This carne asada is made with juicy marinated beef, grilled to perfection, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or just on its own!
Imagine the smell of sizzling meat filling your kitchen! I love to serve mine with fresh salsa and warm tortillas – it always brings a smile to my face. 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank or Skirt Steak: Both cuts are tender and flavorful, perfect for grilling. If you prefer a leaner cut, try sirloin or chicken for a lighter option.
Lime and Orange Juice: Fresh juices give the best flavor. If you’re short on time, use bottled juice, but the taste might be slightly different. Vinegar can also work in a pinch for a tangy twist.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for its flavor, but you can swap it with vegetable oil or avocado oil for a similar result.
Spices: Ground cumin and chili powder are key for a deep flavor. You can use taco seasoning if you’re looking to simplify things, but fresh spices really make a difference.
How Do I Create the Perfect Marinade for Carne Asada?
The marinade is crucial for infusing flavor into the meat. Here’s how to make the most of it:
- Combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until well mixed!
- Place the steak in a zip-top bag or dish, pour the marinade over, and make sure it’s covered thoroughly. Seal it tightly!
- For best flavor, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better as it allows the flavors to really penetrate the meat.
How to Make the Best Carne Asada
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
For Serving:
- 1/4 onion, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Tortillas (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 2 hours for marinating (or preferably overnight), plus about 20 minutes for grilling and resting the steak. So, get ready for some delicious carne asada in just a little over 2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, mix together the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined to create a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Steak:
Put the flank or skirt steak into a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s completely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then place it in the fridge to marinate for at least 2 hours. For even better flavor, let it marinate overnight!
3. Prepare to Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat. Take the steak out of the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly.
4. Grill the Steak:
Place the steak on the grill and cook it for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare. If you like it more done, cook a bit longer. For the best results, use a meat thermometer to check: 130°F for medium-rare.
5. Let it Rest:
After grilling, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps keep all those juicy flavors inside!
6. Slice and Serve:
Once the steak has rested, slice it against the grain into thin strips. Serve your carne asada with fresh chopped cilantro, diced onion, lime wedges, and warm tortillas for a fabulous taco meal. Enjoy!
Can I Substitute the Steak with Another Cut?
Yes, you can! While flank steak and skirt steak are traditional choices for carne asada, you can use other cuts like sirloin or ribeye. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require adjustments in cooking time and marinating. Thinner cuts will cook more quickly, so keep an eye on them!
How Long Should I Marinate the Steak?
For best flavor, marinate your steak for at least 2 hours, but overnight is ideal! If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will add some palatable flavor. Just be cautious not to marinate for too long as the acidity of the lime juice can start to “cook” the meat.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Citrus Juice?
No worries! You can use bottled lime and orange juice as substitutes. However, fresh juice usually provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor. If using bottled juice, consider adding a pinch of zest from the fruit to enhance that fresh taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Carne Asada?
To store leftovers, let the carne asada cool completely and then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat, slice it thinly and warm gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain tenderness.
