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Flavorful Grilled Carne Asada Nachos Recipe with Roasted Corn and Avocado for Easy Party Snacks

grilled carne asada nachos - featured image

These grilled carne asada nachos combine smoky, juicy steak with roasted corn, creamy avocado, and melty cheese for a crowd-pleasing party snack that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • pounds flank steak or skirt steak
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large bag sturdy tortilla chips
  • 1 cup roasted corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 large ripe avocado, sliced or diced
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • Fresh lime wedges for serving
  • Optional extras: sour cream or Mexican crema, pickled jalapeños, fresh salsa or pico de gallo

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together minced garlic, lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over it. Rub marinade evenly over steak. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best flavor.
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F). If using a grill pan, preheat over medium-high heat and lightly oil.
  4. Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill steak 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp ~135°F). Adjust time for preferred doneness.
  5. Transfer steak to cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
  6. While steak rests, roast corn kernels in a hot dry skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned with char spots, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
  7. On a large baking sheet or oven-safe platter, spread a layer of tortilla chips. Sprinkle half the shredded cheese evenly over chips.
  8. Top with sliced carne asada, roasted corn, diced red onion, jalapeño slices, then sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
  9. Place under broiler or in a 425°F oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese melts and bubbles.
  10. Remove nachos from oven and immediately add sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, fresh cilantro leaves, and a squeeze of lime juice.
  11. Serve with sour cream or salsa on the side if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Marinate steak overnight for best flavor and tenderness. Rest steak for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Roast corn dry without oil for best char and sweetness. Add avocado fresh after baking to avoid mushiness. Layer cheese under and over toppings to prevent sogginess and help ingredients stick together. Keep avocado separate if storing leftovers to avoid browning.

Nutrition

Keywords: carne asada, grilled nachos, roasted corn, avocado, party snacks, easy recipe, Mexican, flank steak, cotija cheese