Arrachera is the defining taco de carne asada of northern Mexico — marinated skirt steak, grilled hard over charcoal, and served in corn tortillas with salsa and onion.
Serves 4 peoplePrep 20 minCook 10 min
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Ingredients
- 800 g arrachera (skirt steak), trimmed
- Juice of 3 limes
- Juice of 1 orange
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp chilli powder
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Corn tortillas, white onion, fresh coriander, salsa verde to serve
Method
- 1Combine lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cumin, oregano, chilli powder, and oil. Add salt and pepper.
- 2Score the arrachera lightly on both sides. Submerge in the marinade for at least 2 hours, or overnight in the fridge.
- 3Heat a charcoal grill or cast-iron griddle to its highest temperature. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry.
- 4Grill for 3–4 minutes per side — arrachera is thin and cooks fast. It should be charred on the outside and pink-to-medium inside.
- 5Rest 5 minutes, then chop roughly with a knife into small pieces. Serve in warmed corn tortillas with diced onion, coriander, and salsa verde.
Chef's tip
Chopping (rather than slicing) the meat is the taqueria tradition — it incorporates the charred crust throughout and creates better filling.