Tacos Al Carbon is a Mexican dish made with grilled meat, typically beef or chicken, served in warm tortillas and garnished with savory toppings, including salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side.
The meat for Tacos Al Carbon are grilled over a flame, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor.
Origin & Cultural Significance
The origin of Tacos Al Carbon can be traced back to the northern regions of Mexico, in the states of Sonora and Nuevo León which are famous for cattle ranching. This dish has evolved into a popular street food, sold by street vendors across Mexico, particularly in the northern states.
Cowboys, or vaqueros, would grill meats over open flames. This method of cooking is known as ‘al carbon‘, meaning ‘over charcoal’, which is where the dish gets its name.
Variations of the dish can be found across the country; in central and southern regions of Mexico, pork or lamb may be used instead of beef or chicken as the primary filling.
Mexican Tacos Al Carbon Recipe
Tacos Al Carbon is a Mexican dish made with grilled meat, typically beef or chicken, served in warm tortillas and garnished with savory toppings, including salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side.
Ingredients
- Beef (skirt steak or flank steak) - 1 lb
- Chicken (boneless, skinless thighs or breasts) - 1 lb
- Olive oil - 2 tbsp
- Lime juice - 2 tbsp
- Garlic (minced) - 3 cloves
- Cumin powder - 1 tsp
- Chili powder - 1 tsp
- Salt - 1 tsp
- Black pepper - 1/2 tsp
- Tortillas - 12
- Onion (sliced) - 1 large
- Cilantro (chopped) - 1/4 cup
- Lime wedges - for serving
- Salsa - for serving
- Guacamole - for serving
- Sour cream - for serving
Instructions
- Marinate beef and chicken in olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill marinated beef and chicken until charred and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
- Remove meat from grill and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice beef and chicken into thin strips.
- Heat tortillas on the grill until warm and slightly charred, about 1 minute per side.
- Fill tortillas with grilled beef and chicken strips, sliced onions, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve with lime wedges, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side.