Carne Asada Tacos with a Turkish Twist

Ingredients

While the original Mexican Carne Asada Tacos feature traditional Mexican spices and ingredients, this Turkish adaptation incorporates a unique blend of Turkish spices and flavors. We substitute some of the traditional Mexican ingredients with Turkish counterparts to create a harmonious fusion of two rich culinary traditions. We alse have the original recipe for Carne asada tacos, so you can check it out.

• 500 grams (1.1 lbs) beef sirloin, thinly sliced 500 grams (1.1 lbs) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml) 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30 ml) 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30 ml)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 small tortillas 8 small tortillas
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Yogurt sauce: Yogurt sauce:
• 1 cup plain yogurt (240 ml) 1 cup plain yogurt (240 ml)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml) 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml)
• 1 clove garlic, minced 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 15g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugars: 3g)
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. 2.
   Add the sliced beef to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Remove the beef from the marinade and grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5. 5.
   Transfer the grilled beef to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, thinly slice it against the grain.
6. 6.
   Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet until soft and pliable.
7. 7.
   To assemble the tacos, place a few slices of grilled beef on each tortilla. Top with sliced red onion and a dollop of yogurt sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.
8. 8.
   Serve the Turkish-inspired Carne Asada Tacos immediately and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef sirloin — For tender and juicy results, make sure to slice the beef against the grain. This will help break down the muscle fibers and ensure a more tender bite.
• Yogurt sauce — Use Greek yogurt for a thicker and creamier consistency. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of sumac or Aleppo pepper to the marinade.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the beef in a hot skillet or under the broiler.
• Customize your tacos by adding your favorite Turkish-inspired toppings such as pickled vegetables, chopped tomatoes, or crumbled feta cheese.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, sprinkle some Turkish chili flakes (pul biber) on top of the tacos.
• To make the tortillas even more flavorful, lightly brush them with olive oil and grill them for a few seconds on each side before assembling the tacos.

Serving advice

Serve the Turkish-Inspired Carne Asada Tacos with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Drizzle some extra yogurt sauce on top for added creaminess.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a platter, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and serve with a wedge of lemon for squeezing over the tacos. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma will make your Turkish-inspired Carne Asada Tacos even more appealing.