One of the true joys of traveling is discovering incredible local cuisine and then bringing those flavors back to my own kitchen. There’s a distinct satisfaction in recreating a dish that transported you to another place, allowing you to relive cherished travel memories with every bite. My unforgettable trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, have consistently been a rich source of culinary inspiration, leading to many experiments and ultimately, this incredible Carne Asada Street Tacos recipe.
Authentic Carne Asada Street Tacos: A Taste of Puerto Vallarta at Home
Stepping onto the bustling streets of Puerto Vallarta means immersing yourself in a symphony of sights, sounds, and most deliciously, smells. The aroma of grilling meats, fresh tortillas, and vibrant salsas fills the air, beckoning you to sample every culinary delight. My journey into mastering Carne Asada Street Tacos began after taking an incredible Puerto Vallarta Taco Tour. That experience solidified my mission: to bring the authentic, mouth-watering flavor of these street tacos directly into my home kitchen. And I’m thrilled to say, this recipe is not only incredibly easy to follow but delivers an amazing, genuine taste that will transport you straight to Mexico.
Since perfecting this recipe, Carne Asada Street Tacos have become a weekly staple in our household. With warmer weather finally arriving, it’s the perfect excuse to fire up the barbecue and enjoy outdoor cooking. While I can’t physically bring the vibrant atmosphere of walking the Malecón in Puerto Vallarta home with me, I can certainly bring the essence of its beloved food and drinks. Just thinking about these tacos conjures up memories of sun-drenched days and lively evenings.
Speaking of drinks, have you checked out the mango margaritas I crafted a few months ago? They were also directly inspired by one of my favorite Puerto Vallarta restaurants, La Cerveza Union. The combination of fresh, zesty margaritas with savory, tender carne asada tacos is simply unbeatable – a true culinary celebration.
Exploring Puerto Vallarta’s Culinary Heart: The Taco Tour Experience
The Puerto Vallarta Taco Tour is more than just a food tasting; it’s a deep dive into the city’s rich culture and heritage. As you walk through different neighborhoods as a group, you get to sample an incredible variety of authentic tacos from local vendors. What truly resonated with me was learning that many of these taco stands are multi-generational businesses, with families working together, passing down treasured recipes from one generation to the next. This dedication to tradition and quality is palpable in every bite, adding a profound layer of appreciation to the food.
The tour takes you beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, guiding you through multiple districts where you experience the authentic pulse of Puerto Vallarta. You discover hidden gems, bustling markets, and local eateries that showcase the true heart of the city. It’s an immersive experience that allows you to connect with the local community and understand why this city is so incredibly special. From the vibrant street art to the friendly faces, every corner reveals a new story and a new flavor.
Why Carne Asada Street Tacos are a Must-Try
Carne Asada, which literally translates to “grilled meat,” is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary institution in Mexico. Traditionally made with thinly sliced beef, often skirt or flank steak, it’s marinated in a vibrant blend of citrus juices, spices, and sometimes a touch of soy or teriyaki sauce, then quickly grilled to tender perfection. The beauty of street tacos lies in their simplicity and freshness. Small, warm tortillas become the vessel for the succulent meat, topped with minimal, yet impactful, ingredients like fresh pico de gallo, a sprinkle of cilantro and onion, and a squeeze of lime.
These tacos embody the spirit of Mexican street food: bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a hands-on eating experience. They are perfect for casual gatherings, summer barbecues, or simply when you’re craving an authentic taste of Mexico. The rich, savory beef, brightened by the tangy marinade and fresh toppings, creates an explosion of flavor that is both satisfying and incredibly addictive. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every moment.
We’ve had the immense pleasure of traveling to Puerto Vallarta multiple times, and each time we return home, we’re already planning our next visit. There are so many amazing things to do in Puerto Vallarta that you could plan countless return trips and still discover new wonders. But without a doubt, the food remains a perennial highlight. You truly can’t go wrong embarking on the PV Taco Tour or simply exploring the local eateries; the culinary scene alone is worth the trip!
Homemade Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe
Crafting authentic Carne Asada Street Tacos at home is a rewarding experience, and it all starts with a fantastic marinade and perfectly cooked skirt steak. This recipe aims to capture the essence of those unforgettable tacos from Puerto Vallarta, making them accessible to any home cook. Get ready to impress your family and friends with these vibrant, flavorful tacos!
Ingredients Needed for Carne Asada Tacos:
- 3 Lemons, juiced (about ½ cup)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- ½ cup Pickled Jalapeño Peppers, sliced and drained (or fresh for more heat)
- ½ cup Teriyaki Sauce (ensures a unique savory-sweet depth)
- 1 Tablespoon Red Bell Pepper, minced (adds a subtle sweetness and color)
- 1 Tablespoon Granulated Sugar (balances the acidity and enhances caramelization)
- 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt (essential for flavor enhancement)
- 1.5 pounds Beef Skirt Steak (the ideal cut for this recipe)
- 12 Street Tacos (small corn or flour tortillas)
- Pico De Gallo (freshly made or store-bought)
- 2 Limes, cut into wedges, for serving
- Optional garnishes: finely diced white onion, fresh cilantro, your favorite salsa, crumbled cotija cheese.
Recipe Tips for Success:
- Marinating Time is Key: Don’t rush the marinade process. Allowing the skirt steak to soak in the flavorful mixture for at least 2-6 hours ensures maximum tenderness and flavor penetration. Overnight marination in the refrigerator is also an excellent option for even deeper flavor.
- Achieving the Perfect Sear: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill is essential for getting a beautiful sear on the steak while keeping the inside juicy. Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
- Carving Across the Grain: This is a crucial step for tender carne asada! After grilling and resting, always slice the steak thinly against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite incredibly tender and easy to chew.
- Warming Tortillas: For the best street tacos, warm your tortillas. You can do this quickly in a dry skillet over medium heat, directly over a gas flame (with tongs!), or wrapped in a damp paper towel and microwaved. Warm tortillas are more pliable and taste significantly better.
- Build Your Tacos: Once your steak is sliced and your tortillas are warm, it’s time to assemble! Start with a generous portion of carne asada, then add fresh pico de gallo. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice – it brightens all the flavors. Add any other desired toppings like finely diced onion or cilantro.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately while the steak is hot and the tortillas are pliable. A side of extra lime wedges and your favorite salsa truly completes the experience.
A Culinary Journey: From Puerto Vallarta to Your Plate
Making these Carne Asada Street Tacos is more than just cooking; it’s about embracing a culinary adventure. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating that authentic Mexican flavor profile. The acidity from the lemons not only adds a bright tang but also helps tenderize the meat, a traditional technique for preparing carne asada. The minced garlic and red bell pepper contribute aromatic depth, while the teriyaki sauce, though perhaps unexpected in traditional Mexican cuisine, adds a beautiful umami and subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the rich beef and provides that unique “street taco” flavor often found in fusion or regional variations.
The pickled jalapeños offer a fantastic balance of heat and tang, cutting through the richness of the steak and adding an essential kick. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount or use fresh bell peppers instead. Conversely, for those who love a fiery experience, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade can elevate the spice level significantly.
Remember, the quality of your ingredients makes a difference. Opt for fresh lemons, good quality skirt steak (which has a rich, beefy flavor and excellent texture when cooked correctly), and fresh pico de gallo for the best results. Whether you choose corn or flour tortillas, ensure they are fresh and properly warmed to prevent them from breaking and to enhance their flavor.
Perfect Pairings and Summer Delights
What complements a plate of sizzling Carne Asada Street Tacos better than a refreshing drink and perhaps some other delightful summer dishes? As mentioned, my homemade Mango Margaritas are an absolute winner, their tropical sweetness and tangy kick providing the perfect contrast to the savory tacos. Other great options include a classic Michelada, a crisp Mexican lager, or a non-alcoholic Watermelon Agua Fresca for a hydrating and sweet treat.
If you’re planning a full Mexican-inspired meal or a summer barbecue, consider these additional recipes to complete your spread:
- Spicy Taco Soup: A hearty and flavorful option, perfect for cooler evenings or meal prep.
- Taco Beef Crockpot Recipe: An easy way to prepare flavorful taco meat with minimal effort.
- Watermelon Agua Fresca: A light, sweet, and incredibly refreshing drink for any hot day.
- Pina Colada Cake: A tropical dessert that perfectly caps off a meal with its creamy, sweet flavors.
- Avocado Salsa: A creamy, zesty condiment that adds another layer of freshness to your tacos or serves as a delightful dip.
Do you love exploring new recipes? Be sure to check out our extensive collection of copycat recipes, indulgent dessert recipes, and incredibly convenient CrockPot Recipes.
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CARNE ASADA TACO RECIPE
Easy to make at home Carne Asada Street Taco Recipe including steak marinade and grilling instructions. A taste of authentic Mexican street food!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 12 tacos
Calories: 346 kcal per serving
Author: Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
- 3 Lemons, juiced
- 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
- ½ cup Pickled Jalapeno Peppers, drained and sliced
- ½ cup Teriyaki Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Red Bell Pepper, minced
- 1 Tablespoon White Sugar
- 2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1.5 pounds Beef Skirt Steak
- 12 street tacos (corn or flour tortillas)
- Pico De Gallo
- 2 Limes
Instructions
- Combine lemon juice, minced garlic, sliced pickled jalapenos, teriyaki sauce, minced red bell pepper, granulated sugar, and kosher salt in a large bowl or a gallon-sized Ziploc bag. This will be your marinade.
- Place the beef skirt steak into the marinade mixture. Ensure the steak is fully submerged or coated by working the marinade around it.
- Seal the Ziploc bag (or cover the bowl) and place it in a larger bowl to prevent any potential leaks in your refrigerator. Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, and up to 6 hours, for optimal flavor and tenderness.
- Once the steak has finished marinating, remove it from the Ziploc bag and discard the remaining marinade.
- Preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly greased to prevent sticking.
- Grill the marinated steak for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side for a medium-rare doneness. Adjust grilling time slightly for your desired level of doneness.
- Once grilled, remove the steak from the barbecue and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to rest for 8 to 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.
- After resting, carve the steak against the grain into thin, bite-sized slices.
- To assemble your Carne Asada Street Tacos, gently warm your corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until soft and pliable.
- Top each warm tortilla with a generous portion of the sliced carne asada, a spoonful of fresh pico de gallo, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and your favorite salsa if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving (1 taco)
- Calories: 346
- Calories from Fat: 144
- Total Fat: 16g (25% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 1g (6% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 35mg (12% Daily Value)
- Sodium: 1145mg (50% Daily Value)
- Potassium: 255mg (7% Daily Value)
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g (11% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% Daily Value)
- Sugars: 3g (3% Daily Value)
- Protein: 16g (32% Daily Value)
- Vitamin A: 135IU (3% Daily Value)
- Vitamin C: 19.4mg (24% Daily Value)
- Calcium: 20mg (2% Daily Value)
- Iron: 8.1mg (45% Daily Value)
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This is a collaboration with Puerto Vallarta tourism, but all opinions are our own.