Description
Carne Asada is a flavorful grilled steak dish popular in Mexican cuisine, marinated in a zesty blend of citrus juices, spices, and garlic, then grilled to tender perfection. Served with warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, onions, and accompaniments like salsa and guacamole, it makes for a vibrant and satisfying meal perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Main
- 2 pounds flank or skirt steak
To Serve
- Warm tortillas (flour or corn)
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced onions
- Lime wedges
- Salsa
- Avocado or guacamole
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, soy sauce, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, salt, and optional red pepper flakes until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the flank or skirt steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the steak is fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 2 to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Preheat the Grill: When ready, preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure a hot cooking surface for searing the steak.
- Grill the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place it on the hot grill and cook for about 4 to 6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, for medium-rare to medium doneness. Adjust time if you prefer your steak more or less cooked.
- Rest and Slice: Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Assemble and Serve: Warm your tortillas on the grill or stovetop. Serve the sliced carne asada with tortillas, chopped cilantro, sliced onions, lime wedges, salsa, and avocado or guacamole for a delicious, authentic experience.
Notes
- Marinating the steak for 4 hours yields the best flavor and tenderness, but 1 hour is sufficient if short on time.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the steak in a hot cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for similar results.
- Flank steak and skirt steak are ideal cuts for carne asada due to their flavor and texture.
- Cutting the steak against the grain is crucial to keep slices tender and easy to chew.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
