Tacos are a beloved staple of Mexican cuisine, but they have also been embraced by foodies and chefs worldwide, inspiring endless variations and creative twists. One of the most popular taco styles is Al Carbon, which translates to “on the grill.” Al Carbon Style tacos are typically made with grilled meats, such as beef, chicken, or pork, and are often served with a variety of toppings and garnishes.
In this recipe, we’ll be making Al Carbon Style Texas Tacos, which are inspired by the flavors and traditions of Texas. The Lone Star State is known for its love of meat, particularly beef, and grilling is a way of life. Texans take their steak seriously, and in this recipe, we’ll be using skirt steak, a flavorful and affordable cut that’s perfect for grilling.
To make our Al Carbon Style Texas Tacos truly irresistible, we’ll be marinating the skirt steak in a zesty garlic lime marinade that’s bursting with flavor. The marinade infuses the steak with the tangy, smoky flavors of lime juice, garlic, cumin, and cayenne pepper, while also tenderizing the meat. Once the steak is grilled to perfection, we’ll slice it into thin strips and serve it on warm flour tortillas with fresh cilantro and onion for a classic Texas flavor combination.
These tacos are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a family dinner, or just craving a delicious and satisfying meal. They’re easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So fire up the grill, grab a cold beer, and let’s get cooking!
Al Carbon Style Texas Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 lbs skirt steak
- Salt to season
- 8 large flour tortillas
Garnish:
- Cilantro
- Onion
Garlic Lime Marinade:
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 4 tsp garlic paste
- 2 tbsp cilantro
- 4 green onions
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp black pepper
Creamy Salsa
- 1 lb jalapeño peppers
- 2 heads of garlic, roasted
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by making the garlic lime marinade. In a blender, combine the lime juice, garlic paste, cilantro, green onions, cumin, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Blend until smooth. This marinade is going to infuse the steak with incredible flavor and tenderize it, so make sure to blend the ingredients well.
- Next, season the skirt steak with salt on both sides, and place it in a large bowl. Pour the marinade over the steak, and use your hands to make sure the steak is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. The longer you marinate the steak, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
- Preheat your grill on high heat. Once the grill is hot, remove the skirt steak from the marinade and shake off any excess marinade. This is important because too much marinade on the steak can cause flare-ups on the grill. Place the steak on the grill, and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the steak is seared and cooked to your desired level of doneness. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the steak, which should be at least 145°F for medium-rare.
- Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a juicier, more flavorful steak. After the steak has rested, slice it against the grain into thin strips. Slicing against the grain is important because it breaks up the muscle fibers and makes the steak more tender.
- While the steak is resting, warm up your tortillas on the grill or in a skillet until they are slightly charred and pliable. This step adds texture and flavor to the tortillas and makes them more enjoyable to eat.
- To assemble the tacos, place a few strips of steak onto each tortilla. Top the steak with cilantro and onion. You can also add any other toppings you like, such as guacamole, cheese, or creamy salsa.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Al Carbon Style Texas Tacos! These tacos are a crowd-pleaser and are sure to impress your friends and family.
We hope you’ve enjoyed making and eating these Al Carbon Style Texas Tacos as much as we have enjoyed sharing the recipe with you. These tacos are a celebration of Texas cuisine, showcasing the rich flavors and techniques of grilling and marinating that are so essential to this region’s culinary identity.
By using skirt steak and a zesty garlic lime marinade, we’ve created a taco that’s both affordable and full of flavor. The steak is tender and juicy, with a perfect charred crust that adds texture and depth to each bite. Topped with fresh cilantro and onion, these tacos are a true taste of Texas.
Of course, you can always customize these tacos to suit your preferences. Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as cheese, salsa, or guacamole, or experiment with different meats or marinades. That’s the beauty of tacos – they’re endlessly adaptable and always delicious.
We hope you’ll continue to explore the world of tacos and try new recipes and techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice cook, there’s always something new to discover in the world of tacos. And if you ever find yourself in Texas, be sure to try the local Al Carbon tacos for the ultimate taste of this culinary wonderland.
