How to Make Authentic Baja-Mexican Street Tacos (Carne Asada) - A Step-by-Step Guide

Authentic Baja-Mexican street tacos, also known as Carne Asada, are a staple of Mexican cuisine and a beloved street food throughout the Baja California region. These delicious tacos are known for their flavorful, marinated grilled meat, served on warm corn tortillas and topped with fresh, vibrant garnishes. The combination of smoky, savory carne asada, the tangy crunch of onions and cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice is what makes these tacos truly unforgettable.

Carne asada, whic...

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Ingredients

  • 3 cups fresh orange juice, or more as needed
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 3 pounds trimmed skirt steaks
  • 16 (6 inch) white corn tortillas, or as needed
  • 1 white onion, chopped, or to taste
  • 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped, or to taste

Information

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Additional Time: 1 hr
  • Total Time: 1 hr 35 mins
  • Servings: 16
  • Yield: 16 tacos

  • Combine orange juice, 2 tablespoons cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, and cayenne in a large freezer bag. Submerge skirt steaks in the marinade. Seal the bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Refrigerate, 1 to 8 hours.
  • Preheat a grill to medium-high. Grill the steaks until hot and firm in the center or to your preferred doneness, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer steaks to a flat work surface and slice as thinly as possible against the grain.
  • Heat corn tortillas on the grill or in a microwave. Keep tortillas warm in a folded sheet of aluminum foil covered by a thick towel.
  • Add steak to each tortilla and top with white onion and cilantro.
  • Nutrition

    155 cal.

    • Total Fat: 4g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
    • Cholesterol: 19mg
    • Sodium: 179mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 17g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Total Sugars: 4g
    • Protein: 12g
    • Vitamin C: 25mg
    • Calcium: 37mg
    • Iron: 1mg
    • Potassium: 282mg