What is carne asada and how is it traditionally prepared?

Carne asada translates to "grilled meat" in Spanish and refers to beef that is marinated and cooked over high heat, often on a grill or grill pan. The process typically involves marinating the meat with ingredients like lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and spices to tenderize and add flavor. The meat is then seared quickly to develop a charred, smoky crust while keeping the inside tender. Carne asada is commonly served sliced and used in tacos, burritos, or as a main dish with sides.

Which cuts of beef work best for making carne asada?

The most popular cuts for carne asada are flank steak and skirt steak due to their flavor and texture. Both come from the abdominal area and are known for their rich beefy taste and fibrous texture. Sirloin and tenderloin can also be used, but flank and skirt steaks are preferred because they take on marinades well and develop a nice char when grilled. For best results, slice the meat thinly against the grain after cooking to enhance tenderness.

How can I marinate carne asada to get the best flavor?

A simple marinade for carne asada usually includes citrus juice (such as lime or orange), garlic, cilantro, salt, pepper, and sometimes chili powder or cumin. The acid in citrus helps tenderize the meat, while herbs and spices add depth of flavor. Marinate the meat for at least 1-2 hours, or up to overnight, in the refrigerator. Avoid over-marinating to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.

Can carne asada be cooked without a grill?

Yes, carne asada can be cooked without a grill by using a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or broiler. Preheat the pan or broiler to high heat, and cook the marinated steak quickly on each side to get a good sear and charred exterior. Using a cast-iron skillet will help replicate the grill marks and intense heat needed for authentic texture and flavor.

What are some common ways to serve carne asada?

Carne asada is versatile and often served as tacos with corn or flour tortillas, topped with onions, cilantro, and salsa. It can also be served as a main course alongside rice, beans, grilled vegetables, or guacamole. In addition, carne asada can be chopped and added to burritos or quesadillas, making it a popular choice for Mexican-inspired meals.

Carne Asada Recipe With Authentic Flavors And Simple Steps

Name: Carne Asada
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: – 2 pounds skirt steak trimmed of excess fat; – 1 minced jalapeno (seeded); – 4 cloves minced garlic; – 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves; – Juice of 1 orange; – Juice of 1 lime; – Juice of 1 lemon; – 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; – 1/3 cup olive oil; – 1 teaspoon ground cumin; – 1 teaspoon kosher salt; – 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Description

🥩 This Carne Asada recipe offers a flavorful and tender grilled steak experience with a fresh, zesty marinade.
🌿 The simple ingredient list makes it accessible for home cooks wanting authentic Mexican flavors.

Ingredients

– 2 pounds skirt steak trimmed of excess fat

– 1 minced jalapeno (seeded)

– 4 cloves minced garlic

– 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

– Juice of 1 orange

– Juice of 1 lime

– Juice of 1 lemon

– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

– 1/3 cup olive oil

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon kosher salt

– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1-Prepare the marinade as described: First, mix up the marinade by combining the juices from one orange, one lime, and one lemon with 1 minced jalapeno, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, 1/3 cup of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in a large glass dish. This blend not only flavors the steak but also helps tenderize it.

2-Marinate the steak for optimal flavor: Add the 2 pounds of trimmed skirt steak, turn it to coat evenly, and let it sit in the fridge for 1 to 8 hours.

3-Preheat and grill the steak carefully: Once marinated, preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat, around 400 degrees. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 7 to 10 minutes per side for that ideal medium-rare finish.

4-Rest and slice the meat for best results: After grilling, let the steak rest for 5 minutes to lock in the juices before slicing it thinly against the grain.

5-Serve with fresh sides to complete the dish: This method ensures maximum tenderness and flavor, as recommended for outside skirt steak. If you’re new to grilling, visiting How to Grill the Best Steak can offer extra tips. For a different twist, pair it with sides like our tasty chicken taco casserole recipe for a full meal.

Notes

🌶 To control heat, adjust or omit the jalapeno based on your spice preference.
🥩 For best flavor and tenderness, let the steak marinate overnight if possible.
🔥 Always let the steak rest after grilling to allow juices to redistribute for a juicy bite.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour (up to 8 hours)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of prepared steak
Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: Carne Asada, Skirt Steak, Mexican Grilling, Authentic Marinade