These Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos are a flavor-packed shortcut to taco night perfection. Juicy, marinated steak cooks to tender perfection in just 7 minutes, while the bold blend of citrus, garlic, and spices infuses every bite. Topped with fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and a sprinkle of onion, each taco is a vibrant explosion of textures and tastes.
With a total time of just over an hour—including marinating and natural release—this recipe delivers restaurant-quality tacos without the fuss. The tender, smoky carne asada pairs perfectly with warm tortillas, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is quick. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos
- 1½ pounds flank steak (cut against the grain for tenderness)
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium optional)
- 2 Tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 onion, diced
- Tortillas (corn or flour, for serving)
- Optional toppings: pico de gallo, cilantro, guacamole, lettuce, shredded cheese or cotija
How to Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the steak: Cut the flank steak into thin strips about 1/4″ wide, cutting against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl or gallon-sized resealable bag, combine olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, white vinegar, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well.
- Marinate the steak: Add the steak pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl (or seal the bag) and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate overnight.
- Cook in the Instant Pot: Pour the steak and marinade into the Instant Pot. Cover the steak with diced onions. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and move the valve to the SEALING position.
- Pressure cook: Press the PRESSURE COOK (or MANUAL) button and set the timer for 7 minutes.
- Natural release: Once the timer is finished, allow the pressure to release naturally, which should take about 15-20 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the lid, stir the meat (it should be tender and practically shred on its own), and serve on tortillas with your choice of optional toppings.
Toppings That Take Your Tacos to the Next Level
Elevate your carne asada street tacos with fresh, vibrant toppings! Try pico de gallo for a burst of acidity, creamy guacamole for richness, or crumbled cotija cheese for a salty kick. Don’t forget a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime for that authentic street taco vibe. Feeling adventurous? Add pickled red onions or a drizzle of chipotle crema for extra flair!
How to Store and Reheat Like a Pro
Store leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, use the microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Pro tip: Store the meat and tortillas separately to prevent sogginess!
Quick Tips for Busy Cooks
Short on time? Skip the marinade step and let the steak soak while you prep other ingredients—even 15 minutes will infuse flavor. For faster natural release, carefully use the quick release method after 10 minutes, but be cautious of steam. Pre-dice your onions and prep toppings ahead of time to streamline the process!
Recipe Variations to Mix It Up
Swap flank steak for skirt steak or chicken thighs for a different twist. For a smokier flavor, add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the marinade. Vegetarian? Substitute the steak with portobello mushrooms or jackfruit and adjust cooking time as needed. The possibilities are endless!
Why This Recipe Works in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is perfect for tenderizing flank steak quickly while locking in flavor. The 7-minute cook time under pressure ensures the meat stays juicy, and the natural release allows it to soak up even more of the marinade. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder—less cleanup, more time to enjoy your tacos!
Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos Recipe
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds flank steak
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 onion, diced
- tortillas, (for serving)
- optional toppings, (pico de gallo, cilantro, guacamole, lettuce, shredded cheese or cotija)
Instructions
- Cut the flank steak into thin strips about 1/4″ wide (against the grain).
- In a mixing bowl or gallon-sized resealable bag, mix together olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, white vinegar, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and ground black pepper and mix together to make a marinade.
- Add the pieces of steak to the bag, cover bowl (or seal bag closed) and let steak marinade for at least 30 minutes in the fridge (but you can go as long as overnight if you want!).
- Pour steak and marinade into the Instant Pot.
- Cover steak with diced onion.
- Place lid on top of Instant Pot and move valve to SEALING.
- Press PRESSURE COOK (or MANUAL) button and cook for 7 minutes.
- When timer is finished, allow pot to do a NATURAL RELEASE (should take about 15-20 minutes).
- Remove lid, stir meat, and serve on tortillas with your favorite toppings. The meat should fall apart – mine practically shredded on it’s own because it was so tender.