Taiwanese-style Carne Asada Tacos

Ingredients

While the original Mexican Carne Asada Tacos feature traditional Mexican seasonings and toppings, this Taiwanese adaptation incorporates unique Taiwanese flavors and condiments. The marinade includes ingredients commonly found in Taiwanese cuisine, such as soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The toppings are inspired by Taiwanese street food, including pickled daikon radish, cilantro, and a tangy chili sauce. We alse have the original recipe for Carne asada tacos, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) flank steak 500g (1.1 lb) flank steak
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 small tortillas 8 small tortillas
• 1 cup pickled daikon radish, thinly sliced 1 cup pickled daikon radish, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• Taiwanese chili sauce, to taste Taiwanese chili sauce, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, five-spice powder, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the flank steak in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the steak is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
3. 3.
   Preheat the 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 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Remove from heat 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.
   Assemble the tacos by placing a few slices of grilled steak on each tortilla. Top with pickled daikon radish, fresh cilantro leaves, and a drizzle of Taiwanese chili sauce.
7. 7.
   Serve the Taiwanese-style Carne Asada Tacos immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Flank steak — For tender and juicy results, make sure to slice the steak against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Pickled daikon radish — If you can't find pickled daikon radish, you can substitute it with pickled carrots or cucumber for a similar tangy crunch.
• Taiwanese chili sauce — Adjust the amount of chili sauce according to your spice preference. You can also use Sriracha or another hot sauce as a substitute.

Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, marinate the steak overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
• If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can grill the tortillas for a few seconds on each side before assembling the tacos.
• Experiment with different toppings such as shredded cabbage, sliced scallions, or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
• Serve the tacos with a side of Taiwanese-style fried rice or a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal.
• Don't forget to squeeze some fresh lime juice over the tacos before taking a bite to enhance the flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Taiwanese-style Carne Asada Tacos on a platter, garnished with additional cilantro leaves and a lime wedge. Encourage your guests to customize their tacos with extra toppings and condiments according to their preferences.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos neatly on a vibrant plate, showcasing the colorful toppings and the succulent grilled steak. Drizzle a little extra Taiwanese chili sauce on top for an enticing presentation.