Spicy Grilled Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw

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

Juicy marinated flank steak grilled and sliced thin, served in warm corn tortillas topped with a crisp cilantro-lime slaw and fresh salsa. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs flank steak, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tsp chili powder, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs flank steak and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until medium-rare or desired doneness. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While steak rests, in a medium bowl toss 2 cups shredded green cabbage with 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Season lightly with salt.
  4. Step 4: Thinly slice the rested steak against the grain into 1/4-inch strips.
  5. Step 5: Warm 12 small corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by layering slices of carne asada in each tortilla, topping with a generous spoonful of cilantro-lime slaw and 1 tbsp fresh salsa.
  7. Step 7: Serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Grilled Carne Asada Tacos with 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 Spicy Grilled 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 Grilled 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 Grilled Carne Asada Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw 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 Spicy Grilled 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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