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Authentic cecina tacos made with smoky salt-cured beef, diced white onion, fresh cilantro, salsa roja, queso fresco, and lime wedges served on a rustic wooden table.

Cecina Tacos Recipe

Joe- The Half Jalapeño
Thin-sliced, lightly cured beef grilled until smoky and tucked into warm tortillas with onion, cilantro, and salsa.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cure Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican- Central
Servings 6
Calories 385 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Cecina
  • 2 pounds flank steak sliced very thin
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • For Serving
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 1 cup diced white onion
  • ½ cup chopped cilantro
  • Salsa Roja Taquera
  • Crumbled queso fresco optional
  • Lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Step 1
  • Slice the flank steak as thinly as possible against the grain.
  • Step 2
  • Season evenly with kosher salt and lime juice.
  • Step 3
  • Arrange the beef on a tray, cover, and refrigerate for 4 hours.
  • Step 4
  • Remove from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking.
  • Step 5
  • Heat a grill, cast-iron skillet, or comal over high heat.
  • Step 6
  • Cook the beef for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred and cooked through.
  • Step 7
  • Transfer to a cutting board and slice into bite-sized strips.
  • Step 8
  • Warm the tortillas.
  • Step 9
  • Build tacos with cecina, onion, cilantro, salsa, and queso fresco.
  • Step 10
  • Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

  • Traditional cecina from Yecapixtla, Morelos is often cut much thinner and partially air-dried before cooking. This home-cook version captures the flavor and spirit of the dish using ingredients commonly available in U.S. grocery stores.
  • For easier slicing, place the flank steak in the freezer for 20–30 minutes before cutting.
  • A hot grill or cast-iron skillet will provide the best smoky flavor and light char.
  • Cecina is traditionally served with salsa, onions, queso fresco, and sometimes grilled nopales.
  • Leftover cecina makes excellent tacos, burritos, tortas, and breakfast tacos the next day.
  • If you enjoy more heat, pair these tacos with Salsa Roja Taquera or Salsa Macha.
Keyword Cecina Tacos