Sizzling Carne Asada Recipe: Fiery Grilled Goodness

Beef sizzles with smoky carne asada recipe magic in every succulent bite.

Marinated to perfection, this classic Mexican dish brings intense flavor and juicy tenderness to your plate.

Charred edges and rich spices create an irresistible aroma that beckons you closer.

Tender slices of marinated steak promise a mouthwatering experience that transcends ordinary grilling.

Each cut captures the essence of traditional Mexican street food with bold, vibrant seasonings.

Packed with robust flavor, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary celebration.

Grab your grill and prepare for a taste adventure that will transport you straight to the heart of Mexico.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 470 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need To Make Carne Asada

• Lime Juice: Bright citrus enhancer that tenderizes meat and adds zesty punch.
• Orange Juice: Provides sweet-tangy undertone and helps break down muscle fibers.
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth base for marinade and helps distribute flavors evenly.
• Garlic: Powerful aromatic that infuses deep savory notes into the meat.
• Jalapeño: Introduces subtle heat and vibrant pepper complexity.

• Cumin: Earthy spice that brings authentic Mexican flavor profile.
• Chili Powder: Delivers warm, smoky undertones and slight kick.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that highlights natural meat richness.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle warmth and subtle spicy background.

• Flank Steak: Lean, flavorful cut perfect for quick grilling with robust muscle texture.
• Tortillas: Traditional wrap that complements grilled meat's robust flavors.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright herb that provides refreshing green note and traditional garnish.
• Onions: Sharp, crisp topping that adds textural contrast and clean flavor.

Tools For Searing Carne Asada Just Right

• Large Bowl or Ziplock Bag: Perfect for mixing marinade and coating the steak evenly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Grill or Cast-Iron Skillet: Key for achieving those beautiful, charred grill marks and delicious sear.
• Tongs: Great for safely handling and flipping the steak on the grill.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing the steak against the grain into tender strips.
• Meat Thermometer: Helps ensure the perfect doneness by checking internal temperature.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the grilled steak.

How To Grill Carne Asada Like A Pro

• Whip Up the Flavor Blast

Grab a mixing bowl or resealable bag and create a zingy marinade that’ll make your steak sing with excitement. Dunk the meat completely, ensuring every inch gets coated with deliciousness. Let it chill and soak up all those incredible flavors for at least two hours – overnight works even better for maximum taste explosion.

• Fire Up the Grill

Crank your grill or skillet to blazing hot temperatures. Pull the steak out of its marinade bath, letting excess liquid drip away. Slap that beautiful piece of meat onto the searing surface and cook for 3-5 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a perfect medium-rare with a beautiful caramelized exterior. Once done, let the steak take a quick rest to lock in all those mouthwatering juices.

• Transform into Delectable Strips

Using a sharp knife, slice the steak against the grain into thin, tempting strips. This technique ensures each bite is tender and packed with flavor. Serve immediately alongside warm tortillas, fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, or whatever sides make your taste buds dance. Enjoy your epic carne asada feast!

Bold Tips For Better Carne Asada

• Marinade Magic: For maximum flavor, use fresh citrus juices and crush garlic cloves instead of using pre-minced versions to enhance the marinade's depth.
• Temperature Tricks: Let the steak come to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and perfect caramelization on the exterior.
• Meat Selection Pro: Choose flank or skirt steak for authentic carne asada, as these cuts absorb marinades beautifully and deliver rich, robust flavors.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace tortillas with lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly version that keeps all the delicious Mexican-inspired taste without extra carbohydrates.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute the beef with thick-sliced portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, using the same marinade and grilling technique for a plant-based alternative that maintains the original recipe's exciting flavor profile.

Ways To Serve Carne Asada Hot Off The Grill

• Fresh Taco Night: Serve sliced carne asada in warm corn tortillas topped with diced onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for an authentic street-style experience.
• Hearty Protein Bowl: Layer sliced steak over cilantro-lime rice, black beans, roasted corn, and drizzle with creamy avocado sauce for a nutritious and filling meal.
• Fiesta Fajita Platter: Create a colorful spread with sizzling carne asada, grilled bell peppers, onions, and warm tortillas, allowing guests to build their own flavorful fajitas.
• Mexican Family-Style Feast: Arrange sliced steak on a large platter surrounded by traditional sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, pico de gallo, and charred jalapeños for a communal dining experience.

Keep Carne Asada Juicy After Cooking

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store marinated or cooked carne asada in airtight containers within two hours of preparation to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Leftover Magic: Sliced carne asada stays delicious for 3-4 days when refrigerated, making it perfect for quick lunch wraps, salads, or next-day taco fillings.
• Freezing Wisdom: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags to keep carne asada fresh for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheating Hack: Warm refrigerated steak gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to retain moisture, preventing dryness and maintaining the meat's original juicy quality.

Smoky Carne Asada Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican carne asada combines marinated grilled beef with bold, zesty flavors perfect for tacos and gatherings. Juicy steak slices deliver authentic street-style sizzle you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (900g) skirt steak or flank steak
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice
• 2 tbsps soy sauce
• 2 tbsps apple cider vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp oregano (Mexican oregano if available)
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk together citrus juices, chopped herbs, and ground spices in a large non-reactive bowl, creating a powerful flavor infusion for the flank steak.
2. Marinating Process: Immerse the flank steak completely in the seasoned liquid, covering every surface. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours, allowing the marinade to tenderize and enhance the meat’s natural flavors.
3. Grill Preparation: Preheat the grill to high heat (450-500°F), ensuring a searing-hot surface that will create a perfectly caramelized exterior with deep char marks.
4. Meat Prepping: Drain the steak from marinade, thoroughly pat dry with paper towels to guarantee optimal surface browning and prevent moisture interference.
5. Grilling Technique: Position the steak on the blazing grill, cooking 3-4 minutes per side. Rotate 45 degrees halfway through each side to develop distinctive crosshatch grill marks, aiming for a medium-rare internal temperature of 135°F.
6. Resting Phase: Remove steak from heat and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-7 minutes, allowing internal juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
7. Serving Presentation: Slice the meat against the grain into thin, uniform strips. Arrange on a platter accompanied by warm tortillas, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, zesty salsa, creamy guacamole, and traditional Mexican garnishes for an authentic culinary experience.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Limit marinating time to 8 hours maximum to prevent meat from becoming mushy or overly acidic from citrus juices.
• Temperature Control: Let steak rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and optimal tenderness.
• Cutting Technique: Always slice against the grain to break down muscle fibers, creating more tender and easier-to-chew meat portions.
• Dietary Adaptation: For gluten-free version, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and verify all marinade ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg