Authentic King Taco Carne Asada Recipe – Easy Copycat Version
Recreate the bold flavors of King Taco’s famous carne asada with this easy, flavorful copycat recipe. Perfectly marinated steak grilled to perfection for tacos, burritos, or bowls!
King Taco Carne Asada Copycat
Authentic King Taco Carne Asada is a true classic from the heart of Los Angeles’ vibrant taco scene. King Taco, a legendary institution, helped popularize carne asada tacos across Southern California, turning simple grilled beef into an iconic street food experience. This isn’t just any carne asada—it’s the real deal, packed with bold flavors, tender meat, and that unmistakable char that comes from grilling over live flames. It’s a dish that tells a story of community, family, and tradition with every bite.
The star here is the carne asada itself—thinly sliced skirt or flank steak marinated in a lively blend of citrus, garlic, cilantro, and a touch of smoky chile. The marinade tenderizes the meat while infusing it with bright, fresh flavors and just enough heat to keep things interesting. After marinating, the steak hits a hot grill, where it gets those signature charred edges and smoky aroma that make you want to dive right in. Served simply on warm, soft corn tortillas, it’s all about letting the meat shine.
Eating an authentic King Taco carne asada taco is an experience. The meat is juicy and tender with that perfect char bitterness balancing the citrusy marinade. It melts in your mouth but still holds just enough chew to remind you you’re enjoying quality grilled steak. The tortillas cradle the meat with a subtle corn flavor and gentle warmth, and when you add fresh toppings like chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, it elevates each bite to a fresh, zesty celebration. Some like to add a dollop of salsa roja or salsa verde for an extra kick, but even on its own, it’s insanely satisfying.
Typically, these tacos are served fresh off the grill, piled high and eaten standing at a taco stand or sitting with friends at a bustling table. Leftovers? If you’re lucky enough to have some, wrap them tight and refrigerate—they’ll keep a couple of days. To reheat, a quick sear in a hot skillet brings back that charred goodness and keeps the meat juicy without drying it out. Just warm your tortillas separately on a griddle or pan before assembling again.
This dish is not just about flavor but also about balance. High in protein and relatively lean, especially if you trim the fat before cooking, it’s a hearty yet clean way to enjoy steak. The fresh toppings add vitamins and antioxidants without weighing it down, making it feel indulgent but not over the top. Variations abound—some add grilled peppers or onions, while others sprinkle on queso fresco or pickled jalapeños—but the classic King Taco style keeps it straightforward and crave-worthy.
If you want to bring that authentic LA taco truck vibe into your kitchen, scroll down for the recipe and fire up the grill. Trust me, once you’ve had the real thing, it’s hard to go back to anything else.
Recipe
This King Taco carne asada copycat recipe perfectly recreates the bold, smoky flavors of the original, complete with tender marinated steak and a spicy salsa kick.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, and cilantro to create the marinade.
- Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Grill the steak for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust to your preferred doneness. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Serve the carne asada with warm tortillas, diced onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and your choice of salsa.
prep time with cook time.
Serves 6 and contains approximately 320 calories per serving.
Mexican / Main Course, Grill
Rated 4.9 by 164 reviewers.
Recipe Tags: King Taco carne asada, carne asada copycat, Mexican carne asada recipe, grilled steak tacos, authentic carne asada
Published by: Crisprecipe
Recipe Video
This is a video about King Taco Carne Asada Copycat.
Servings
Serving your King Taco Carne Asada the right way will ensure you capture the authentic experience. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Keep It Simple and Fresh
Carne asada is best served with minimal toppings to let the steak's bold flavor shine. Stick to the essentials:
- Tortillas: Use warm, soft corn tortillas for authenticity. Heat them directly on a skillet or over an open flame for a slight char.
- Toppings: Dice fresh white onions and chop cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime juice for a citrusy brightness.
- Salsa: Offer both red (spicy) and green (mild) salsa, letting everyone pick their heat level.
2. Arrange a Taco Bar
For gatherings, set up a DIY taco bar:
- Lay out warm tortillas in a basket wrapped with a clean towel to keep them warm.
- Arrange small bowls of diced onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa.
- Include extras like guacamole, shredded cheese, sour cream, or pickled jalapeños for variety.
3. Pair with Classic Sides
Enhance your carne asada meal with traditional Mexican sides:
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful rice cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices.
- Refried Beans: Creamy pinto or black beans cooked with garlic and onions.
- Elote: Grilled corn on the cob topped with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
4. Serve as a Burrito or Bowl
For a twist, use the carne asada to make:
- Burritos: Wrap it in a large flour tortilla with beans, rice, and your favorite toppings.
- Bowls: Skip the tortillas and serve the carne asada over a bed of rice, beans, and lettuce.
5. Add Beverages
Pair your meal with drinks like:
- Horchata: A creamy rice milk drink with cinnamon.
- Mexican Sodas: Jarritos or Coca-Cola (made with cane sugar) add a sweet and bubbly touch.
- Beer: A cold Mexican lager like Modelo or Pacifico complements the smoky flavors.
6. Garnish and Serve
For presentation:
- Stack tacos on a platter and sprinkle some extra cilantro on top.
- Add lime wedges on the side for easy squeezing.
- Serve salsa in traditional clay bowls for an authentic vibe.
Tips
Tips for the Perfect Carne Asada
Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While 4 hours is the minimum, overnight marination allows the meat to absorb the citrus and spices deeply. This enhances both the flavor and tenderness of the steak.
Use the Right Cut of Meat: Flank or skirt steak works best for carne asada due to their robust flavor and texture. Ensure you slice the meat against the grain after cooking for a tender bite.
Grill at High Heat: Authentic carne asada is cooked over a blazing hot grill to achieve a slight char while locking in the juices. If you're using a stovetop, a cast-iron skillet is your best friend.
Don’t Skip Resting: Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat juicy and flavorful.
Char Your Tortillas: Warm your tortillas on the grill or directly over a gas flame for a slightly charred, authentic touch.
Flavor Boosters
- Add Beer to the Marinade: A splash of Mexican lager enhances the flavor profile, giving the carne asada a slightly malty depth.
- Smoky Touch: If grilling, toss some wood chips on the coals for a smoky aroma.
- Adjust Spice Level: Amp up the heat by adding extra cayenne or chipotle powder to the marinade.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings Matter: Stick to the classics—fresh cilantro, diced onions, lime wedges, and a good salsa. The King Taco experience relies on simplicity and freshness.
- Side Pairings: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or elote (Mexican street corn) for a complete meal.
- Make It a Meal Kit: Prepare extra toppings, tortillas, and salsa so guests can assemble their own tacos.
Pro Tips for Salsa
- Fire-Roast Ingredients: Roast your tomatoes, chiles, and garlic for the salsa to replicate King Taco’s smoky flavor.
- Blend for Heat: Use chile de árbol for a fiery red salsa or tomatillos for a tangy green salsa.
Ingredient Substitutes
If you're looking for substitutes for some of the ingredients in the King Taco Carne Asada copycat recipe, here’s a helpful guide that maintains flavor authenticity:
1. Steak
- Substitute: Use sirloin steak or hanger steak if flank or skirt steak isn’t available. These cuts are flavorful and tender when cooked properly.
2. Orange Juice (Fresh)
- Substitute: Use pineapple juice for a similar sweet and tangy flavor or a mix of lemon and lime juice for acidity.
3. Lime Juice
- Substitute: Lemon juice works, but keep the quantity slightly lower to avoid overpowering the marinade.
4. Soy Sauce
- Substitute: Use tamari for a gluten-free option or Worcestershire sauce for a slightly different savory kick.
5. Garlic (Fresh)
- Substitute: Replace fresh garlic with 1 teaspoon garlic powder for convenience.
6. Cumin
- Substitute: Use ground coriander for a milder flavor or skip entirely if you don’t have it on hand; the other spices will still carry the dish.
7. Chili Powder
- Substitute: Use paprika (for mild heat) or a pinch of cayenne pepper (for more spice).
8. Oregano (Mexican)
- Substitute: Use regular Mediterranean oregano or a mix of dried marjoram and thyme.
9. White Vinegar
- Substitute: Use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for similar acidity.
10. Oil (Vegetable)
- Substitute: Use olive oil or canola oil for the marinade.
11. Red Salsa
- Substitute: Make a quick substitute with canned diced tomatoes, a pinch of chili flakes, and a dash of lime juice blended together.
12. Green Salsa
- Substitute: Blend avocado, lime juice, and cilantro for a creamy green sauce or use store-bought salsa verde.
13. Corn Tortillas
- Substitute: Use flour tortillas for a softer texture or lettuce leaves if you're going low-carb.
14. Cilantro
- Substitute: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, use parsley or omit it altogether.
Pro Tip
When using substitutes, taste as you go to adjust for flavor balance. The essence of carne asada lies in its bold, tangy, and slightly smoky profile, so aim to preserve those elements with your swaps.