The Best Carne Asada Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Flank steak or skirt steak: These cuts are preferred for their flavor and tenderness when grilled. If you’re in a pinch, you can swap them for hanger steak or even rib-eye, though cooking times may vary slightly.

Olive oil: This is great for marinating, but feel free to use avocado oil for a higher smoke point or canola oil if you want a more neutral flavor.

Lime juice: Fresh is best since it enhances the marinade’s brightness. If you don’t have fresh limes, bottled lime juice can work, but it may lack the same freshness.

Cilantro: While cilantro adds a nice herbal note, if you’re not a fan, parsley can be a good substitute. It has a different flavor but still works in the marinade.

Spices: The cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika combination is perfect for that authentic taste. If you like it spicier, consider adding cayenne pepper instead of chili powder.

How Do I Grill Carne Asada to Perfection?

The grilling technique is crucial to getting tender, juicy carne asada. A few steps can make all the difference:

• Preheat your grill until it’s very hot; this helps to sear the meat quickly, sealing in juices.
• Let the steak sit at room temperature before grilling. This helps it cook evenly without being cold in the center.
• Cook each side for 5-7 minutes, depending on how well you like your steak cooked. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure; 130°F is medium-rare.
• Remember to let the steak rest after grilling for 5-10 minutes. This is super important as it allows the juices to move back into the meat, making it juicier when sliced.
• Slice against the grain to ensure tenderness. This means cutting across the fibers of the meat, not with them.

How to Make The Best Carne Asada

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Marinade:

• 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)

For Serving:

• Diced red onion for garnish
• Lime wedges for serving
• Flour or corn tortillas for serving

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious carne asada recipe requires about 20 minutes of active preparation time and needs at least 1 hour to marinate (preferably overnight). After marinating, grilling takes about 15 minutes. So, plan around 1 hour and 35 minutes in total, but you can marinate overnight for even greater flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and jalapeño (if you like some heat!). Stir everything together until it’s well mixed—this is going to make your steak super flavorful!

2. Marinate the Steak:

Place the flank or skirt steak into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s completely covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour but overnight is best for extra flavor.

3. Get Ready to Grill:

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan over high heat. Take the steak out of the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps it cook evenly.

4. Grill the Steak:

Once your grill is hot, place the steak on it. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your preferred doneness. Try not to overcook it to keep it juicy and tender!

5. Rest the Steak:

Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to settle back in, making each bite deliciously juicy.

6. Slice and Serve:

Now, slice the carne asada against the grain into thin strips. This makes the steak more tender and easier to chew. Arrange it on a platter, garnished with diced red onion and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and warm tortillas for a perfect taco night! Enjoy your meal!

Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat for Carne Asada?

Absolutely! While flank steak and skirt steak are traditional choices, you can also use sirloin or even ribeye. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and type of meat you choose, so keep an eye on it while grilling!

How Long Can I Marinate the Steak?

You can marinate the steak for as little as 1 hour, but for the best flavor, it’s recommended to marinate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Just remember that marinating for too long may change the texture of the meat.

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. You can also freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?

Yes! If you want more heat, consider adding more jalapeño, or sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the marinade. Additionally, you can serve it with spicy salsa or pickled jalapeños for an extra kick!