Description
Carne Asada is a flavorful and savory Mexican dish made with marinated grilled beef, typically skirt or flank steak. The marinated beef is tender, juicy, and packed with smoky, zesty flavors. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a main dish, this recipe brings the taste of a Mexican barbecue straight to your kitchen. Simple yet delicious, Carne Asada is ideal for parties, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for a mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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)
- 2 pounds flank or skirt steak
For Serving (optional):
- 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, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, soy sauce, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). - Marinate the Steak:
Place the flank or skirt steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for the best flavor. - Preheat the Grill or Grill Pan:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are hot and spread evenly. If using a gas grill, heat the burners to medium-high. - Grill the Steak:
Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak more well-done. The internal temperature should be about 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium. - Rest the Steak:
Once the steak is done to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes to retain the juices. - Slice and Serve:
Slice the carne asada against the grain into thin strips. Serve with warm tortillas, chopped cilantro, sliced onions, lime wedges, salsa, and guacamole. - Enjoy:
Serve the carne asada tacos as a quick, delicious meal or as a main dish with sides like rice, beans, or grilled vegetables.
Notes
- You can adjust the marinade ingredients based on your preference for more citrus, spice, or smokiness.
- For an extra touch, grill the tortillas for a few seconds on the grill to warm them up and add some char.
- Carne Asada can also be served as a topping for salads, burritos, or alongside grilled veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg