Classic Mexican Carne Asada Tacos with Fresh Salsa Verde

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled flank steak seasoned with lime and spices, served in warm corn tortillas topped with bright salsa verde and fresh cilantro. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 35 minutes blends flank steak, lime juice, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place 1 lb flank steak in a resealable bag and pour marinade over it. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Grill the marinated steak for 5-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness. Let rest for 10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, place 5 quartered tomatillos, 1 small chopped jalapeño, and 1/4 cup chopped white onion on a baking sheet and broil for 5 minutes until slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Transfer broiled vegetables to a blender with 1/3 cup chopped cilantro and 1/4 cup water; blend until smooth to form fresh salsa verde.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by layering sliced steak on each tortilla and topping with salsa verde and extra cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Mexican Carne Asada Tacos with Fresh Salsa Verde take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Classic Mexican Carne Asada Tacos with Fresh Salsa Verde?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Mexican Carne Asada Tacos with Fresh Salsa Verde?

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 Classic Mexican Carne Asada Tacos with Fresh Salsa Verde 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 Classic Mexican Carne Asada Tacos with Fresh Salsa Verde?

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.

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