Taco night gets an upgrade with these carne asada tacos made with HERDEZ® Carne Asada Marinade. Skirt steak soaks up the bold marinade, then hits a screaming hot grill alongside jalapeños and corn tortillas for smoky char. Chopped and piled high with onion, cilantro, queso fresco, pico de gallo and HERDEZ® salsas, these grilled carne asada tacos are a backyard favorite.

Set out all the toppings and let everyone build their own. For more grilling ideas, try my Honey Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken.

Why You’ll Love These Carne Asada Tacos

Bold flavor with almost no prep.
Charred, juicy skirt steak right off the grill.
Taco bar friendly with tons of toppings.
Perfect for summer cookouts and game days.

Ingredients for Carne Asada Tacos

The Steak

Skirt steak and a bottle of HERDEZ® Carne Asada Marinade.

The Tortillas

Corn tortillas, warmed and charred on the grill.

The Toppings

Diced white onion, cilantro, limes, pickled onion, queso fresco, charred jalapeños, pico de gallo, HERDEZ® Salsa Verde, HERDEZ® Salsa Casera and warm queso.

Dietary note: Corn tortillas keep these tacos gluten free; check the marinade and salsa labels to confirm. Skip the cheeses for dairy free.

How to Make Carne Asada Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the steak

Marinate the skirt steak in the HERDEZ® Carne Asada Marinade for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

Step 2: Grill

Heat the grill to high, about 450°F. Cook the steak 5 to 6 minutes per side until charred and cooked to your liking.

Step 3: Char the jalapeños and tortillas

Place the jalapeños and corn tortillas on the grill alongside the steak to char them.

Step 4: Slice the steak

Rest the steak for a few minutes, then slice thinly against the grain and chop into bite-size pieces.

Step 5: Build the tacos

Pile the steak onto warm tortillas and top with onion, cilantro, pickled onion, queso fresco, charred jalapeños, pico de gallo, salsas and queso.

Carly’s Expert Tips

Marinate overnight for the most flavorful steak.
Get the grill really hot so the steak chars before it overcooks.
Slice against the grain for tender, easy-to-eat pieces.
Warm the tortillas on the grill for flavor and so they do not crack.

Make It Your Own

Flank steak: Use flank or ribeye instead of skirt steak.
Burrito bowls: Serve the steak over rice with all the toppings.
Quesadillas: Tuck the steak and cheese into tortillas and crisp them up.
Spicier: Add extra charred jalapeños or hot salsa.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep: Marinate the steak up to 24 hours ahead, and chop the toppings and make the pickled onions a day ahead. Grill right before serving.

What to Serve With Carne Asada Tacos

Serve with Mexican rice, black beans, chips and salsa, Mexican Street Corn Dip or Cowboy Caviar.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover steak in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat in a hot skillet for 1 to 2 minutes so it stays juicy.

What People Ask About Carne Asada Tacos

What cut of steak is best for carne asada tacos?

Skirt steak is classic, but flank steak or ribeye also work.

How long should I marinate carne asada?

At least 1 hour, but overnight gives the best flavor.

Can I cook carne asada without a grill?

Yes. Use a very hot cast iron skillet or grill pan.

What toppings go on carne asada tacos?

Onion, cilantro, lime, queso fresco, pico de gallo and salsa are classic.