Chipotle Lime Carne Asada Tacos
Grilled flank steak marinated in smoky chipotle and fresh lime, served in warm corn tortillas with crisp onions and cilantro for vibrant Mexican street tacos. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs flank steak, lime juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 2 peppers chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup white onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- for serving lime wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs flank steak to the marinade, coating thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until medium-rare and charred at edges.
- Step 4: Transfer steak to a cutting board and rest for 10 minutes, then thinly slice against the grain.
- Step 5: Warm 12 small corn tortillas on the grill or skillet. Assemble tacos by layering sliced steak, 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chipotle Lime Carne Asada Tacos take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Chipotle Lime Carne Asada Tacos?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep flank steak from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chipotle Lime Carne Asada Tacos?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Chipotle Lime Carne Asada Tacos for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Chipotle Lime Carne Asada Tacos?
Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
