Carne Asada Tacos or Al Pastor Tacos

I have had great success preparing tacos this way. I bought this recipe from a taqueria owner (taco restaurant) in Mexico City. I am translating the directions. It can be used for beef, pork, or just about any other type of meat. The spice mix on this recipe gives meat a really excellent flavor.

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Calories: 400 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried sage
• ½ onion, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 5 whole cloves
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon anise seed
• 2 pounds flank steak
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 lime, juiced
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 cup cider vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon ground thyme
• 1 tablespoon water, or as needed
• 1 orange, juiced
• ½ bunch cilantro, chopped
• ¼ (7 ounce) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or to taste
• 24 (5 inch) corn tortillas
• 1 bunch radishes, halved

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place 1/2 chopped onion, 2 cloves garlic, parsley, oregano, paprika, anise seed, black pepper, cumin, sage, thyme, bay leaves, cloves, soy sauce, vinegar, orange juice, and lime juice in a blender; pulse until a very well-blended paste is achieved, scraping down sides as needed, 3 to 5 minutes. Spread paste on both sides of the flank steak. Wrap steak in plastic and refrigerate at least 6 hours to overnight.

Step 2

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Remove excess marinade from flank steak.

Step 3

Grill steak until it begins to firm and is hot and slightly pink in the center, about 8 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). Chop steak into small pieces and transfer to a platter; cover and keep warm until ready to serve.

Step 4

Place 1 chopped onion, tomatoes, chipotle peppers, and 3 cloves garlic in a blend; pulse until desired consistency. Add water if the salsa becomes too thick. Transfer salsa to a bowl.

Step 5

Heat tortillas in a microwave safe plate until warm, about 1 minute.

Step 6

Serve beef over stacks of two corn tortillas with salsa and sprinkle with remaining 1/2 chopped onion, radishes, and cilantro.