for that beautiful crust and great flavor.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about sinking your teeth into juicy, flavorful carne asada wrapped in a warm tortilla, topped with fresh garnishes and a squeeze of lime. This Spicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe brings that authentic taste right into your kitchen, and with these tips, serving ideas, and storage hacks, you can enjoy it any day of the week. So fire up your grill, gather your loved ones, and create a taco night that’s full of smiles and delicious moments!