This carne asada is juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor! It’s made with marinated beef, grilled to perfection, and perfect for tacos or a hearty meal.
Every bite feels like a fiesta! I just love how easy it is to whip up and share with friends. Add some toppings, and you’ve got yourself a tasty treat! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank or Skirt Steak: Flank steak is flavorful and works great for carne asada. Skirt steak is another excellent option, offering similar taste. If you’re looking for a leaner choice, consider sirloin steak. Just remember to slice it thinly against the grain!
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and rich flavor to the marinade. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil is a good substitute and brings a nice taste, too.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brings brightness to the dish. If fresh limes aren’t available, bottled lime juice is fine, just use less since it’s often stronger. You could also use lemon juice in a pinch, but the flavor will be different.
Cilantro: It adds a fresh kick. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be a suitable substitute. However, it won’t have the same distinct flavor.
Spices: Ground cumin and smoked paprika are key to achieving that signature taste. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika with a dash of liquid smoke can add some depth. For chili powder, use your favorite blend or adjust to taste for heat.
How Do I Marinate for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating the steak is crucial since it allows flavors to penetrate deeply. Aim for at least 1 hour but marinate for up to 8 hours for the best results. Here’s how:
- Mix all marinade ingredients well in a bowl.
- Place the steak in a resealable bag or dish, pour marinade over, and seal or cover it.
- Refrigerate, allowing the meat to soak up those flavors.
- Remember to discard the marinade before cooking, as it’s not safe to reuse!
For even better flavor, make small cuts (score) on the steak before marinating. It helps the marinade soak in better, making your carne asada truly delicious!
The Best Carne Asada Recipe
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
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Serving:
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- Extra cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Lime wedges
- Corn tortillas
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious carne asada recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and marinate. After that, you’ll need roughly 15 minutes for grilling and resting. If you can, marinate the meat for at least 1 hour, or even up to 8 hours for more flavor. In total, plan for some time to let the steak soak up all that yummy marinade!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. This flavorful mixture will be our marinade!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Take your flank or skirt steak and place it in a large resealable plastic bag or a dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure it’s completely coated. Seal the bag or cover your dish, then pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours if you want extra flavorful steak.
3. Grill the Steak:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat. Once it’s hot, remove the steak from the marinade and throw the marinade away. Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare steak. If you prefer it more done, just cook it a little longer.
4. Rest the Steak:
After grilling, take the steak off the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, making the steak juicy and tender.
5. Slice and Serve:
Once rested, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Arrange the slices on a platter and top them with diced red onion and extra chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and warm corn tortillas, and you’re ready to enjoy some delicious carne asada tacos!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Meat?
Yes, you can! While flank or skirt steak are traditional choices, you can also use sirloin or ribeye for a different flavor and tenderness. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut.
Can I Marinate the Steak Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating overnight can enhance the flavors significantly. Just be cautious not to marinate too long (more than 12 hours) as the acidity from the lime juice can start to break down the meat, making it mushy.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze cooked steak for up to 2 months. Just make sure to slice it before freezing for easy reheating!
What Should I Serve with Carne Asada?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, beans, or grilled vegetables. For a complete meal, you can also serve it with guacamole, salsa, or a fresh salad on the side!
