Description
These Cheese-Loaded Carne Asada Tacos feature juicy, marinated flank or skirt steak grilled to perfection and layered with melted Mexican cheese blend, fresh cilantro, and red onions. This flavorful Tex-Mex dish is perfect for taco nights and casual gatherings, offering a rich, savory, and satisfying taste experience in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Marinade
- 1½ pounds flank or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Taco Assembly
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare and Marinate Steak: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the flank or skirt steak, ensuring it is well coated with the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat Grill or Skillet: Heat a grill or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot and ready for searing the steak.
- Cook Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill or sear the steak for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your preferred level of doneness. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.
- Rest and Slice Steak: Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice the steak thinly against the grain for tender pieces.
- Warm Tortillas and Melt Cheese: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or on the grill until warm and pliable. Sprinkle a generous portion of shredded Mexican cheese blend onto each tortilla and allow the cheese to melt slightly.
- Assemble Tacos: Top each cheese-melted tortilla with sliced carne asada, then add diced red onion and chopped fresh cilantro for freshness and crunch.
- Serve: Plate the tacos and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- For extra cheesy tacos, melt the cheese directly on the tortilla in the skillet before adding the steak and toppings.
- Add guacamole, sour cream, or salsa for additional layers of flavor to customize your tacos.
- Skirt steak can be substituted with sirloin or ribeye depending on availability and preference.
