Carne Asada

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carne Asada is a bold and flavorful Mexican grilled beef dish, traditionally made with marinated skirt or flank steak that’s seared to perfection. It’s juicy, tender, and infused with citrus, garlic, and spices. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or served simply with rice and beans, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser and ideal for cookouts or weeknight dinners.

ingredients

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

flank steak or skirt steakorange juicelime juiceolive oilsoy saucegarlic clovescilantrochili powdercuminpaprikasaltblack pepperjalapeño (optional)

directions

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

In a mixing bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and optional minced jalapeño.

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

Preheat your grill to high heat. Remove steak from marinade and let excess drip off.

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

Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Slice against the grain into thin strips and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesMarinating time: 2–24 hoursGrilling time: 10–14 minutesResting time: 5 minutesTotal time: approximately 2.5 to 24 hours (including marinating)

Variations

Use pineapple juice instead of orange juice for a sweeter marinade.

Add a splash of beer to the marinade for deeper flavor.

Try chipotle in adobo for a smoky, spicy kick.

Slice and serve in warm tortillas for easy carne asada tacos.

Top with grilled onions and fresh guacamole for extra richness.

storage/reheating

Store leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or microwave in short bursts, covered with a damp paper towel for moisture.

FAQs

What cut of meat is best for carne asada?

Skirt steak and flank steak are traditional choices due to their flavor and texture.

Can I cook carne asada without a grill?

Yes, a cast-iron skillet or grill pan on the stove works well.

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 overnight?

Not necessarily, but longer marinating enhances the flavor. At least 2 hours is recommended.

Is carne asada spicy?

It has a mild kick. You can control the heat by adjusting or omitting spicy ingredients.

Can I freeze carne asada?

Yes, both the raw marinated meat and cooked slices freeze well for up to 2 months.

Should I tenderize the meat?

The acidic marinade helps tenderize, but you can also pound the steak lightly beforehand.

What sides go well with carne asada?

Mexican rice, refried beans, grilled corn, or a fresh salad are great options.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, though the flavor profile will differ. Marinate and cook similarly.

Is carne asada keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and high in protein—perfect for keto diets.

Conclusion

Carne Asada is a vibrant, savory dish that brings authentic Mexican flavor straight to your kitchen or backyard grill. With its citrusy marinade and juicy grilled meat, it’s versatile, easy to make, and always satisfying. Whether you’re preparing tacos, bowls, or enjoying it on its own, carne asada is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

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