Carne Asada Bison Tacos With Garlic Lime Crema Recipe

I love this bison taco recipe because it perfectly combines the rich, tender bison and vibrant marinade with fresh toppings for an amazing flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, the garlic lime crema adds the ideal zing, making each taco irresistible and totally Instagram-worthy!

Revel in the combination of strong flavors with my Carne Asada Bison Tacos. Slow-cooked bison steak, marinated in lime juice, cumin, and smoked paprika, works wonderfully with the corn tortillas.

The zesty garlic-lime crema plays nice with the bison and also with the nextlayering of ingredients, making a daring protein-packed taco. Because most people in the United States don’t have access to bison, I’ve included beef as an option in the recipe.

But I swear by the bison.

Ingredients

Bison Steak:
A source of lean protein, the nutrients in venison offer large and small amounts of several essential vitamins and minerals.

But what draws my eye to venison is its flavor.

Olive Oil:
Fats that are good for the heart improve flavors and help with marinating.

Lime Juice:
Biting into a fresh sour lemon gives you a burst of tangy flavor that is positively electrifying to your taste buds.

This high-in-vitamin-C fruit is also a great tenderizer for meats.

Here’s how to incorporate it into your next party-ready pork dish.

Garlic:
Packed with intense flavor and antioxidants, this superstar spice has the potential to elevate your immunity.

Cumin:
Spice that is earthy and warm, aiding digestion, with a flavor that is subtly nutty.

Ancho Chili Powder:
Heat mildly.

Smoke depth richly.

Add vitamins.

Smoked Paprika:
Sweet and smoky flavors accentuate the aromas of brilliant hues.

Avocado:
Smooth texture, abundant in beneficial fats, packed with nutrients.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound bison steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, ground cumin, ancho chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Mix well to create the marinade.

2. Thinly slice the bison steak and add it to the marinade, making sure all the pieces are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour at the least, up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

3. As the bison soaks in the marinade, ready the lime garlic crema by mixing the following in a small bowl:

Sour cream
Lime juice
Minced garlic
Salt

Set this aside in the refrigerator to chill.

4. After marinating the bison, take a large skillet or grill pan and heat it to medium-high. In batches, cook the bison slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preference.

5. Take the bison off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, cut it into pieces large enough to be recognized as bits.

6. At the same time, heat the corn tortillas over a gas flame, in a hot dry skillet, or wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave.

7. Put together the tacos by placing several chunks of bison on each tortilla. Add the following as toppings: chopped red onion, avocado, and cilantro. If desired, sprinkle some queso fresco on top. Alternatively, serve the queso fresco on the side.

8. Using a spoon, drizzle each taco with the prepared garlic lime crema to make it even more flavorful.

9. For squeezing over the top, serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side.

10. Indulge in the burst of flavor that’s found in each and every one of your Bison Tacos. There’s a richness to enjoy. And that’s before you even get to the star of the show: garlic lime crema.

Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl (for marinade)
2. Small bowl (for crema)
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cups
7. Citrus juicer (optional)
8. Spoon
9. Skillet or grill pan
10. Tongs or spatula
11. Microwave, gas stove, or skillet (for heating tortillas)
12. Serving platter or plates

FAQ

• What is the best way to cook the bison steak?Sear the bison steak in a hot skillet at medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until the steak is cooked to your liking. This preparation yields maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Can I substitute the bison steak with another protein?If bison is unavailable, you can use beef or chicken instead, but keep in mind that cooking times may not be the same.
• Is the Garlic Lime Crema necessary?Although not required, the Garlic Lime Crema greatly enhances the flavor of the tacos; it adds a zest and creaminess that brings the dish to its full potential.
• How can I make these tacos spicier?Include chopped jalapeños or up the ancho chili powder to taste for more heat.
• Can I prepare any components in advance?Indeed, the bison can be marinated and the Garlic Lime Crema prepared ahead of time, a day before, to cut down on assembly time when it comes to making the tacos.
• What toppings work well with these tacos?Besides the recommended toppings, you might also add pickled jalapeños or fresh salsa to enhance the flavor.
• Are corn tortillas the only option for these tacos?For authenticity, corn tortillas are preferred, but flour tortillas can be used if you like.

Substitutions and Variations

You can use flank steak or skirt steak instead of bison steak.
You can use avocado oil or vegetable oil instead of olive oil.
If required, use lemon juice in place of lime juice.
To obtain a less potent flavor, you can replace ancho chili powder with regular chili powder. List of ingredients: Ancho chili powder (mild) Regular chili powder (milder with less flavor potency)
In the absence of apple cider vinegar, employ white wine vinegar or rice vinegar.

Pro Tips

1. For an even more flavorful experience, consider marinating the bison overnight. This allows the spices and juices to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste.

2. When cooking the bison, avoid overcrowding the skillet or grill pan. Cook the steak slices in batches to ensure they sear properly and develop a nice crust.

3. Warm the tortillas just before serving to maintain their softness and prevent them from drying out. You can keep them warm in a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a cloth.

4. To add a bit of crunch to your tacos, consider adding some shredded cabbage or thinly sliced radishes as an additional topping. They provide a nice textural contrast to the tender meat.

5. If you prefer a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the tacos for an extra kick. This complements the creamy lime garlic crema beautifully.