Easy Carne Asada Tacos with Southwest Crema and Pickled Shallot Salsa

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a steak dinner, but these carne asada tacos take it to a whole new level. Hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, they’re perfect for a weeknight meal that feels special. Tender bites of seared steak are loaded into warm tortillas with sautéed poblano and shallot, then topped with a zesty pickled shallot salsa and a drizzle of Southwest-spiced crema. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro finishes it off for a taco experience you won’t forget.

This recipe is all about big flavors with minimal fuss. The pickled shallot adds a bright, tangy crunch that balances the rich steak, while the creamy Southwest sauce brings a subtle heat. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, these tacos are sure to become a favorite.

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Ingredients

1 unit Poblano PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Roma TomatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit ShallotView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

5 teaspoon White Wine VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Southwest Spice BlendView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Diced SteakView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 unit Flour TortillasView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 teaspoon Vegetable OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Salt to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Pepper to tasteView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Core, deseed, and thinly slice the poblano pepper. Finely dice the Roma tomato. Finely chop the cilantro. Halve, peel, and thinly slice the shallot. In a medium bowl, combine half the sliced shallot with the white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and a pinch of salt. Set aside, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve.
2. In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, half of the Southwest spice blend, and a large pinch of salt. Stir in water, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the mixture reaches a drizzling consistency.
3. Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced poblano and cook, stirring, until slightly softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the remaining sliced shallot and a large pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until lightly browned and softened, about 2-3 minutes. Turn off the heat and transfer the vegetables to a second medium bowl. Wipe out the pan.
4. Pat the diced steak dry with paper towels. Heat another drizzle of oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add the steak and season with salt, pepper, and the remaining Southwest spice blend. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Return the cooked vegetables to the pan and stir until combined. Turn off the heat.
5. Wrap the flour tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave until warm, about 30 seconds. (Alternatively, wrap tortillas in foil and warm in a 425°F oven for 5 minutes.) Stir the diced tomato into the bowl with the pickled shallot.
6. Divide the steak and vegetable mixture among the warm tortillas. Top with the pickled shallot salsa. Drizzle with the Southwest crema, sprinkle with chopped cilantro, and serve immediately.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Medium bowl

DOWAN 22 OZ White Ceramic Bowls Set of 4 - Perfect for Soup Bowls for Kitchen, Cereal Bowl, Ramen Bowl, Microwave Safe for Oatmeal, Fruit,Salad and Rice Bowl - Dishwasher & Microwave SafeView on AmazonMASTERCOOK Plastic Bowls Set of 6 – 15oz Multipurpose Deep Plates Salad and Pasta Bowls Ideal for Home, Kids, Parties – Stackable Bowl for Kitchen – Non-BPA and Food Grade – Cute ColorsView on AmazonMALACASA 26 OZ Porcelain Soup Bowls Set of 4, White Ceramic Bowls for Kitchen, Cereal Bowl for Oatmeal, Fruit, Salad, Ramen and Rice Bowl -Dishwasher & Microwave Safe BowlsView on Amazon

Small bowl

Kaytee Stoneware Ceramic Pet Hamster Bowl, Brown, 3-InchView on AmazonDipping Bowls, Soy Sauce Dish Ceramic, 3 OZ Small Serving Bowls for Side Dishes Vintage Blue Stylish Design, Set of 6 Mini Appetizer Plates for Condiment Sushi Ketchup BBQ Party, 4 InchView on AmazonFarielyn-X 3.5in 4oz Small Glass Bowls, Mini Glass Containers, Ramekins, Prep, Pinch Bowl, Stackable Condiment Containers, for Prep, Dips, Nuts, Snacks, Candy Meal Prep Bowls, Dessert BowlsView on Amazon

Large pan

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackView on AmazonSNOWCLAD Frying Pans Nonstick with Lid,Hybrid Non Stick 5 Quart Saute pan,PFOA Free Cookware,Stainless Steel skillet,12 inch Deep Saute Pan,Dishwasher&Oven Safe,Works on All CooktopsView on Amazon

Paper towels

Scott Paper Towels, Choose-A-Sheet, 6 Double Rolls = 12 Regular Rolls (108 Sheets Per Roll)View on AmazonAmazon Basics 2-Ply Flex-Sheets Paper Towels, 12 Basics Rolls = 40 Regular Rolls, Everyday Value with 150 Sheets per Roll, Packaging May VaryView on AmazonBounty Quick-Size Paper Towels, White, 8 Family Triple Rolls = 27 Regular RollsView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes, corn tortillas work well too. Warm them in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.

How do I store leftovers?

Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat steak and vegetables in a skillet, and warm tortillas before serving.

Can I substitute the steak with another protein?

Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great alternatives. Adjust cooking time as needed.