Carne Asada
Carne Asada is a vibrant and flavorful dish that beautifully showcases the magic of marinated grilled beef, often enjoyed in Mexican cuisine. It has a tantalizing blend of citrus and spices that creates a savoriness so delightful it can elevate any meal. This preparation involves marinating flank or skirt steak for a short time, then grilling it to perfection. The secret lies in the marinade, a delicious concoction of orange juice, lime juice, and spices that infuse the meat with incredible taste. When grilled over medium-high heat, the steak develops a gorgeous char, making your mouth water.
I vividly remember the first time I had carne asada at a bustling taco stand. The smoky aroma wrapped around me as the cook expertly flipped the marinated steak over high flames. Each bite was juicy and smoky, bursting with flavor. I knew right then that I wanted to recreate this dish at home. Making easy carne asada is a fantastic way to gather friends and family around the grill. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, this recipe is sure to impress and is always a crowd-pleaser!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: From start to finish, this carne asada recipe takes just about 90 minutes, with only 5 minutes of active prep time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The balance of citrus and spices creates a truly mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The charred steak looks stunning when sliced and served, making it perfect for gatherings.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply served with rice and beans – you can enjoy it however you like!
- Diet-Friendly Options: With easy adaptations, this dish can fit into gluten-free or dairy-free diets, pleasing everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1-2 lb. flank steak or skirt steak: These cuts are ideal for carne asada as they are both flavorful and tender when properly cooked. You can also use sirloin if desired.
- ¼ cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best for maximum flavor; it helps tenderize the meat while imparting a delicious sweetness.
- ¼ cup lime juice: This adds a zesty kick and balances the sweetness of the orange juice, enhancing the overall flavor.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Olive oil helps to create a rich, moist marinade that keeps the meat juicy during grilling.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the marinade and ensuring the meat is well-seasoned.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth and a savory flavor to the marinade.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin: This spice adds a warm, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the citrus.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano: Offering a hint of herbal freshness, oregano rounds out the flavor profile.
- Fresh cilantro and jalapeños (for serving): Optional but delicious toppings that bring extra zest and freshness to your carne asada.
How to Make Carne Asada
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large baking dish (a 9×13 dish works well), whisk together ¼ cup orange juice, ¼ cup lime juice, ¼ cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon ground cumin, and ¼ teaspoon dried oregano until smooth.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the flank or skirt steak in the baking dish, ensuring it’s well-coated in the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even marination. When ready, remove the steak from the marinade and discard the liquid.
- Prepare the Grill: Set up a two-zone fire by piling charcoal on one side of your grill; for gas grills, light only one side. Place the food grate on the grill and preheat to medium-high heat (350–400°F).
- Grill the Steak: Place the marinated steak over the hot side of the grill, cover, and grill for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. A smaller 1 lb. steak may only need around 15 minutes.
- Check for Doneness: The steak should have charred edges and a good sear on top. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be between 120–125°F; for medium, 130–135°F; and for medium-well, 140–145°F.
- Let the Steak Rest: Once done, let the steak rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy. Then, slice thinly against the grain and serve.
- Broiler Method Option: If you prefer, you can also broil the steak. Preheat the broiler to HIGH and position an oven rack a few inches below the broiling element. Line a broiler pan with aluminum foil, add the broiler rack, and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Place the marinated steak on the prepared pan directly under the broiler. Broil for 4–6 minutes, flip, and broil for another 4–6 minutes. Rest and slice as directed above.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover carne asada, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until heated through. The texture may vary slightly after freezing, but you can revive the flavors with a splash of lime juice or fresh herbs.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- To avoid overcooking, always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.
- Let the steak rest thoroughly before slicing; this is key to retaining juices.
- If you enjoy extra smoky flavors, feel free to add a piece of soaked wood chips to the charcoal for that authentic grilled taste.
- Don’t skip the step of discarding the marinade; it can harbor bacteria from the raw meat.
- Consider marinating overnight for maximum flavor if time allows.
- For easy slicing, always cut against the grain – this helps to keep the meat tender.
With carne asada on your table, you’re in for a treat! This recipe not only captures the essence of traditional Mexican fare but also invites creativity in how you choose to serve it. Feel free to pile it onto tacos, mix it into a hearty burrito, or simply enjoy it with a fresh salad—however you enjoy it, know that you’re indulging in something truly special.
Recipe FAQs
What is the best cut of meat for carne asada?
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Carne Asada
This tasty Carne Asada features juicy flank steak marinated in zesty citrus juices and spices, making it a delightful choice for a quick dinner or a flavorful gathering with friends. Simple to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a must-try for homemade meals.
- Prep Time 5 minutes
- Cook Time 85 minutes
- Yield 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1-2 lb. flank steak or skirt steak
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh cilantro and jalapeños, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Place the flank steak in a large baking dish (9×13 works well).
- Whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, kosher salt, garlic powder, cumin, and oregano.
- Pour the marinade over the steak.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours, turning the steak occasionally.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the liquid.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate overnight.
Adjust cooking time based on steak thickness.
Serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.
