How Many Calories Are in 2 Tacos de Carne Asada?

November 28, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, the calorie count for 2 tacos de carne asada can range from approximately 317 to over 500, depending heavily on preparation methods and ingredients. This wide range is a key factor when considering how many calories are in 2 tacos de carne asada, as the inclusion of cheese, sour cream, and even the type of tortilla can dramatically change the nutritional profile.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for two carne asada tacos varies based on ingredients, with estimates ranging from 317 to over 500 calories. Key factors include the cut of beef, cooking oil, tortilla type, and high-calorie toppings like cheese and sour cream. Portion control and ingredient swaps can significantly impact the overall nutritional value.

Key Points

Variable Calorie Count: The number of calories in 2 tacos de carne asada can range from approximately 317 to over 500, depending on ingredients and preparation.
Lean Meat Choice: Selecting a lean cut of beef, like flank steak, can significantly reduce the overall calorie and fat content compared to fattier options.
Corn vs. Flour Tortillas: Using corn tortillas is a lower-calorie alternative to flour tortillas and is often a healthier choice.
Toppings Matter: High-calorie toppings like cheese and sour cream can quickly increase the total, while fresh salsa, onions, and cilantro are low-calorie and flavorful options.
Cooking Method: Grilling the meat and toasting tortillas instead of frying them is a key step to reduce added fat and calories.

Understanding the Calorie Count of Carne Asada Tacos

Determining the precise number of calories in two tacos de carne asada is not as straightforward as it may seem. The total can fluctuate significantly depending on the recipe, the specific cut of beef used, and the additional toppings. For instance, a pair of simple street-style carne asada tacos with corn tortillas and minimal garnishes might be closer to the lower end of the calorie spectrum, while restaurant-style tacos loaded with cheese, guacamole, and sour cream will be substantially higher.

The Breakdown of Taco Ingredients

To understand the caloric total, it's helpful to look at the components individually.

Carne Asada (The Meat): The beef itself is a major contributor. Lean cuts like flank steak contain less fat, while fattier cuts contribute more calories. The cooking method also plays a part; grilling the meat is healthier than frying. A 2-ounce serving of carne asada is around 124 calories, but two tacos likely contain more.
Tortillas: The choice between corn and flour tortillas makes a difference. Two small corn tortillas contain fewer calories than two large flour tortillas. For example, two small street-style corn tortillas might be around 100-110 calories.
Toppings: This is where calories can escalate quickly. Cheese, sour cream, and guacamole all add a significant number of calories and fat. Fresh salsa, onions, and cilantro are low-calorie additions that add flavor without the extra bulk.
Cooking Oil: The amount and type of oil used to cook the meat and tortillas will affect the final count. While often overlooked, this can add hidden calories, especially in restaurant preparations.

Calorie Comparison: Two Carne Asada Tacos vs. Other Tacos

Here's a comparison to illustrate how a pair of carne asada tacos stacks up against other popular taco variations, based on average preparations.


Feature	2 Carne Asada Tacos (Typical)	2 Ground Beef Tacos (Hard Shell)	2 Grilled Chicken Tacos	2 Fish Tacos (Fried)
Estimated Calories	350-500	450-600+	300-400	500-700+
Protein Content	High	Medium-High	High	High
Fat Content	Moderate-High (variable)	High (variable)	Low-Moderate	Very High
Carbohydrate Content	Moderate	High	Moderate	High
Key Calorie Driver	Steak cut, toppings	Greasy beef, cheese	Tortilla, sauce	Batter, frying oil

How to Make Healthier Carne Asada Tacos

To enjoy carne asada tacos while managing your calorie intake, consider these simple modifications:

Choose Leaner Meat: Select a lean cut of beef, such as flank or sirloin, instead of fattier options. Marinate it in citrus juice and spices to add flavor without extra fat.
Grill, Don't Fry: Grilling the meat, as is traditional for carne asada, avoids the extra oil of pan-frying. Toast your corn tortillas lightly in a dry pan or on the grill instead of frying them in oil.
Rethink Your Toppings: Minimize high-calorie additions. Use fresh salsa, cilantro, and onions liberally. Swap sour cream for a dollop of Greek yogurt or omit creamy sauces entirely. Guacamole can be used in moderation for healthy fats.
Control Your Portions: Portion control is essential. By being mindful of the amount of meat and toppings used, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that aligns with your dietary goals. For accurate estimates, using an online nutritional calculator can be very helpful.

Nutritional Context and Conclusion

Ultimately, the number of calories in two tacos de carne asada is a sliding scale determined by the specific ingredients and preparation. A simple, traditional version will offer a more moderate calorie count, rich in protein and flavor. In contrast, a restaurant version can be a significant caloric meal. Being aware of the components—lean meat, corn tortillas, and fresh toppings—allows you to take control of the nutritional profile and enjoy this delicious dish healthily. This approach empowers you to make informed choices that fit your dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

Practical Example of a Calorie-Controlled Version

Lean Flank Steak (4 oz cooked): ~200 calories.
Two Small Corn Tortillas: ~100 calories.
Toppings (Onions, Cilantro, Salsa): ~10-20 calories.
Total: A very reasonable 310-320 calories, well within a balanced meal plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

The total calorie count is most influenced by the type and cut of beef, the use of cooking oil, and high-calorie toppings like cheese and sour cream.

Corn tortillas are generally a lower-calorie choice than flour tortillas and are recommended for those watching their calorie intake.

To reduce calories, use a lean cut of beef, grill the meat instead of frying, and opt for fresh, low-calorie toppings like salsa, cilantro, and onions instead of cheese and sour cream.

Guacamole contains healthy fats but is also calorically dense. It is a healthier choice than sour cream, but portion control is important to manage overall calories.

Restaurant tacos are often higher in calories due to the generous use of fattier beef, cooking oils, and rich toppings like cheese and crema.

For a simple pair of street-style carne asada tacos with corn tortillas and minimal toppings, the calorie count would likely be on the lower end, around 317 calories.

Yes, different cuts of beef have varying fat content, which directly impacts the number of calories. Leaner cuts like flank steak have fewer calories per serving.