Mother's Tacos Review

Pro tips

• Let marinated carne asada rest at room temperature 30 minutes before grilling for even, faster cooking and better caramelization.
• Slice carne asada against the grain after grilling—this shortens muscle fibers and ensures tender, bite-sized pieces.
• For molitas, use fresh corn tortillas; they're more pliable and fry to a crispier, more authentic texture than flour tortillas.
• Don't overcrowd the pan when frying molitas—batch them in small groups so oil temperature stays consistent and cheese melts evenly.

Substitutions

• Skirt steak → flank steak or sirloin cap (note: adjust grilling time; thicker cuts need lower heat and longer cooking)
• Corn tortillas → flour tortillas for molitas (note: they'll be less crispy and more chewy, with a different texture)
• Fresh cheese (queso fresco) → aged cheddar or oaxaca (note: shifts flavor; queso fresco is more traditional)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked carne asada in an airtight container refrigerated up to 4 days; reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Molitas are best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated 1–2 days and crisped in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Equipment

grill or grill pan · deep skillet or Dutch oven for frying molitas

What cut of beef is best for carne asada tacos?

Skirt steak or flank steak are traditional choices—they're flavorful, tender when marinated, and have enough fat to stay juicy on the grill.

How do you make molitas crispy and cheesy?

Fry corn tortillas until just pliable, fill with cheese, fold, then fry again until golden and the cheese melts. The double-fry method creates the crispy exterior.

Can you make carne asada ahead of time?

Yes. Marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance, then grill it fresh before serving. Cooked carne asada keeps refrigerated for 3–4 days.

What's the difference between molitas and quesadillas?

Molitas are fried folded tortillas, often served as a snack or side. Quesadillas are typically larger, made with two tortillas, and may be griddled or fried.

Do you need special equipment to make these at home?

A grill or grill pan works for carne asada. For molitas, a deep skillet or pot for frying is ideal, though a regular skillet works in a pinch.