Carne Asada

Carne Asada is a flavorful Mexican grilled beef dish, traditionally made with marinated skirt or flank steak, grilled to perfection, and sliced thin. Known for its bold, citrusy marinade and charred edges, Carne Asada is perfect for tacos, burritos, or served on its own with rice and beans. It’s a go-to recipe for backyard barbecues and family gatherings.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

flank steak or skirt steakoil (vegetable or olive)fresh lime juiceorange juicegarlic clovescilantrosoy saucesaltblack pepperground cuminchili powderoreganooptional: jalapeño or crushed red pepper for heat

directions

Place the steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.

In a bowl, whisk together the oil, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, soy sauce, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and oregano. Add jalapeño or red pepper if using.

Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor.

Preheat your grill to high heat.

Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Discard the marinade.

Grill the steak for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.

Remove from grill and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Slice thinly against the grain and serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesMarinating time: 2–8 hoursGrilling time: 10–15 minutesResting and slicing time: 10 minutesTotal time: approximately 3 hours (with marination)

Variations

Use beer in the marinade for extra depth of flavor.

Add pineapple juice for a tropical twist.

Swap the steak for chicken or portobello mushrooms for a different take.

Try a dry rub instead of a wet marinade for a spicier crust.

storage/reheating

Store leftover Carne Asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.You can also freeze cooked Carne Asada for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for Carne Asada?

Skirt steak and flank steak are the most traditional and provide great texture and flavor.

Can I cook Carne Asada without a grill?

Yes, a cast iron skillet or grill pan on high heat works well too.

How do I know when the steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer—130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.

Do I have to marinate the meat overnight?

Overnight is best for flavor, but a minimum of 2 hours still gives good results.

What should I serve with Carne Asada?

It pairs well with tortillas, guacamole, grilled vegetables, rice, and beans.

Can I slice the steak before grilling?

It’s best to grill whole and slice afterward for juicier results.

How do I keep Carne Asada tender?

Marinate well and slice against the grain after cooking.

Is Carne Asada spicy?

It can be mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat to your liking.

Can I use lemon juice instead of lime?

Yes, but lime juice offers a more traditional flavor.

Can I make Carne Asada ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate it ahead and cook just before serving.

Conclusion

Carne Asada is a bold, savory, and versatile dish that brings a taste of Mexican street food straight to your kitchen. With its vibrant marinade and smoky grilled flavor, it’s perfect for any gathering or quick weeknight meal. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat all summer long.

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