Spicy Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw
Tender grilled flank steak marinated in smoky spices served in warm tortillas with a crisp, tangy cilantro-lime slaw for authentic Mexican street flavor. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 40 minutes pairs flank steak, olive oil, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 medium grated carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 small finely chopped, optional jalapeño
- 1/2 tsp salt for slaw
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this marinade evenly over 1.5 lbs flank steak and let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1 grated medium carrot, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 small finely chopped jalapeño (optional), and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Toss to create the cilantro-lime slaw and refrigerate.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated flank steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your preferred doneness.
- Step 4: Remove steak and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Step 5: Warm 12 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side.
- Step 6: Assemble tacos by placing sliced steak in each tortilla and topping with a generous spoonful of cilantro-lime slaw. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spicy Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Spicy Carne Asada Tacos with 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 Spicy Carne Asada Tacos with 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 Spicy Carne Asada Tacos with 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 Spicy Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw?
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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