Carne Asada

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carne Asada is a classic Mexican dish featuring grilled beef marinated in a flavorful combination of citrus, garlic, and spices. It is known for its smoky, charred exterior and tender, juicy interior. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply served with rice and beans, Carne Asada is a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal that brings bold flavors to the table.

Ingredients

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

flank steak or skirt steakeolive oillime juicetooth garliccilantrochili powdercuminpaprikaoreganofreshly ground black pepperjalapeñosalt

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to create the marinade.
2. Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
3. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade.
5. Grill the steak for 4-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness (typically medium-rare to medium).
6. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
7. Slice the Carne Asada thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Grilling time: 8-12 minutes
Resting time: 5 minutes
Total time: 25-30 minutes (not including marinating time)

Variations

• Add a bit of orange juice to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
• Use different chili powders (such as ancho) for a deeper flavor.
• Marinate with a splash of tequila for a more complex flavor.
• Serve with grilled vegetables or sautéed onions and peppers for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover Carne Asada in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the meat. You can also freeze the cooked Carne Asada for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for Carne Asada?
Flank steak or skirt steak is ideal for Carne Asada due to its flavor and tenderness when grilled.

Can I make Carne Asada without a grill?
Yes! You can cook the steak in a hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan on the stovetop.

Do I have to marinate the meat overnight?
No, but marinating the meat for at least 2 hours enhances the flavor. For best results, marinate overnight.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts or thighs for a lighter version, but the marinating time will vary.

Can I make Carne Asada in advance?
Yes, you can grill the steak ahead of time, then slice and store it in the fridge. Just reheat when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Carne Asada is a flavorful and adaptable dish that brings the tastes of Mexico to your table. With a simple marinade and a quick grill, you can create a meal that is both delicious and satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a summer barbecue, Carne Asada is sure to be a hit.

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