Quick Carne Asada Tacos with Charred Onions and Cilantro Lime Slaw
Juicy grilled flank steak slices stuffed in warm corn tortillas with smoky charred onions and a zesty cilantro lime slaw for a fresh finish. This mexican ready in about 30 minutes pairs flank steak, olive oil, ground cumin 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced into rings
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this marinade evenly over 1 lb flank steak and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat a grill pan over high heat. Add 1 medium sliced yellow onion rings and cook for 5-6 minutes until charred and softened, stirring occasionally. Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Grill the marinated flank steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Let rest 5 minutes, then thinly slice against the grain.
- Step 4: In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1 small minced jalapeño until combined to make a slaw.
- Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Assemble tacos by layering sliced steak, charred onions, and cilantro lime slaw. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Carne Asada Tacos with Charred Onions and Cilantro Lime Slaw 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 Quick Carne Asada Tacos with Charred Onions and Cilantro Lime Slaw?
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 Quick Carne Asada Tacos with Charred Onions and Cilantro Lime Slaw?
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 Quick Carne Asada Tacos with Charred Onions and Cilantro Lime Slaw 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 Quick Carne Asada Tacos with Charred Onions and Cilantro Lime Slaw?
Mexican mexican 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.
