This carne asada is juicy and flavorful, perfect for tacos or burritos! With a simple marinade of lime, garlic, and spices, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
I love grilling it up on weekends when friends come over. The smell is amazing, and who doesn’t enjoy that first tender bite? Don’t forget the toppings! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank or Skirt Steak: These cuts have great flavor and tenderness. If you can’t find them, try sirloin or even chicken for a different twist. I usually rotate between skirt and flank, depending on my mood!
Fresh Lime Juice: This is crucial for that zesty flavor. You can substitute with bottled lime juice in a pinch, but fresh is always better. I love squeezing the limes myself for that extra burst of freshness.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture to the steak. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil works well too, especially for grilling due to its high smoke point. It’s my go-to when I want a richer flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best for a punchy flavor. If you’re short on fresh garlic, garlic powder can be used, but the flavor won’t be as strong. I often use extra garlic for more depth.
How Do I Marinate the Steak for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is key to tenderizing the meat and infusing flavor. Start with a strong marinade base of acid (lime and orange juice), oil, and seasonings. Make sure the steak is well-coated in the marinade.
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk together. Then, place the steak in a resealable bag with the marinade, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
- Seal the bag and refrigerate. The longer it marinates (up to 8 hours), the more flavorful it becomes. Just remember not to marinate too long, as the acid can break down the meat too much.
The Best Carne Asada
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4-5 limes)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
For Garnish and Serving:
- 1 small red onion, diced (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Corn tortillas (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 15 minutes for preparation, plus at least 2 hours for marinating. If you want maximum flavor, let the steak marinate for 4-8 hours in the fridge. Grilling will take an additional 10-12 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at around 2-8 hours, including marinating time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro until everything is well combined. This is the flavor-packed marinade for your steak!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Take your flank or skirt steak and place it in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but for better flavor, aim for 4 to 8 hours.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat. This will ensure your carne asada gets that nice, smoky char!
4. Grill the Steak:
Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Toss the marinade away; we won’t be using it again. Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F for that perfect medium-rare steak.
5. Let it Rest:
Once your steak is cooked to your liking, take it off the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This step is super important because it helps keep all those tasty juices inside!
6. Slice and Serve:
After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Serve your delicious carne asada with diced red onion, more chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and warm corn tortillas. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank steak and skirt steak are traditional choices for carne asada, you can also use cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or even tri-tip. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness and cut of the meat, so adjust accordingly.
How Long Can I Marinate the Steak?
For the best flavor, marinate the steak for at least 2 hours, but you can marinate it for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Just be cautious not to exceed this time too much, as the acids in the marinade can start to break down the meat, resulting in a mushy texture.
How to Store Leftover Carne Asada
Store any leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the slices in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or use the microwave to defrost.
What Can I Serve with Carne Asada?
Carne asada is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with sides such as rice, beans, guacamole, and grilled vegetables. You can also use it for tacos, burritos, or nachos—feel free to get creative!
