Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe (2024)

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Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos will impress the entire family with all the amazing flavor and tender beef. This recipe is so simple to makeand the perfect meal idea for busy nights.

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe (1)

Instant Pot Carne Asada recipe

We love tacos and it is something the entire family enjoys to eat. That’s rare around here to have something that everyone likes.

These Instant Pot Steak Tacos are awesome and perfect for Taco Tuesday. Everything gets tossed into the instant pot for a really quick and easy meal. The meat is so tender that it falls apart.

In less than 20 minutes, your family can enjoy an authentic Mexican meal even during busy weeknights. It is a popular choice in our home for Mexican Monday.

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe (2)

What are Street Tacos?

These are traditional Mexican tacos that are served on corn tortillas with meat. Toppings include cilantro, onion and salsa.

You won’t find any lettuce, tomato or cheese on traditional Mexican style tacos. However, you can certainly use what you prefer on yours.

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe (3)

What is Carne Asada?

Carne Asada is actually grilled meat in English. It is a traditional Mexican dish that the flank steak or skirt steak is marinated then grilled. It is then thinly sliced to enjoy in tacos or by itself.

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe (4)

What type of Steak is used in Carne Asada?

Traditional steak that is used in a Carne Asada is Flank Steak or Skirt Steak. I used Flank Steak in this recipe but either one works perfectly for tacos or fajitas.

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe (5)

Ingredients:

  • Flank steak: You can also use skirt steak. Brisket is another option but it is more expensive. Chicken and pork can also be used for street tacos.
  • Olive Oil
  • White Onion
  • Fresh limes: We like extra for topping. Try a squeezer for to easily get all of the juice out.
  • Beef broth: This gives the meat a rich flavor.
  • Cilantro – If you don’t like cilantro, try one of The Best Cilantro Substitutes.
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Minced Garlic
  • Chili Powder
  • Paprika
  • Cumin
  • Butter
  • Mini Corn Tortillas- Flour tortillas can be used but corn is more authentic.

How to make instant pot street tacos

  • Prepare Steak – Place the steak in the instant pot and rub the olive oil on both sides of the steak.
  • Add Onions – Place half theonionsin the pot on top of the steak. Set the remaining onions aside for later.
  • Season the Meat – Sprinkle the seasonings on top. Add the beef broth and the fresh cilantro.
  • Squeeze Fresh Lime – Finally, squeeze the juice of two fresh limesover the meat and onion mixture.
Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe (6)
  • Pressure Cook the Steak – Now, just lock the lid on and set the valve to sealing. The pressure needs to be set to high pressure for 15 minutes cooking time and then do a natural release.
  • Prepare the Corn Tortillas – Meanwhile, melt the butter in a skillet while the steak is cooking. Start frying the mini corn tortillas in the butter until they are soft.
  • Cool Tortillas – This usually takes about 1 minute. Let them cool slightly before using. Keep in mind that you will need 2mini corn tortillasper taco.
  • Quick Release Pressure Cooker – The last step is to do a quick release once the pressure is up.
  • Serve and Enjoy – Stir and spoon the meat mixture on the tortillas.

How long do you Cook Carne Asada in the Instant Pot?

To cook flank steak in the Instant Pot it only takes about 15 minutes to cook. Quick release the pressure cooker to bring the pressure up. This results in tender, full of flavor steak.

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe (7)

What Spices do we use for Carne Asada?

The spices that make up the carne asada marinade are easy ingredients. You probably already have them in your pantry. The ingredients include beef broth, chili powder, paprika cumin and minced garlic.

Then topping the steak with olive oil, cilantro and lime juice really brings all the flavor together to make a crowd pleasing steak.

Carne Asada Street Tacos Topping Ideas:

  • Sour Cream
  • Red Onion
  • Cilantro
  • Lime Juice
  • Cheddar Cheese or Cotija Cheese
  • Salsa Verde de Tomatillo
  • Pico de Gallo

What to serve with Street Tacos:

  • Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe – This is very simple and goes well with these tacos.
  • Instant Pot Refried Beans
  • Black Beans- These are easy to make and go well with rice.
  • Find more carne asada side dish ideas in our 21 Easy Carne Asada Sides.

How to store leftovers:

Place the meat inside an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep up to 4 days if stored properly.

We enjoy turning leftovers into additional meals. I often make extra just for this purpose. It really helps during busy weeks.

How to Reheat leftovers:

Reheating leftover carne asada is easy to do. Simply place in a microwave safe dish and heat in the microwave.

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe (8)

What to do with leftovers:

  • Burrito Bowls– Layer with leftover steak, rice and beans. Add your favorite toppings.
  • Quesadillas -Add steak and cheese for quick quesadillas.
  • Taco salad– Load a taco salad shell with meat, cheese, lettuce and beans.
  • Salad– If you are trying to reduce carbs, make your favorite salad and add steak to it.
  • Nachos– Our family loves when I serve a nacho bar. Use leftover beef and all of your favorite toppings.
  • Lettuce wraps– This is fun and simple. It is also great for lunch during the week.
Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe (9)

Tips for Pressure Cooker Street Tacos:

  • Skirt or flank steak can be used interchangeably in this recipe. Just use what is on sale. I would not use a roast in this recipe because it will result in shredded beef.
  • Street tacos use 2 corn tortillas because they are typically juicy tacos. This usually does the trick but if you find them too messy, drain some of the juice in the instant pot.
  • If you prefer the slow cooker, try Crock Pot Street Tacos. This recipe is perfect if you will be away all day. I often choose the cooking method based on what my schedule looks like.
  • The meat can be browned prior to cooking. Use the saute setting and a little olive oil if you want to sear it first. This is optional and based on preference.
  • Other flavor ideas- soy sauce and chili powder add a different flavor.

Print Instant Pot Flank Steak Tacos recipe:

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe (10)

Review

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Instant pot Carne Asada Tacos Recipe

5 from 44 votes

Instant Pot Street Tacos Recipe will impress the entire family with all the amazing flavor and tender beef. This recipe is so simple to makeand the perfect meal idea for busy nights.

The instant pot makes this recipe so quick that dinner can be thrown together in minutes.

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 6

Cuisine American, Mexican

Course Main

Calories 422

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the steak in the instant pot and rub the olive oil on both sides of the steak.

  • Add half theonionsto the pot. Save the rest of the onions in a small bowl for serving.

  • Meanwhile seasong the steak with the seasonings and garlic.

  • Pour the beef broth over the beef in the instant pot.

  • Squeeze the juice of two fresh limesover the meat and onion mixture.

  • Lock the lead on and make sure the valve is set to sealing.

  • Set the pressure to high pressure for 15 minutes.

  • While the steak is cooking, melt the butter in another skillet or I used an electric skillet.

  • Fry the mini corn tortillas in the melted butter for 1 minute until they are soft.

  • Allow them to cool slightly.

  • You will need 2mini corn tortillasper taco.

  • Once the cooking time if done on the instant pot, do a quick release to release the pressure from the instant pot. Shred the beef and stir to combine all the ingredients.

  • Spoon the meat mixture on the tortillas.

  • Top with cilantro, fresh onions and serve with limes.

Recipe Notes

*Refrigerate the leftovers in an air tight container for up to 5 days.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 422kcal, Carbohydrates 5g, Protein 50g, Fat 22g, Saturated Fat 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 8g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 156mg, Sodium 816mg, Potassium 893mg, Fiber 2g, Sugar 1g, Vitamin A 825IU, Vitamin C 8mg, Calcium 75mg, Iron 4mg

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More Easy Taco Recipes:

  • Instant Pot Mexican Shredded Beef Tacos Recipe
  • Ground Beef Tacos
  • Easy Crock Pot Street Tacos Recipe
Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe (11)

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About the Author

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe (20)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

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Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What cut of meat is used for carne asada tacos? ›

Best cut of beef for Carne Asada

The BEST cuts for the Mexican version of the dish we all know and love are either skirt steak or flank steak. Personally, I prefer skirt steak (pictured). It's more tender and flavourful than flank and can be cooked well done (for those who prefer well) without getting tough and chewy.

What makes a street taco street taco? ›

The most significant difference between street tacos vs. regular tacos is their size. Street tacos have a small corn tortilla base making them easy to grab and go. Usually, taquerias double up the corn tortilla so it doesn't tear or rip easily.

What is the difference between carne asada and picada? ›

Both of these are more like traditional steak, but “Asada” will be grilled, served as a whole steak or sliced for fajitas. Picada will be cooked into something a little saucier. Carne asada is also a more common dish with lots of recipes to choose from.

What kind of meat is carne asada at Mexican restaurant? ›

Let's start with the basics—carne asada is a traditional Mexican dish composed of marinated skirt steak or flank steak that has been grilled and thinly sliced. The term carne asada in Spanish translates to roasted or grilled meat in English.

What meat is closest to carne asada? ›

Skirt steak is the cut of choice for carne asada throughout Southern California and it's my favorite too. But if you can't find it, you can substitute flap, flank, hanger, or top round (London broil). Skirt is the flattest of the cuts, so it doesn't take long to marinate or cook.

What is the difference between carnitas and carne asada tacos? ›

Carnitas is made with pork that has been braised or slow-cooked until it's fork-tender. Carne asada is made with beef that has been grilled to perfection. Al pastor is made with pork that has been grilled and then sliced off the spit. All three of these dishes are delicious when topped with your favorite toppings.

Why do Mexican street tacos have two tortillas? ›

But a popular explanation is that the second tortilla can be used to make another taco with any fillings that spill out the side. Other reasons include preventing a tortilla from breaking, or if you have a particularly moist filling, & others do it because corn tortillas are delicious – can't argue with that!

Is corn or flour better for street tacos? ›

While corn tortillas are less sturdy than flour tortillas, they don't absorb liquids from meats, sauces, and condiments like flour tortillas do. That's why corn tortillas are more commonly used to hold taco fillings. They are also found in hard and soft shell varieties.

What is the difference between Mexican tacos and street tacos? ›

Street tacos are a Mexican dish that is made up of a corn tortilla filled with meat and topped with salsa, cilantro and onions. They are typically served on the street or in restaurants. The difference between street tacos and regular tacos is that street tacos are smaller in size and made with a corn tortilla.

What is carne asada called in English? ›

Carne asada is a Spanish term that translates to roasted or grilled meat.

What is skirt steak called at the grocery store? ›

You should be able to find skirt steak in the meat department of your supermarket, more often the inside skirt versus the outside skirt (but may be labeled simply as "skirt steak.") Most of the surface fat (as opposed to the intramuscular fat) should have been removed by the butcher.

What does barbacoa mean? ›

It generally refers to slow-cooking meats or whole sheep, whole cows, whole beef heads, or whole goats in a hole dug in the ground, and covered with agave (maguey) leaves, although the interpretation is loose, and in the present day (and in some cases) may refer to meat steamed until tender.

What does al pastor mean in tacos? ›

Al pastor (from Spanish, "herdsman style"), tacos al pastor, or tacos de trompo is a preparation of spit-grilled slices of pork originating in the Central Mexican region of Puebla and Mexico City, although today it is a common menu item found in taquerías throughout Mexico but most prominently is from these two parts ...

What meat is carne asada at grocery store? ›

In Spanish, Carne literally means “flesh/meat/beef” and Asada means “roast/broiled/grilled,” so “grilled meat.” When it comes to “carne asada” in cooking, the term refers to grilled and sliced beef, usually skirt, flank or flap steak.

What is the best steak for carne asada? ›

Ingredients: Beef- if you want the most tender and flavorful cut, my opinion is that skirt steak is the absolute BEST for carne asada. There are two types of skirt steak- outside and inside. Outside skirt is the best cut to choose, however it can be a bit difficult to find.

What type of meat is best for Mexican tacos? ›

Carne Asada is the most common taco meat. Photo by Travis Yewell on Unsplash. Carne Asada is certainly the most popular meat for tacos, and it's plain to see why.

Is carne asada flank steak or skirt steak? ›

Carne Asada Ingredients

Flank steak is the classic, but skirt steak will work, too.

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