Pirates Pantry

Plundering the seven seas for grub worth preserving

Grilled Carne Asada Tacos with Avocado Cream & Tomato-Onion Topping

main-dishgrilledmake-aheadsummerpartymexican

Prep
25 min
Cook
10 min
Total
4 hours 35 min
Servings
4

For the Carne Asada Marinade & Steak

Marinate up to overnight for deeper flavor—grill hot and fast for best texture

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Flank Steak
  • 3 tablespoons Fresh Chopped Cilantro
  • 3 large cloves Garlic, Minced
  • 1 tablespoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Light Brown Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • ½ cup Neutral Oil
  • 1 whole Lime (Zest And Juice)
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine cilantro, garlic, cumin, brown sugar, salt, pepper, oil, lime zest and juice, and soy sauce.
  2. Place steak and marinade in a large zip-top bag; seal and massage to coat thoroughly.
  3. Refrigerate for 1–4 hours or overnight.
  4. Preheat grill to high heat.
  5. Grill steak for about 3 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C).
  6. Remove from grill, tent with foil, and let rest for 10 minutes.
  7. Slice thinly across the grain.

Prep: 10 min • Cook: 10 min • Wait: 4 hours

For the Tomato-Onion Topping

Use only the firmer outer tomato flesh to avoid excess moisture

Ingredients

  • ½ whole White Onion, Diced
  • 1 whole Tomato (Firm Outer Flesh Only), Diced
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Chopped Cilantro
  • 1 splash Avocado Oil
  • 1 to taste Salt And Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine diced onion, tomato, cilantro, and avocado oil.
  2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Stir gently and set aside.

Prep: 5 min • Cook: No time • Wait: No time

For the Avocado Cream

Blend until completely smooth for a restaurant-quality finish

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Ripe Avocado
  • ¼ cup Non-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt
  • ¼ cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons Milk
  • 1 large clove Garlic, Minced
  • 1 whole Lime (Juice Only)
  • 1 pinch Kosher Salt And Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
  2. Blend until smooth; add more milk to adjust consistency if desired.
  3. Chill until ready to serve.

Prep: 5 min • Cook: No time • Wait: No time

Final Assembly

Ingredients

  • 1 as needed Corn Tortillas, Warmed
  • 1 batch Grilled Carne Asada
  • 1 batch Avocado Cream
  • 1 batch Tomato-Onion Topping

Instructions

  1. Warm tortillas on a flattop or skillet until pliable.
  2. Spread a spoonful of avocado cream on each tortilla.
  3. Add sliced carne asada and top with tomato-onion mixture.
  4. Serve immediately.

Notes

A bold, smoky taco with creamy avocado and bright citrus—this dish is a sailor’s delight for warm-weather feasts. Keeps well in the ship’s stores for up to 2 days. For a zestier voyage, add pickled red onions or a splash of chipotle crema.