King Taco Carne Asada Recipe

I’ve been grilling up King Taco Carne Asada for years, and it’s one of those recipes that instantly transports you to the vibrant streets of L.A. with just one bite.

I always insist on marinating the meat overnight – it tenderizes the beef and infuses it with an incredible depth of flavor.

There’s something so satisfying about hearing that sizzle as the marinated meat hits the grill, knowing that in just minutes, I’ll have succulent, flavorful carne asada.

I particularly love this recipe for its robust blend of spices and the fresh burst of citrus – it’s like a fiesta on a plate.

Don’t skimp on the cilantro and onion topping; it adds that fresh crunch that perfectly complements the savory beef.

How to Make King Taco Carne Asada

Ingredients List

To create a mouthwatering King Taco Carne Asada recipe with authentic and savory flavors, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs Raw meat (preferably flap meat, skirt steak, or flank steak)
• Olive oil or cooking oil
• 2 cups Mojo Criollo (a mix of garlic, citrus juice, and spices for marinating)
• Warm corn tortillas
• Hot sauce (optional topping)
• Marinade ingredients: garlic, cilantro, orange juice, lime juice, salt, black pepper, vinegar, cumin, and chile powder (To Taste)

Step-by-step process

Step 1. Marinate the meat:

Combine the marinade ingredients in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag.

Add the raw meat and mix well to coat evenly.

Seal or cover and let it marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.

This process will ensure maximum flavor in your taco filling.

Step 2. Preheat the grill or skillet:

While the meat is marinating, preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat.

If using a skillet, add a small amount of olive oil or cooking oil to coat the surface.

Step 3. Cook the meat:

Remove the marinated meat from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature.

Place the meat on the grill or skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the desired level of doneness is reached.

The heat should be high enough to create a nice char on the meat but not burn it.

Once done, let the carne asada rest on a cutting board for a few minutes.

Step 4. Slice the meat:

Using a sharp knife, slice the rested carne asada thinly against the grain.

This will result in tender and flavorful bite-sized pieces perfect for your taco filling.

Warm the corn tortillas: On a skillet or griddle over medium heat, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side.

This will make them pliable and enhance their flavor.

Step 5. Assemble the tacos:

Place a generous amount of sliced carne asada on each warm corn tortilla.

Add your preferred toppings, such as hot sauce or guacamole, for a complete King Taco Carne Asada experience.

With this step-by-step process, you can enjoy a delicious, authentic King Taco Carne Asada right in the comfort of your own home.

Side Dishes for King Taco Carne Asada

When enjoying King Taco Carne Asada, you also have the option to pair it with some delicious side dishes that will perfectly complement the flavorful meat.

Here are some popular options to try:

Refried Beans

Refried beans are a classic Mexican side dish made by mashing cooked and seasoned beans.

They are often cooked with onion, garlic, and seasonings, creating a rich and creamy dish.

Pairing refried beans with your carne asada not only adds flavor but also provides an excellent source of protein and fiber.

Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are a refreshing option, contrasting with the carne asada’s rich flavors.

Made with grilled or breaded fish and topped with fresh ingredients such as cabbage slaw, avocado, and lime crema, these tacos offer a lighter alternative for you to pair with your asada tacos.

Ingredients Substitutes

You might not always have the exact ingredients at hand, or you may want to try alternative options for health or dietary reasons.

Here are some possible substitutes you can consider using in place of the designated ingredients:

Beef Steak

When making King Taco Carne Asada, you can choose between various cuts of beef steak as your base ingredient.

Flank steak, skirt steak, and sirloin steak are popular choices, providing different levels of tenderness and flavor.

Make sure to select a cut that suits your taste and enhances the overall dish with its texture.

Ground Beef

If you prefer a less traditional approach, you could also opt for ground beef as a substitute for the classic steak in your tacos.

Ground beef still delivers a satisfying taste but yields a different texture that some might find more appealing.

How to Store King Taco Carne Asada

Storing your King Taco Carne Asada correctly is essential for maintaining its flavors and freshness.

Here are a few tips for storing your cooked meat and taco filling while avoiding spoilage and preserving taste.

Refrigerate:

Place your cooked carne asada in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.

Ideally, the meat should be used within 4 days to retain its optimal flavor.

Keeping the carne asada in a sealed container will prevent any possible cross-contamination and keep other food items in your fridge safe.

Freeze:

If you have leftovers that you don’t plan on using within the next few days, consider freezing your King Taco Carne Asada.

Before freezing the cooked meat, allow it to cool down, then wrap it tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or a freezer bag.

Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing. Properly wrapped and sealed carne asada can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To use, simply defrost it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

Use a vacuum sealer:

Consider using a vacuum sealer to extend the shelf life of your cooked flap meat even further.

Vacuum sealing removes air from the package and creates an airtight seal, which helps preserve the freshness and flavor of the carne asada.

Vacuum-sealed King Taco Carne Asada can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for several months.

When you’re ready to serve your King Taco Carne Asada, always reheat it to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to eliminate any potential bacteria.

Be sure to store your asada tacos properly, and you’ll enjoy delicious, homemade King Taco Carne Asada whenever the craving hits.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using the Wrong Marinade Ingredients

A mouthwatering King Taco Carne Asada requires a well-balanced marinade to achieve maximum authentic flavor.

Using the wrong ingredients or ratios can result in a less savory flavor.

Stick to traditional ingredients like lime juice, orange juice, and spices to ensure a strong, delicious taste.

Over-Marinating the Meat

While a good marinade is essential for a flavorful carne asada, over-marinating can lead to an overpowering flavor.

Lime juice, in particular, can make the meat too acidic if left to marinate for too long.

Aim to marinate your meat for a few hours, rather than an entire day, to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Insufficient Seasoning

Before grilling, properly season your meat to enhance its natural flavors.

This means not only marinating it but also seasoning it with salt and pepper right before it hits the grill.

This will ensure that every bite of your Taco Carne Asada is packed with flavor.

Overcooking or Undercooking the Meat

Achieving the right level of doneness is crucial for a tender, juicy King Taco Carne Asada.

Overcooked meat will be dry and tough, while undercooked meat may pose health risks.

Medium-rare is typically recommended for carne asada, but the doneness can be adjusted to suit your preferences.

Use a meat thermometer to check for the desired internal temperature (145°F for medium-rare).