Carne Asada Street Tacos

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Step-by-Step Recipe Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

  1. Mix the Spices: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon cracked pepper.
  2. Coat the Meat: Slice the carne asada into strips and then dice into small pieces. Coat the meat evenly with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring every piece is well-seasoned.

Step 2: Marinate the Carne Asada

  1. Add Vegetables: Place the seasoned carne asada into a large plastic bag or covered bowl. Add 1 sliced serrano pepper, ½ diced roma tomato, and ½ finely diced white onion.
  2. Pour in Beer: Add 6-8 oz. of Dos Equis beer to the mixture. The beer will tenderize the meat and infuse it with a unique flavor.
  3. Marinate: Seal the bag or cover the bowl and let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, but ideally up to 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Carne Asada

  1. Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of canola oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Add Marinated Mixture: Pour the entire marinated carne asada mixture into the skillet.
  3. Cook the Meat: Cook the meat, stirring occasionally, until all the liquid has evaporated and the meat is cooked through. This should take about 20 minutes. Ensure that the meat is tender and caramelized for the best flavor.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

  1. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or over an open flame until they are pliable and warm. This enhances their flavor and texture.
  2. Fill the Tacos: Spoon the cooked carne asada onto each tortilla, making sure to evenly distribute the meat.
  3. Add Garnishes: Top each taco with diced white onion and roughly chopped cilantro for a fresh and authentic taste.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the carne asada street tacos immediately, enjoying the delicious combination of flavors and textures. These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, with a squeeze of lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Carne Asada Tacos

  1. Choose Quality Meat: The quality of the carne asada significantly impacts the final dish. Opt for well-marbled cuts for tenderness and flavor.
  2. Don’t Skip the Marinade: Allowing the meat to marinate not only tenderizes it but also enhances its flavor with the spices and beer.
  3. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a noticeable difference in the taste and quality of the tacos.
  4. Warm the Tortillas Properly: Warming the tortillas ensures they are soft and pliable, making them easier to fill and eat.
  5. Customize the Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer serrano peppers, depending on your preference.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Option:

  • Replace the carne asada with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly taco.

Low-Carb Option:

  • Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb alternative that still delivers the same great flavor.

Spicy Variation:

  • Add extra serrano peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for those who love a spicier kick.

Cheese Lover’s Delight:

  • Top the tacos with crumbled queso fresco or shredded Mexican cheese blend for added creaminess and flavor.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftover carne asada, follow these tips for proper storage and reheating:

Storage:

  • Refrigerate: Store the cooked carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garnishes separate to maintain freshness.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooked meat in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

  • Skillet: Reheat the carne asada in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying.
  • Microwave: Place the meat on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on medium power until hot, stirring occasionally.

Delicious Pairings for Carne Asada Street Tacos

To create a complete and satisfying meal, consider pairing these tacos with the following side dishes and beverages:

Side Dishes:

  • Mexican Rice: A flavorful rice dish that complements the savory taste of the carne asada.
  • Refried Beans: Creamy and rich, refried beans make a perfect side for these tacos.
  • Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn topped with cheese and spices adds a deliciously sweet and spicy touch.

Beverages:

  • Margaritas: The tangy and citrusy flavor of margaritas pairs beautifully with the tacos.
  • Mexican Beer: A cold Mexican beer, like Dos Equis or Corona, enhances the meal’s authenticity.
  • Horchata: This sweet and creamy rice drink provides a refreshing contrast to the savory tacos.

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