Moroccan-inspired Carne Asada Tacos

Ingredients

While the original Carne Asada Tacos are typically seasoned with Mexican spices and served with salsa and guacamole, our Moroccan-inspired version incorporates aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. We also use traditional Moroccan ingredients such as preserved lemons, harissa, and couscous to add depth and complexity to the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Carne asada tacos, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef steak, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons harissa paste 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 1 preserved lemon, finely chopped 1 preserved lemon, finely chopped
• 8 small flour tortillas 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup cooked couscous 1 cup cooked couscous
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 22g (Sugars: 1g)
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, harissa paste, and preserved lemon.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated beef for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
4. 4.
   Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or on the grill for a few seconds on each side.
5. 5.
   To assemble the tacos, place a spoonful of cooked couscous on each tortilla, followed by a few slices of the grilled beef. Garnish with fresh cilantro.
6. 6.
   Serve the Moroccan-inspired Carne Asada Tacos warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Preserved lemon — Rinse the preserved lemon under cold water before finely chopping it to remove excess saltiness.
• Harissa paste — Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Couscous — Fluff the cooked couscous with a fork to ensure light and fluffy texture.

Tips & Tricks

• For a smoky flavor, grill the beef over charcoal instead of using a grill pan.
• If you can't find preserved lemons, substitute with fresh lemon zest for a hint of citrusy flavor.
• Serve the tacos with a side of Moroccan-style pickled vegetables for added crunch and tanginess.
• Experiment with different toppings such as yogurt sauce, chopped tomatoes, or sliced cucumbers to customize your tacos.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some chili flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the assembled tacos.

Serving advice

Serve the Moroccan-inspired Carne Asada Tacos with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top. Accompany them with a side of Moroccan-style pickled vegetables and a dollop of harissa paste for an authentic Moroccan experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a platter, garnish with additional cilantro leaves, and serve with a colorful Moroccan-inspired table setting. Consider using vibrant Moroccan patterned plates or serving dishes to enhance the visual appeal of the dish.