This easy carne asada recipe is packed with flavor! Just marinate juicy steak in simple spices, grill it, and you’ll be ready to enjoy some deliciousness in no time.
I love how it can be served with tacos or just on its own. Plus, the smell of grilling steak is simply irresistible! 🌮🔥
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank or Skirt Steak: Both cuts are great choices for carne asada because they’re flavorful and tender when cooked properly. If you can’t find these, you can substitute sirloin or even chicken for a different twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but the taste won’t be as strong. I always prefer fresh garlic when cooking!
Lime & Orange Juice: They add brightness to the dish. If you don’t have orange juice, pineapple juice could add a nice sweetness as a substitute. Just use the same amount!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a punch of flavor. If you’re not a fan, try parsley or omit it entirely. It’s all about your taste preferences!
How Do I Marinade My Steak for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is essential for making juicy carne asada. Here’s how to make it count:
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl. The combination of citrus juices helps tenderize the meat.
- Seal the steak and marinade in a bag or dish. Ensure it’s well-covered to soak up all those flavors.
- Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, but for maximum flavor, aim for 2-4 hours. I often leave it overnight if I have the time!
Remember to discard the marinade before grilling. It has done its job—flavoring the steak!
Easy and Flavorful Carne Asada Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Serving:
- 1/2 cup diced red onion (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Warm tortillas, guacamole, salsa, or your favorite taco toppings (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for marinating (preferably 2-4 hours). The actual grilling will take around 10-12 minutes. It’s a quick meal with great flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat. This marinade will tenderize the meat and infuse it with amazing flavor!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Place the flank or skirt steak in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For deeper flavor, aim for 2-4 hours. If you have time, go ahead and let it marinate overnight!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
Preheat your grill to high heat. When it’s nice and hot, remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Make sure to discard the used marinade as it’s no longer safe to use.
4. Grill the Steak:
Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Flank and skirt steak cook quickly due to their thinness, so keep an eye on it. Use a meat thermometer if you like; you want it to reach around 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
5. Let It Rest:
Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board. Allow it to rest for about 5-10 minutes. This helps keep all the delicious juices inside!
6. Slice and Serve:
To serve, slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Arrange the sliced carne asada on a serving platter. Garnish with diced red onions and fresh cilantro leaves.
7. Add Some Zing:
Serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeezing fresh lime juice over the meat adds a bright, fresh flavor that enhances the dish.
8. Enjoy:
Optionally, wrap the carne asada in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like guacamole and salsa. Enjoy your juicy, flavorful carne asada! Perfect for tacos, burritos, or just on its own!
FAQs for Easy and Flavorful Carne Asada Recipe
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank and skirt steak are ideal for carne asada, you can also use sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the cut.
How Long Should I Marinate the Steak?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the steak for at least 1 hour, but ideally 2-4 hours. If you have time, letting it marinate overnight can enhance the flavor even further!
What Should I Serve with Carne Asada?
Carne asada is fantastic on its own, but you can serve it with warm tortillas, guacamole, salsa, or even over a bed of rice. Add fresh toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges for extra flavor.
Can I Grill This Indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on the stove or even broil the steak in the oven. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may differ slightly.
