Authentic California Street Tacos Recipe: Taste the LA Street Food Scene

Los Angeles is synonymous with many things, but for food lovers, it’s undeniably the street tacos. Imagine stepping out onto a sunny street and within moments, finding yourself captivated by the aroma of sizzling carne asada from a nearby taco stand. This quintessential LA experience, enjoying some of the most flavorful tacos you’ll ever taste, is now easily achievable in your own kitchen. For those who crave the authentic taste of California Street Tacos but aren’t in Southern California or Mexico, we’ve got fantastic news! This simple recipe brings the vibrant flavors of succulent carne asada street tacos right to your home.

Two california street tacos with lime and radish on a paper plate, surrounded by Mexican drinks and salsa.

Whether you’re planning a Taco Tuesday feast, a weekend BBQ, or simply want to experience a taste of California, these carne asada tacos are guaranteed to be a hit. They are incredibly easy to make, starting with thinly sliced steak – think flavorful skirt steak or flap meat – marinated in a zesty blend. Our California street taco marinade is the secret, packed with soy sauce, fresh citrus juices, smoky chipotle peppers, and a medley of aromatic herbs and spices.

If you’re a street taco enthusiast, make sure to also explore our other popular street taco-inspired recipes: Sheet Pan Chicken Tacos al Pastor for a flavorful twist and Baja Style Beer-Battered Fish Tacos! for a taste of the coast.

What Makes Them California Street Tacos?

California street tacos are more than just a meal; they’re a cultural icon, especially in Southern California. You’ll find these culinary gems served from bustling food trucks to humble carts, often in unexpected spots like parking lots or quiet neighborhood corners. The beauty of California street tacos lies in their simplicity and focus on high-quality, flavorful ingredients. They are designed for eating on the go, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal enjoyed standing up or leaning against your car.

Authenticity is key. Forget about cheese, sour cream, or guacamole – traditional California street tacos let the star ingredient, the carne asada, truly shine. The foundation is soft, warm corn tortillas, often doubled up for strength and texture, and sometimes even handmade fresh on the spot. These tortillas are then generously loaded with juicy, perfectly seasoned grilled steak. The toppings are minimal yet impactful: freshly chopped white onion and cilantro, a squeeze of bright lime juice, and a selection of vibrant salsas, ranging from mild to fiery hot. Popular choices include classic tomatillo salsa and creamy avocado salsa. For a true California street taco experience, you might also find thinly sliced radishes and ice-cold Mexican sodas to complete the meal. It’s this no-fuss, flavor-forward approach that defines the genuine California street taco experience.

Ingredients for Authentic California Street Tacos

To recreate these delicious California street tacos at home, you’ll need these key components:

For the Flavorful Carne Asada Marinade:

Soy sauce: Adds umami and depth of flavor.
Canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Provides smoky heat and rich flavor.
Ground cumin: Warm and earthy spice.
Smoked paprika: Adds smoky sweetness.
Fresh garlic cloves: Pungent and aromatic.
White onion: Adds savory notes.
Fresh cilantro: Bright and citrusy herb.
Dried oregano: Earthy and slightly bitter herb.
Orange juice and Lime juice: Citrus brightness and acidity to tenderize and flavor the steak.

For the Tacos and Toppings:

Corn tortillas: The traditional base for street tacos.
Fresh cilantro, finely chopped: For garnish and fresh flavor.
White onion, finely chopped: Adds a sharp bite.
Your favorite salsa: Choose from mild to hot, like tomatillo or avocado salsa.
Lime wedges: For squeezing over the tacos.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making California Street Tacos

Follow these simple steps to bring the taste of California streets to your kitchen:

Step 1: Prepare the Carne Asada Marinade

The magic of carne asada lies in the marinade. In a blender or food processor, combine the soy sauce, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic cloves, onion, cilantro, dried oregano, orange juice, and lime juice. Blend until completely smooth, creating a vibrant and fragrant marinade.

Marinade being poured from a blender onto skirt steak with sliced onions.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place your skirt steak or flap meat in a large bowl or baking dish. Add thinly sliced white onions to the steak. Pour the prepared marinade generously over the steak and onions, ensuring all surfaces are well coated. Cover the bowl or dish and refrigerate. Allow the steak to marinate for at least 3 hours, or ideally for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor penetration and tenderization. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender your carne asada will become.

Step 3: Grill the Carne Asada to Perfection

“Carne Asada” literally translates to “grilled meat,” so grilling is essential for authentic flavor. If you have an outdoor grill or BBQ, fire it up! You can also achieve fantastic results using a stove-top grill pan or a cast iron pan. A double-sided cast iron grill pan works wonders for even cooking and char marks. Heat your grill or pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated steak in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side, undisturbed, until the steak develops a beautiful char and is cooked through to your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, transfer the carne asada to a clean baking tray or cutting board and let it rest.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve Your California Street Tacos

Allow the grilled carne asada to rest for 3-5 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in incredibly tender and juicy tacos. Place the rested steak on a large cutting board and, using a sharp knife, finely dice the steak against the grain. Dicing the steak into small, bite-sized pieces is traditional for street tacos and makes them easier to eat.

Close-up of two california street tacos on white plates, one with green salsa and the other with red salsa.

Warm your corn tortillas – you can lightly grill them, warm them in a dry pan, or steam them. To assemble your California street tacos, take two warm corn tortillas and fill them generously with the diced carne asada. Top with freshly diced onion and cilantro mixture and your favorite salsa. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos right before eating. Enjoy the taste of authentic California street tacos in every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

What exactly is carne asada?

Carne asada, meaning “grilled meat” in Spanish, is a staple in Mexican and Californian cuisine. It’s traditionally made from thin cuts of beef, such as skirt steak, flank steak, or flap meat, which are marinated to enhance flavor and tenderness. The marinade typically includes citrus juices, chilies, herbs, and spices. Carne asada is incredibly versatile and can be served on its own as a main course or used as a filling for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more.

What are the best toppings for California street tacos?

Authentic California street tacos are all about simplicity. The classic and most recommended toppings are diced white onion and fresh cilantro. A squeeze of fresh lime juice is essential to brighten the flavors. And of course, don’t forget the salsa! Choose a few different types of salsa, from mild to spicy, to cater to everyone’s preferences. Tomatillo salsa and creamy avocado salsa are excellent choices.

What side dishes go well with carne asada street tacos?

While California street tacos are often enjoyed on their own, you can certainly serve them with complementary side dishes to create a more complete meal. Consider serving classic sides like refried beans and rice, jicama slaw for a refreshing crunch, or Mexican street corn (Elote) for a flavorful and festive touch. And for the perfect beverage pairing, a refreshing Mezcal Margarita is always a fantastic choice!

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Close up of california street tacos with lime and radish on a paper plate.

California Street Tacos Recipe (Carne Asada)

Experience the true taste of Los Angeles street food with these mouthwatering California Street Tacos! Juicy carne asada, simple fresh toppings, and warm corn tortillas – a perfect taco experience.

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Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 15 minutes Marinating Time: 3 hours Servings: 4 Calories: 710kcal Author: Leigh Anderson

Ingredients

Carne Asada

2 lbs skirt steak or flap meat
1/2 white onion, thinly sliced

Marinade

1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup neutral oil (grapeseed, canola oil, etc.)
6 cloves garlic
1/2 bunch cilantro, stems and leaves
1 orange, juice and zest
3 limes, juice
3 tbsp chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tsp kosher salt

Toppings and Extras

12 small corn tortillas, warmed
cilantro and white onion, finely chopped and mixed
lime wedges
sliced radish
Tomatillo Salsa
Creamy Avocado Salsa

Instructions

Place the steak and sliced onions in a large bowl or baking dish. In a blender or food processor, blend together the marinade ingredients until smooth. Pour the marinade over the steak and onions, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or up to 24 hours.
Heat a grill, grill pan, or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Grill the steak in batches for 3-4 minutes, undisturbed on each side until it’s slightly charred and cooked through. Transfer the cooked steak to a clean tray or platter to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
With a sharp knife, cut the steak against the grain into long strips, then cut those strips into small bite-sized dice.
Transfer the diced carne asada to a bowl or platter and top with any residual juices or drippings from the cutting board. Serve with warm corn tortillas, salsa, lime wedges, and diced onion and cilantro.

Recipe Notes

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:

Steak: Skirt steak or flap meat is ideal for carne asada and widely available. Mexican or Latin markets will have great options.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: These canned peppers add spice and flavor. Substitute with harissa paste, hot sauce, gochujang, or sriracha if unavailable.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers:

Store leftover carne asada covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in a cast iron pan over high heat with a few tablespoons of water for moisture.

Special Equipment: Cast Iron Grill Pan | Shop Craving California’s Kitchen Essentials

Nutrition

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