Caribbean-style Carne Asada Tacos

Ingredients

While the original Mexican Carne Asada Tacos are typically seasoned with Mexican spices and served with traditional Mexican toppings, this Caribbean adaptation infuses the dish with Caribbean flavors. The marinade incorporates tropical fruits and spices, and the toppings feature vibrant Caribbean ingredients to create a unique and exciting twist on the classic dish. We alse have the original recipe for Carne asada tacos, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 pounds (680g) flank steak 1.5 pounds (680g) flank steak
• 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice 1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice 1/4 cup (60ml) lime juice
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin 1 teaspoon (5g) ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
• 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano 1 teaspoon (5g) dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground allspice 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup (235ml) pineapple salsa 1 cup (235ml) pineapple salsa
• 1 avocado, sliced 1 avocado, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (Sugars: 5g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, allspice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the flank steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the meat is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
4. 4.
   Grill the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
5. 5.
   Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet until soft and pliable.
6. 6.
   To assemble the tacos, place a few slices of the grilled steak on each tortilla. Top with pineapple salsa, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
7. 7.
   Serve the Caribbean-style Carne Asada Tacos immediately and enjoy the tropical flavors!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flank steak — For tender and juicy meat, make sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain after grilling.
• Pineapple salsa — Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor and texture in the salsa.
• Avocado — Choose ripe avocados that are slightly soft to the touch for creamy and delicious slices.
• Lime wedges — Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos just before serving to enhance the flavors.
• Tortillas — If using corn tortillas, briefly heat them on the grill or in a dry skillet to make them more pliable.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of rum to the marinade.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add some diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Experiment with different tropical fruits in the salsa, such as mango or papaya, to add variety to your tacos.
• If you don't have a grill, you can cook the steak on a stovetop grill pan or even in a regular skillet.
• Serve the tacos with a side of black beans and rice for a complete Caribbean-inspired meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Caribbean-style Carne Asada Tacos on a platter, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Encourage your guests to squeeze some lime juice over their tacos for an extra burst of citrus flavor. These tacos are best enjoyed immediately while the steak is still warm and juicy.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced steak, pineapple salsa, and avocado slices neatly on top of the tortillas. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro leaves over the tacos for a pop of color. For an eye-catching presentation, serve the tacos on a wooden board or a vibrant Caribbean-inspired platter.