I still remember the first time I tasted a King Taco taco, it was after a long day exploring Los Angeles, and that single bite packed more flavor than I thought a taco could handle. Juicy, marinated meat. Fiery red salsa. Soft, warm tortillas. It was street food perfection. That memory sparked a mission: to recreate the magic at home. And that’s how this King Taco copycat recipe was born.
Whether you’re far from LA or simply want to enjoy tacos without leaving your house, this recipe delivers the same bold flavor, fiery kick, and satisfying textures you’d expect from the original. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners, game day feasts, or even casual family gatherings where finger-licking food is a must.
What makes this King Taco copycat recipe stand out? It’s all in the details, marinated pork (or beef), a smoky red chile salsa, and that unmistakable taco truck flavor that hits just right. If you love LA-style tacos, this one’s for you.
Table of contents
Why This King Taco Copycat Recipe Really Works
The magic of the original King Taco lies in three things: tender meat, authentic salsa, and simplicity. And guess what? We’ve cracked the code.
1. The Marinade is Key
The King Taco flavor profile comes from a deeply savory, slightly citrusy, chili-forward marinade. We’re using a blend of guajillo peppers, garlic, oregano, cumin, and vinegar to mimic that authentic adobada-style pork (but it works just as beautifully with beef or chicken).
2. The Red Salsa Brings the Heat
The salsa in this King Taco copycat recipe is a must, it’s vibrant, smoky, and delivers the perfect amount of heat. Made from dried chilies and blended until smooth, it’s what gives the tacos their signature punch.
3. The Tortilla-to-Meat Ratio is Spot On
Just like at King Taco, this copycat recipe keeps the taco light on extras. No cheese. No sour cream. Just tender meat, a spoonful of salsa, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro wrapped in soft, warm corn tortillas.
Recipe Card
King Taco Copycat Recipe
Cuisine: American, MexicanDifficulty: Medium6
servings30
minutes15
minutes300
kcalCraving the iconic King Taco experience? This copycat recipe recreates their legendary carne asada tacos with perfectly seasoned meat and tangy salsa.
Ingredients
- For the Carne Asada
2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lime juice
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
Salt, to taste
- For the Salsa Roja
6 dried guajillo chiles
2 dried ancho chiles
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup onion, chopped
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vinegar
Salt, to taste
- For the Tacos
12 corn tortillas
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/2 cup diced onions
Lime wedges, for serving
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Place the steak in a large ziplock bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor).
- Remove seeds and stems from the dried chiles. In a pot, combine chiles, garlic, and onion with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend the softened chiles with the water, vinegar, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
- Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry.
- Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side or until your desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet until soft.
- Fill each tortilla with carne asada, a drizzle of salsa roja, a sprinkle of cilantro, and diced onions. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- For a more authentic flavor, use mesquite wood chips if grilling.
- You can substitute flank steak with chuck roast if needed.
- Adjust the spiciness of the salsa roja by adding or reducing the number of chiles.
Tips to Nail Your King Taco Copycat Recipe
- Marinating the steak longer (overnight) results in a deeper, richer flavor.
- Always let the steak rest before slicing to retain its juices.
- For extra crispy edges on the carne asada, use a hot cast iron skillet.
- While simplicity is key in the King Taco copycat recipe, don’t skip the classic toppings, fresh cilantro, finely diced onions, and a squeeze of lime. They balance the rich, smoky flavor of the meat and salsa, adding brightness and freshness to each bite.
- Double the salsa recipe for dipping chips or extra taco topping.
- If you want to go all out like King Taco, add a side of Spanish rice and refried beans to round out your meal. These simple sides pair perfectly with the tacos and make for a complete taco night.
Variants of the King Taco Copycat Recipe
1. Beef Taco Version
If you’re a fan of beef tacos, this variant is perfect for you. Simply swap out the pork shoulder for a cut of beef, such as flank steak or skirt steak. These cuts are flavorful and tender, especially when marinated in the same blend of spices used for the pork. The key to this version is grilling or searing the beef for that smoky, charred exterior before slicing it thinly against the grain. Top it off with fresh salsa, cilantro, and onions, and you’ve got a beef taco that rivals the original King Taco flavor.
2. Chicken Taco Version
For a lighter alternative, the chicken taco version is an excellent choice. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their richness and flavor, as they stay moist and tender when cooked. Marinate the chicken just like you would the pork, then grill or sauté it. Shred the cooked chicken and serve it in the same fresh corn tortillas, adding your favorite toppings. If you’re looking for an even lighter option, you can use chicken breasts, though they might need a little extra seasoning or moisture to maintain their tenderness.
3. Vegetarian Taco Version
Who says you can’t enjoy a delicious King Taco-inspired taco without meat? For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and portobello mushrooms. The marinade still works wonders on the veggies, giving them a rich, smoky flavor. Alternatively, you can use seasoned tofu or tempeh as your base, ensuring the texture is hearty and filling. These vegetarian tacos pair wonderfully with a creamy avocado salsa or a tangy vegan sour cream topping.
4. Street Taco Style
To really nail that authentic King Taco copycat recipe, consider making them street taco style. Street tacos typically use smaller tortillas, and the toppings are kept to a minimum to highlight the flavor of the meat. Instead of the usual full-sized tortillas, opt for mini corn tortillas, which are perfect for a bite-sized experience. Keep the toppings simple with finely chopped onions, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and a drizzle of salsa. These bite-sized tacos are great for parties or casual taco nights.
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute the flank steak with chicken thighs. Marinate and cook them the same way for a delicious variation.
Reheat in a hot skillet for a few minutes to keep the meat juicy without drying it out.
Absolutely! Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
And That’s a Wrap
Now that you’ve got the full guide to creating the King Taco copycat recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and bring those bold, authentic taco flavors straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it at your next party, these tacos are sure to impress. The best part? You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes, whether you’re a beef lover, vegetarian, or spice enthusiast. I’m confident that once you try this version, it’ll become your go-to taco recipe.
Loved this recipe? Try our Taco Bowl Recipe, perfect for a healthier version of these flavorful tacos!
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