Marinated Skirt Steak Tacos (Carne Asada)
on Jun 05, 2023, Updated Nov 21, 2023
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Marinated Skirt Steak Tacos are tender, juicy and flavorful. Also known as Carne Asada Tacos, this mouthwatering Mexican dish will have you going back for seconds. By combining the marinated skirt steak with delicious toppings, these tacos are always a winner.
What is Skirt Steak?
Skirt steak is a cut of beef that comes from the plate section of the cow, located beneath the ribs and between the brisket and flank.
It’s a long, flat cut with lots of marbling and a rich flavor. When it’s cooked just right, this cut is unbelievably tender and makes a great filling for fajitas, burritos and tacos.
What is Carne Asada?
Carne Asada, which translates to “grilled meat” in Spanish, refers to a technique of marinating and grilling beef.
It’s a popular dish in Mexican cuisine and is often used as a filling for tacos or served with rice and beans. Skirt steak is the most popular cut for Carne Asada, thanks to its tenderness and rich flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need
- skirt steak
- garlic
- lime juice
- orange juice
- olive oil
- soy sauce
- Worcestershire sauce
- ground cumin
- smoked paprika
- chili powder
- dried oregano
- salt and pepper
- corn tortillas
- optional toppings such as diced onions, chopped cilantro, salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges
(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)
How to Make Marinated Skirt Steak Tacos
- In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Place the skirt steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated skirt steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
- Grill the steak for approximately 4-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remember to flip the steak only once to develop a flavorful crust.
- Once cooked, transfer the skirt steak to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute and ensures tender, juicy meat.
- Slice the skirt steak against the grain into thin strips. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop.
- Assemble your tacos by placing a few slices of skirt steak onto each warmed tortilla. Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, salsa, guacamole, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Best Beef Cut for Tacos
The ideal beef cut for tacos is skirt steak itself. Skirt steak is a flavorful, long, and thin cut of beef that is perfect for grilling or pan-frying. Its texture and taste make it a popular choice for tacos, as it absorbs marinades well and cooks quickly.
If you can’t find skirt steak, you can substitute it with flank steak, which is also a good option for delicious tacos.
Marinating the Skirt Steak
Marinating is the key to achieving tender and flavorful skirt steak.
- Start by preparing a marinade of lime juice, garlic, cilantro, olive oil, cumin, and other desired spices. The acid from the lime juice tenderizes the meat while the spices add depth and complexity.
- Place the meat in a ziplock bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over it.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
How Long Should I Marinate Skirt Steak for Tacos?
To achieve maximum flavor and tenderness, we recommend marinating skirt steak for at least 2 hours. For even more delicious results, marinating overnight is the way to go. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
Cooking the Skirt Steak
After marinating, it’s time to cook the skirt steak. You have two main options: grilling or pan-frying. Grilling gives the meat a smoky flavor and adds beautiful grill marks, while pan-frying provides a caramelized crust.
Whichever method you choose, preheat your grill or skillet over high heat and cook the skirt steak for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness. Remember to let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain to maintain its tenderness.
Preparing the Taco Fillings
While the skirt steak is resting, you can prepare the taco fillings. Traditional options include diced onions, chopped cilantro, sliced radishes, and crumbled queso fresco. Jazz up your tacos with additional fillings like guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa verde, or pickled jalapeños.
Experiment with different flavors and textures to create your perfect taco!
Assembling the Marinated Skirt Steak Tacos
- Heat your tortillas on a griddle or skillet until they’re warm and can be easily folded.
- Place a few slices of the marinated skirt steak on each tortilla, followed by your toppings.
- For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze some lime juice over the taco fillings.
- Fold the tortilla in half or roll it up tightly to secure the ingredients inside. Repeat until you’ve assembled all the tacos.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Skirt Steak Tacos
- Slice the skirt steak against the grain: This will help ensure tenderness in each bite.
- Rest the cooked steak: Allow the cooked skirt steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in more flavorful and tender meat.
- Heat tortillas properly: Warm the tortillas just before serving to make them soft and foldable. This prevents them from cracking or breaking when assembling the tacos.
Grilling vs. Pan-frying Skirt Steak for tacos
Whether you choose to grill or pan-fry, you’ll end up with delicious skirt steak tacos. Grilling gives a smoky flavor and beautiful char marks, while pan-frying provides a rich and caramelized crust. Try both methods to discover which you like best.
Serving and Garnishing the Tacos
Skirt steak tacos taste great with a variety of garnishes and sides. Traditional Mexican toppings include salsa verde, pico de gallo, guacamole and refried beans. Below are some of our favorites:
- fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos
- chopped cilantro
- diced onions
- sliced radishes
- crumbled queso fresco.
Variations
- Chicken Asada Tacos: Substitute the skirt steak with marinated grilled or seared chicken breast or thighs for a lighter option that still delivers mouthwatering flavors.
- Vegetarian Tacos: Use marinated and grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms as a filling. This variation offers a delightful smoky and charred taste, perfect for vegetarian or vegan taco lovers.
- Seafood Tacos: Swap the skirt steak for marinated and grilled shrimp, fish, or even lobster. Seafood tacos provide a refreshing twist, with a lighter and delicate flavor profile.
FAQs
Is skirt steak better than flank steak for tacos?
Skirt steak and flank steak are both excellent choices for tacos, but they have slight differences in texture and flavor. Skirt steak is tender and juicy with a rich, beefy flavor. Flank steak is a bit chewier, with a milder beef flavor. Skirt steak is always our first choice, but flank steak also gets the job done in a pinch.
Can skirt steak be marinated too long?
While marinating skirt steak is crucial to enhance its flavor and tenderness, be careful not to overdo it. As a thinner cut, skirt steak absorbs flavors pretty quickly. Marinating for more than 24 hours causes the meat to become overly tender or even mushy. We recommend marinating skirt steak for 2-24 hours to strike the perfect balance.
Should I tenderize skirt steak before marinating?
Skirt steak does not require tenderizing before marinating, thanks to its natural tenderness. If you’d like it to be even more tender, you can lightly score the surface of the steak with a knife or use a meat tenderizer to help the marinade penetrate the meat. Just don’t over-tenderize, as this will lead to an excessively soft texture.
What sides go well with skirt steak tacos?
Side dishes are a great way to elevate your. Some fantastic choices include:
- Mexican rice: A flavorful and aromatic side dish that pairs well with savory steak.
- Refried beans: Creamy and comforting, they add a touch of heartiness to your meal.
- Grilled corn: Whether on the cob or off, charred corn with a squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of chili powder brings a delightful sweetness and smokiness to the table.
- Cucumber and tomato salad: A light and refreshing side that balances the richness of the steak with its crispness.
Choose sides that match your taste preferences and create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Can I use marinade as a sauce for skirt steak tacos?
While the marinade enhances the flavor of the skirt steak, avoid using it as a serving sauce. Raw meat juices and bacteria may be present in the marinade, so it’s important to discard it once you’re ready to cook the meat.
Instead, reserve a portion of the marinade before adding the steak and use it to baste the meat while grilling or cooking. If you like, you can prepare a fresh sauce or salsa to serve with your skirt steak tacos.
Authentic Mexican Skirt Steak Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds skirt steak
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper, to taste
- corn tortillas
- optional toppings such as diced onions, chopped cilantro, salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Place the skirt steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated skirt steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature.
- Grill the steak for approximately 4-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remember to flip the steak only once to develop a flavorful crust.
- Once cooked, transfer the skirt steak to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute and ensures tender, juicy meat.
- Slice the skirt steak against the grain into thin strips. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop.
- Assemble your tacos by placing a few slices of skirt steak onto each warmed tortilla. Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, salsa, guacamole, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
