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 of 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons); 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; other optional toppings: guacamole, pico de gallo, toasted red chile salsa

There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into juicy, smoky, and vibrantly seasoned tacos. This Spicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe brings that bold Mexican flavor straight to your kitchen, making any meal feel like a fiesta. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to taco night tradition.

The image shows five yellow corn tortillas on a large white plate with small brown speckles, each topped with three layers: a base of mashed green guacamole with a chunky texture, scattered pieces of grilled steak cut into small cubes with a brown outer edge and pink center, and a sprinkling of white diced onions and fresh green cilantro leaves. There are also several lime wedges on the plate, adding a bright green accent. A small white bowl filled with more mashed guacamole sits on the plate with a silver spoon inside it. The background is 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’ve made countless tacos in my kitchen, but this spicy carne asada version really stands out with its perfect balance of heat, citrusy brightness, and smoky char. Every bite bursts with flavor and freshness, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

Flavor-packed marinade: The jalapeño, citrus juices, and spices create a rich, spicy, tangy marinade that tenderizes the steak beautifully.
Perfectly grilled steak: Whether you choose flank or skirt steak, grilling to medium-high heat locks in juicy, smoky goodness.
Classic taco toppings: Cilantro, onions, and crumbled cotija cheese add that authentic freshness and texture you crave.
Customizable and easy: You can add guacamole, pico de gallo, or your favorite salsa to tailor the tacos just the way you love them.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When you shop for this recipe, I recommend choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients that really make a difference—like a fresh jalapeño and good-quality flank or skirt steak. It’s all about layering flavors that come together seamlessly once grilled and assembled.

Flat lay of a whole fresh jalapeño pepper, several peeled garlic cloves, a small bunch of bright green cilantro sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with freshly squeezed orange juice, a small white ceramic bowl with fresh lime juice, a small white ceramic bowl holding clear white wine vinegar, a small heap of reddish chili powder, a small pile of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small mound of ground cumin powder, a small pile of dried oregano leaves, a small heap of deep red ancho chili powder, a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black pepper, a raw flank steak with trimmed excess fat, a stack of fresh yellow corn tortillas, a small white ceramic bowl of finely diced white onion, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped fresh cilantro leaves, a small white ceramic bowl with crumbled white cotija cheese, and several fresh lime wedges arranged artfully, all 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 a fresh, moderate heat that wakes up the flavors without overpowering the dish.
Garlic: Brings a pungent, savory depth to the marinade that complements the steak perfectly.
Cilantro: Provides a bright, herbal freshness both in the marinade and as a topping.
Olive oil: Helps to blend the marinade ingredients and ensures the steak stays juicy on the grill.
Orange juice: Adds subtle sweetness and acidity to tenderize the meat and balance the spice.
Lime juice: Brings that classic zesty citrus punch essential to Mexican flavors.
White wine vinegar: Enhances the tanginess and helps tenderize the steak’s fibers.
Chili powder: Infuses smoky, earthy warmth into the marinade.
Kosher salt: Essential to seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the steak.
Ground cumin: Adds a slightly nutty, aromatic kick that’s fundamental in Mexican seasoning.
Dried oregano: Offers a subtle herbal note that rounds out the spice mix.
Ancho chili powder: Deepens the smoky heat with a mild, fruity undertone.
Black pepper: Gives a fresh, sharp bite to balance the marinade’s complexity.
Flank steak or skirt steak: Both are wonderfully flavorful cuts that grill beautifully with the marinade.
Corn tortillas: Traditional and slightly sweet, great for warming and folding around the steak and toppings.
Onion: Adds crunch and sharpness as a classic taco topping.
Cilantro (topping): Fresh herbaceous bursts that complement the rich meat.
Cotija cheese: A crumbly, salty cheese that brings creamy texture and flavor punch.
Lime wedges: For spritzing fresh acidity over the finished tacos.
Optional toppings: Guacamole, pico de gallo, and toasted red chile salsa offer even more flavor and texture options.

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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

One of the best parts about this Spicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Feel free to get creative with your toppings and tweak the spice level to suit your taste buds!

Variation: I love swapping the skirt steak for flank steak sometimes depending on what’s available. Flank gives a slightly leaner, firmer bite, which I enjoy for a bit more texture in the tacos.
Spice Level: If you’re looking for a milder version, simply reduce or omit the jalapeño. For extra heat, add a diced serrano or drizzle with a smoky chipotle salsa instead of the basic toppings.
Vegetarian Option: Try using grilled portobello mushrooms marinated in the same flavorful marinade for a delicious meat-free twist that still packs that charred, tangy punch.
Seasonal Touch: In summer, fresh pico de gallo tastes incredible on these tacos. In cooler months, a roasted salsa or even a dollop of warm Mexican black beans adds comfort and depth.

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

Three tacos are placed side by side on a dark gray plate lined with white paper, all on a white marbled surface. Each taco has three layers: the bottom layer is a warm yellow corn tortilla with a soft, slightly rough texture; the middle layer is a creamy green guacamole spread evenly across; the top layer shows small chunks of grilled beef that are dark brown with a bit of pink inside, sprinkled with finely chopped white onions and green cilantro leaves, and small bits of white cheese. A wedge of bright green lime sits behind the tacos on the plate. A white bowl filled with green chopped cilantro is partly visible in the upper left corner. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Whisk Together the Flavor-Packed Marinade

Start by combining the minced jalapeño, garlic, chopped cilantro, olive oil, orange and lime juices, white wine vinegar, and all the spices in a medium bowl. Whisk everything until it’s beautifully blended into a vibrant, zesty marinade. This mixture is where your steaks soak in all the layers of flavor, from citrus brightness to smoky ancho chili and fragrant oregano.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak for Ultimate Juiciness

Place your trimmed flank or skirt steak in a large baking dish or a gallon-size ziplock bag and pour the marinade on top. Turn the steak several times to make sure every inch is coated. Then pop it in the fridge to marinate for 2 to 4 hours. A gentle reminder: don’t go beyond 8 hours here, or the acid from the citrus can break down the meat too much and make it mushy.

Step 3: Prep the Steak for Grilling

Remove your steak from the marinade and discard any leftover liquid. Pat the steak dry with paper towels—that helps to develop a beautiful crust when grilling. Then drizzle a little olive oil on each side, seasoning lightly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning boost enhances the rich marinade flavors while giving the grill marks a little pop.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection at Medium-High Heat

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high, aiming for 400-450°F. Place the steak down and grill with the lid closed—this traps heat and smoke for that authentic charred flavor. Depending on the cut thickness, grill skirt steak about 4 minutes per side and flank steak closer to 6-8 minutes per side. Keep an eye on the steak; the goal is to lock in those juices while achieving a nice sear.

Step 5: Rest and Slice for Taco-Ready Bites

Once grilled, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for around 5 minutes. This step is key—it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite stays juicy. After resting, slice the steak into bite-sized chunks, perfect for tucking into your tortillas without any fuss.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos with Classic Toppings

Warm your tortillas until soft and pliable—this makes rolling and eating so much easier. Spoon generous portions of the carne asada onto each tortilla, then top with finely diced onions, fresh cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, and a spritz of lime juice to brighten every bite. Don’t forget those extra toppings like guacamole or your favorite salsa for a truly satisfying taco experience!

Top Tip

Mastering the Spicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe is about balancing bold flavors and perfect textures. These tips will help you get that juicy, flavorful steak and irresistibly fresh tacos every time.

Marinating Time Matters: I’ve learned that marinating the steak between 2 and 4 hours locks in fantastic flavor without the meat getting mushy—going beyond 8 hours definitely changes the texture for the worse.
Pat Steak Dry Before Grilling: This simple step allows the steak to sear properly on a hot grill, giving you that nice crust and locking in the juices.
Keep Tortillas Warm: Wrapping tortillas in a kitchen towel and placing them inside a zip-top bag keeps them soft and pliable, which really makes the taco experience so much better.
Rest Your Steak: Resist the temptation to slice immediately after grilling—letting it rest for 5 minutes keeps the meat juicy and tender.

How to Serve Spicy Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

A grilled steak is shown on a wooden cutting board with clear grill marks on its dark brown surface. The steak is sliced into several long pieces on the left side, revealing a pink center indicating it is cooked medium. To the right, many small cubes of steak are neatly arranged next to a large knife with a wooden handle. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

The classic toppings of diced onions, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cotija cheese bring freshness and texture that complement the spicy, smoky steak beautifully. Don’t forget a bright squeeze of lime juice to bring everything together. For extra flair, add guacamole, pico de gallo, or a drizzle of toasted red chile salsa — these take the flavor to the next level!

Side Dishes

Serve your tacos with traditional Mexican street food sides like Mexican street corn (elote), a simple black bean salad, or even a crunchy cabbage slaw. A fresh avocado and tomato salad or chips with salsa and guacamole round out the meal perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep your warmed tortillas wrapped tightly in foil or wrapped in a kitchen towel inside a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftover steak, slice it first and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Use within 2 months for the best flavor. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat carne asada quickly in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Warm tortillas wrapped in foil can be reheated in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving tortillas alone to keep them soft and chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of beef for carne asada?

Absolutely! Both flank steak and skirt steak work wonderfully for this recipe due to their texture and ability to absorb the marinade flavors. Choose whichever you find fresh and affordable.

How spicy will the tacos be with this recipe?

The heat level is moderate thanks to the jalapeño and chili powders in the marinade. You can adjust by leaving the seeds in the jalapeño or adding more chili powder for extra kick, or remove all seeds for milder flavor.

Can I marinate the steak overnight?

It’s best not to exceed 8 hours of marinating to avoid overly soft or mushy meat caused by the citrus acids. Ideally, stick to 2–4 hours to get juicy, flavorful results.

What can I substitute for cotija cheese?

If cotija isn’t available, a crumbly feta or a mild queso fresco can work as a tasty substitute, keeping that crumbly texture and salty bite.

Final Thoughts

Making Spicy Carne Asada Tacos at home is one of those rewarding experiences where fresh ingredients and simple techniques come together for a truly special meal. Each juicy bite is packed with smoky, citrusy goodness, and the vibrant toppings take it over the top. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight or hosting a festive taco night, this recipe is sure to bring joy and bold flavor to your table. Enjoy every moment of it!