What Are Carne Asada Tacos?
A carne asada taco is grilled beef, usually skirt or flank steak, marinated with citrus, garlic and spices, seared hot and fast, then chopped onto corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, salsa and lime. Often it comes with grilled spring onions and a whole roasted chile on the side
It is smoky and beef-forward, and the char is the point. This guide covers the best cut to use, the traditional toppings, and where to find carne asada tacos near you.
Carne Asada (Tacos de Carne Asada) are Northern Mexico / Sonora tacos made with skirt, flank or chuck, chopped after grilling, charcoal-grilled then chopped, served on corn tortillas.
The default 'street taco' meat in the US Southwest
Where US venues name it
Counted from venue names in our directory, so it undercounts places that serve it without saying so.
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Where to eat carne asada in the US
Chicago, IL
- Taqueria TraspasadaHours not recordedCallDirections
- Taqueria TraspasadaHours not recordedDirections
Portland, OR
- Birrieria La Plaza 2 - Downtown PDXOpen, closes 9:00 pmDirections
Carne Asada: your questions
What is a carne asada taco?
Beef (usually skirt or flank steak) marinated with citrus, garlic, salt and spices, grilled hot and fast, then chopped and served on corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, salsa and lime. Often a side of grilled onions and a whole roasted chile.
What cut of meat is good for carne asada tacos?
Skirt steak (arrachera) is the classic: thin, fatty and full of flavour. Flank steak is the common substitute. Both need a hot grill, a short cook and a rest, then a cut against the grain.
What are the best toppings for carne asada tacos?
Keep it simple: finely chopped white onion, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a salsa (roja for smoke, verde for brightness). Guacamole or a slice of grilled onion if you want more. Cheese and sour cream are a Tex-Mex addition, not traditional.
Last updated August 31, 2026. Venue details refresh with each data import.