Easy Carne Asada Recipe

Introduction

Carne Asada is a flavorful, perfectly marinated grilled steak that’s a staple in Mexican cuisine. This easy recipe uses a vibrant marinade that infuses the meat with citrus and spices, resulting in tender, juicy slices perfect for tacos, burritos, or simply on their own.

Ingredients

• 1 orange (zested)
• ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 lime (zested)
• ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup light soy sauce
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bunch cilantro (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 3 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
• 2 pounds flank steak (or skirt steak)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the orange zest and juice, lime zest and juice, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, and 1 ½ teaspoons of kosher salt. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Lay the steak on a cutting board or platter and season both sides with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, patting it in gently.
3. Step 3: Place the steak into a large ziplock bag or a deep casserole dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, then stir and flip to coat evenly.
4. Step 4: Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for more flavor.
5. Step 5: Preheat your grill to high heat, around 400-450°F (204-232°C).
6. Step 6: Add the steak to the grill and let it sit without moving for a couple of minutes. Flip every few minutes to cook evenly and reduce graying.
7. Step 7: Grill and flip the steak until it reaches about 5°F (3°C) below your desired doneness, as it will continue cooking while resting.
8. Step 8: Remove the steak and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
9. Step 9: Serve the carne asada in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

• For extra tenderness, marinate the steak overnight but no longer than 24 hours to prevent overpowering flavors.
• Substitute flank steak with skirt steak for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Grill some sliced onions and peppers alongside the meat for classic carne asada fajita toppings.

Storage

Store leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to keep the meat moist. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of steak?

Yes, flank and skirt steaks are traditional choices due to their texture and flavor, but sirloin or ribeye can also work if sliced thinly and marinated well.

How do I know when the steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium. Remember to remove the steak about 5°F before your target temperature and let it rest, as it will continue cooking.

Easy Carne Asada Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 75 reviews

• Author: Hailey
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Easy Carne Asada recipe features tender, flavorful grilled flank steak marinated in a vibrant citrus and herb blend. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, cilantro, and spices, this quick and simple marinade infuses the meat with mouthwatering flavor, making it ideal for tacos, burritos, or served alongside rice and beans.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade Ingredients

• 1 orange (zested)
• ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 lime (zested)
• ¼ cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup light soy sauce
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bunch cilantro (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (for marinade)

Meat and Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt (for seasoning steak)
• 2 pounds flank steak (or skirt steak)

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Instructions

1. Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the orange zest and juice, lime zest and juice, olive oil, light soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, and 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt. Stir thoroughly to blend all the flavors together.
2. Prepare the Meat: Lay the flank steak flat on a cutting board or platter. Season both sides evenly with 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, then pat the salt into the meat to ensure it adheres well.
3. Marinate the Steak: Place the seasoned steak into a large ziplock bag or a deep casserole dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 to 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
4. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to a high temperature, between 400-450°F (204-232°C). This high heat is essential for achieving the characteristic sear of carne asada.
5. Grill the Steak: Place the marinated steak directly on the grill grates. Allow it to cook undisturbed for a few minutes, then flip it to the other side. Continue flipping every couple of minutes to promote even cooking and prevent excessive charring or graying.
6. Cook to Desired Doneness: Grill the steak until it is about 5 degrees Fahrenheit below your preferred doneness level, as the meat will continue to cook slightly after removal because of carryover heat.
7. Rest and Slice: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes to redistribute the juices. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
8. Serve: Serve the sliced carne asada in warm tortillas or as desired, accompanied by your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, or chopped onions and cilantro.

Notes

• Marinating for at least 2 hours enhances flavor, but 24 hours is optimal for maximum tenderness and taste.
• Slicing against the grain is crucial for tender bites.
• Use fresh citrus juice for best flavor; bottled juice can alter the marinade taste.
• Adjust grilling time based on steak thickness and desired doneness.
• Flank steak and skirt steak are both excellent choices, with skirt steak having a slightly more pronounced beef flavor.
• Optional toppings like pico de gallo or sour cream complement the dish beautifully.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: carne asada, grilled steak, Mexican tacos, marinated flank steak, easy carne asada, grilled skirt steak, citrus marinade