A Taste of San Diego: The Ultimate Carne Asada Quesadilla Recipe You Can Make in 20 Minutes!

Photo byNaomi Madison

San Diego is known for its incredible taco shops and mouth-watering Mexican food, but what if you could bring those authentic flavors straight to your kitchen? With this easy-to-follow recipe for a San Diego-style carne asada quesadilla, you’ll be enjoying the savory, satisfying taste of this beloved dish in just 20 minutes. Whether it’s the crispy, perfectly browned tortilla or the rich and flavorful carne asada, this recipe captures the essence of a true Southern California taco shop experience.

The Magic of San Diego’s Taco Shop-Style Carne Asada When you think of San Diego, you likely picture sunny beaches, vibrant nightlife, and, of course, the irresistible smell of carne asada sizzling on the grill. Carne asada, or grilled beef, is a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine in the region, and it's what sets this quesadilla apart. Using skirt or flank steak seasoned to perfection, this dish combines the smoky, tender meat with gooey, melted cheddar cheese, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla.

What makes this carne asada quesadilla truly special is the balance of textures and flavors. The meat is cooked until it’s crisp on the edges but juicy inside, and the cheese pulls everything together, melting beautifully between the layers. It’s the kind of food you’d find in one of San Diego’s best taco joints, but now you can make it at home any night of the week.

Recipe: San Diego-Style Carne Asada Quesadilla

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces flank or skirt steak (finely diced)
• 1½ teaspoons carne asada seasoning (or homemade blend: salt, onion powder, garlic powder, Serrano powder)
• 1 tablespoon lard (divided)
• 1 large flour tortilla
• 6 ounces freshly shredded medium cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients
   Shred the cheddar cheese and finely dice the flank or skirt steak. Season the meat using either a carne asada seasoning blend or your own combination of salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and Serrano powder.
2. Cook the Carne Asada
   Heat a medium-sized cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 teaspoons of lard. Once melted, add the seasoned steak to the skillet. Cook the meat, stirring and chopping with a metal spatula, until the liquid evaporates and the meat has crispy, browned edges—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Prepare the Quesadilla
   While the carne asada is cooking, heat a large cast iron skillet over low-medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of lard, letting it melt. Place the flour tortilla in the skillet, folding the top half away from the heat. On the bottom half, sprinkle half of the shredded cheese, then spread the cooked carne asada over the cheese. Add the remaining cheese on top and fold the tortilla over to create a half-moon shape.
4. Cook the Quesadilla
   Cover the skillet and cook the quesadilla over low-medium heat until the cheese melts and the edges of the tortilla are sealed, about 3-5 minutes. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook the other side until it’s golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve
   Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and cut it into strips or triangles using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Serve immediately, savoring the bold, authentic flavors of San Diego-style carne asada.

Notes: This recipe is designed for a large, satisfying quesadilla, but if you prefer a lighter option, you can easily adjust the portions by using a smaller tortilla and less meat and cheese. For the most authentic taste, avoid reheating in the microwave—stick with a skillet to maintain that crisp, golden texture. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Enjoy this flavorful and comforting carne asada quesadilla at any time of day. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night snack!

Here are some hyperlinked sources that provide additional insights into the recipe and techniques:

• Carne Asada Tips
• Cast Iron Cooking for Quesadillas
• Authentic Mexican Seasoning for Carne Asada