Taco-Style Carne Asada with Cilantro-Lime Slaw

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

Juicy grilled flank steak marinated in zesty citrus and spices, served with a crisp cilantro-lime slaw for a fresh and vibrant taco filling. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs pounds flank steak, olive oil, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large zip-top bag, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 pounds flank steak and marinate in refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Step 2: While steak marinates, prepare the slaw by mixing 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1 tsp lime zest, and 3 tbsp mayonnaise in a bowl. Toss well and refrigerate.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds each side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing slices of carne asada in tortillas and topping with a generous spoonful of cilantro-lime slaw. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Taco-Style Carne Asada 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 Taco-Style Carne Asada 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 pounds flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Taco-Style Carne Asada 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 Taco-Style Carne Asada 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 Taco-Style Carne Asada 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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