On the Border's Carne Asada Tacos (Copycat Recipe)
I recently ate Carne Asada Tacos at On the Border Restaurant and fell in love with them. Their menu description is: Premium, mouthwatering carne asada steak drizzled with Jalapeno Ranch dressing and topped with melted cheese and crispy-fried onion strings, all in grilled flatbread tortillas. I came up with this recipe (with some help from other sources) which I believe is a pretty good copycat.
I recently ate Carne Asada Tacos at On the Border Restaurant and fell in love with them. Their menu description is: Premium, mouthwatering carne asada steak drizzled with Jalapeno Ranch dressing and topped with melted cheese and crispy-fried onion strings, all in grilled flatbread tortillas. I came up with this recipe (with some help from other sources) which I believe is a pretty good copycat.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- fresh ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup light sour cream
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup french-fried onions
- 2 lbs flank steaks or 2 lbs round steaks
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons finely ground mexican oregano (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons buttermilk ranch salad dressing mix (roughly 1/2
- 2 tablespoons diced jalapeno peppers
- 1 teaspoon jalapeno juice from diced jalapeno peppers can
- 1 tablespoon cilantro finely chopped
- 6 -8 pieces flat bread
- 2 cups mexican blend cheese (or personal favorite)
- Carbohydrate 5.36487584670115 g
- Cholesterol 6.76666666942814 mg
- Fat 5.24580791035908 g
- Fiber 1.14039030459786 g
- Protein 1.36095229309601 g
- Saturated Fat 1.43260196272946 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -8 Tacos, 6-8 serving(s) (189g)
- Sodium 87.8326805632693 mg
- Sugar 4.22448554210329 g
- Trans Fat 2.97523923638515 g
- Calories 68 calories
Step-by-step
- For carne asada: Marinate meat, then prepare ingredients for dressing, before grilling meat. Plan to have flatbread warmed as you are ready to serve meat.
- Marinate steaks in lime juice in a shallow glass dish for 1 minute.
- Next add garlic powder, crushed red chile, black pepper, and Mexican oregano.
- Marinate in refrigerator for at least 20 but no longer than 40 minutes.
- While marinating meat: Combine all ingredients for Jalapeno Ranch Dressing in a 1 cup dish.
- Mix well and refrigerate to let flavors blend.
- Preheat oven to 170 degrees (or lowest heat setting).
- Grill meat to desired doneness.
- Remove steaks from grill and let "rest" for 5 minutes.
- Before meat is about to be taken off grill or while it is resting, add 1/3-1/2 cup of cheese on each flatbread.
- Lay the cheese covered flatbreads directly onto middle oven rack and warm until cheese is melted.
- Once meat has rested, cut meat against the grain into thin strips.
- On each flatbread add desired amount of meat, 1-2 tablespoons jalapeno ranch dressing and about 1 T french fried onion strings.
- Enjoy!
A Taste of On the Border, Made at Home
Let me tell you, I’m a busy woman. Between work, managing the household, and squeezing in some me-time (when I can!), finding the time to cook elaborate meals isn't always easy. But when I crave something delicious, I’m not afraid to get creative in the kitchen. Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of dining at On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina. I had their Carne Asada Tacos, and let me tell you – they were a revelation. Tender, flavorful steak, a creamy jalapeno ranch, melted cheese, and crispy fried onions all nestled in a warm tortilla. Pure perfection. Naturally, I was determined to recreate that magic at home.
Now, I’m no professional chef. I’m just a regular woman who loves good food and appreciates a recipe that doesn’t involve a PhD in culinary arts. This copycat recipe is my attempt at replicating those amazing tacos, and it’s surprisingly easy to make! The most time-consuming part is the marinating of the steak, but honestly, that's just a chance for me to relax with a glass of wine after work and prep for the week ahead. The rest of the process is relatively quick, meaning you can enjoy restaurant-quality tacos in the comfort of your own home, without breaking the bank or spending hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. There’s no need for obscure ingredients or complicated techniques. Everything is readily available at your local grocery store. The marinade is simple yet intensely flavorful, perfectly tenderizing the steak while imparting a delicious smoky char from the grill (or griddle, if you don't own a grill). The jalapeno ranch is another star of the show – creamy, tangy, and with just the right amount of kick. The combination of flavors is truly a taste of heaven. I’ve adapted a few elements from other recipes I’ve encountered online, combining them to create my own unique spin, and I'm thrilled with the results! It’s become a quick weeknight meal I make frequently. The kids love it too, making it a family favorite that's easy to whip up on busy weeknights.
The final product? Absolutely delicious tacos that taste unbelievably similar to the restaurant version. My family devoured them, leaving not a single taco behind. They're perfect for a casual dinner party, a family night in, or even a quick lunch. And the best part? You get to savor that restaurant-quality taste without the restaurant price tag. If you love carne asada tacos, give this copycat recipe a try. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. I’m always looking for ways to elevate my everyday meals without a lot of fuss, and this one is definitely a winner!
Next time, I might experiment with different types of cheese or add some grilled peppers and onions to the tacos for an extra layer of flavor. The possibilities are endless! But for now, this recipe is a perfect balance of flavor and ease. Enjoy!
