This carne asada recipe brings juicy, flavorful grilled steak to your table. Seasoned with a zesty marinade, it’s perfect for tacos or as a main dish!
I love cooking carne asada for gatherings—everyone can customize their tacos with their favorite toppings. Plus, who can resist that amazing grilled smell? 🌮🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank or Skirt Steak: These cuts have great flavor and are ideal for grilling. If you can’t find them, try using sirloin steak or even chicken for a lighter version.
Olive Oil: This adds a lovely richness to the marinade. If you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil works well too!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the dish. In a pinch, lemon juice can substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a fresh touch. If you’re not a fan, parsley can work as a milder substitute.
Spices: The blend of cumin, chili powder, and paprika gives the carne asada its distinctive flavor. Feel free to adjust these spices to suit your taste! You can also experiment with taco seasoning if you have it on hand.
How Can I Make Sure My Steak is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling steak can be tricky but so rewarding. Here are some tips to get it right:
- Make sure your grill or skillet is preheated to medium-high. This helps to get those nice grill marks and seals in juices.
- Don’t skip the resting period after grilling! Letting the steak rest allows juices to redistribute for a juicier bite.
- When slicing, always cut against the grain. This makes the meat more tender and easy to chew.
Remember, every grill is different. Keep an eye on your steak, and use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure about doneness.
How to Make The Best Carne Asada
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For Serving:
- Tortillas
- Diced onion and additional chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 2 hours to marinate the steak, with cooking time around 10 minutes. If you can, let the steak marinate overnight for even better flavor. The total time from start to feast is about 2 hours 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. This mixture is what will make your steak super flavorful!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Place the flank or skirt steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it covers the meat well. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. If you have time, let it sit in the fridge overnight for the best flavor.
3. Prep for Grilling:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or the skillet to prevent sticking. This step is important for getting that perfect sear on the steak!
4. Grill the Steak:
Take the steak out of the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the steak on the hot grill or skillet and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak more done, let it cook a little longer. Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F for medium-rare.
5. Let it Rest and Slice:
Once your steak is done cooking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps keep the juices in. Then, slice the carne asada against the grain into thin strips. Make sure to slice it nicely so it’s tender and easy to eat!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Warm up your tortillas and serve the carne asada inside, topped with diced onion and additional cilantro. Don’t forget to add lime wedges on the side for that extra zesty kick. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak and skirt steak are traditional for carne asada, you can also use sirloin or ribeye. If you choose a thicker cut, just be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly to achieve your desired level of doneness.
How Long Do I Need to Marinate the Steak?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the steak for at least 2 hours, but it’s even better if you can let it sit overnight. Just make sure to keep it refrigerated while marinating. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will provide a decent flavor!
Can I Prepare Carne Asada in the Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven’s broiler and set the rack about 6 inches from the heat source. Place the marinated steak on a baking sheet and broil for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Let it rest before slicing.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. You can also slice it and heat it in tacos or burritos!
