Grilled Carne Asada Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled flank steak served on warm corn tortillas topped with vibrant, fresh pico de gallo for a classic Cinco de Mayo taco experience. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 30 minutes pairs flank steak, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs flank steak in a resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over it, sealing and refrigerating for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
  3. Step 3: Prepare pico de gallo by mixing 3 diced medium tomatoes, 1 small finely chopped white onion, 1 minced jalapeño, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl; set aside.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Remove steak from marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness.
  5. Step 5: Let steak rest for 5 minutes, then thinly slice against the grain.
  6. Step 6: Warm 12 corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  7. Step 7: Assemble tacos by dividing sliced steak among tortillas and topping with a generous spoonful of pico de gallo. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Carne Asada Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo 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 Grilled Carne Asada Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo?

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 Grilled Carne Asada Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo?

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 Grilled Carne Asada Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Grilled Carne Asada Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo?

Mexican cinco de mayo 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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