authentic carne asada recipe

authentic carne asada recipe

The Best authentic carne asada recipe

I love cooking and sharing my favorite recipes with my family and friends. One dish that never fails to impress is authentic carne asada, a traditional Mexican recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. I first tried this recipe at a family gathering when I was a teenager, and it immediately became a staple in our household.

The combination of tender beef, flavorful marinade, and charred grill marks is simply irresistible. Over the years, I’ve perfected my own version of this recipe, and I’m excited to share it with you today. As a busy mom, I appreciate how easy it is to make carne asada.

The marinade is simple to prepare, and the beef cooks quickly on the grill. Plus, this dish is incredibly versatile – it’s perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or even a quick weeknight dinner. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients and watching the sizzle of the meat on the grill.

But what really sets carne asada apart is its rich flavor profile. The combination of spices, herbs, and citrus creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. And let’s not forget the health benefits – beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, and B vitamins.

When cooked properly, it’s also relatively low in calories and fat. In this recipe, I’ll share my secrets for achieving the perfect carne asada. From selecting the right cut of beef to mastering the marinade technique, I’ll cover everything you need to know to make this dish shine.

Authentic Carne Asada

Authentic Carne Asada

4.6 from 875 votes

This authentic carne asada features thinly sliced flank or skirt steak marinated in citrus and spices, then grilled to perfection. The marinade combines fresh lime and orange juice with garlic, cumin, and chili for a bright, savory flavor.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Steak

1 1/2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
1 tablespoon vegetable oil for grilling

For Serving

8 small corn tortillas
1/2 cup chopped white onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Salsa or guacamole (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over the steak, and seal or cover.
3Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
4Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling to let it come to room temperature.
5Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat (about 450°F to 500°F) and lightly oil the grates with vegetable oil.
6Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and place it on the hot grill.
7Grill the steak for 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F.
8The steak should have nice grill marks and feel firm yet springy when pressed.
9For medium, cook 5 to 6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 140°F to 145°F.
10Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
11This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender result.
12Slice the steak thinly against the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick.
13Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred.
14Serve the sliced carne asada on the tortillas, topped with chopped onion, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
15Add salsa or guacamole if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large resealable bag or shallow dish
Grill or grill pan
Tongs
Cutting board
Sharp knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 620mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For best results, slice the steak very thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Marinating longer than 8 hours can make the meat mushy, so stick to the recommended time. If using skirt steak, trim any excess fat before marinating.

Watch Video Of How Authentic Carne Asada Works

This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m confident it will become one in yours too. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make – just marinate the beef, throw it on the grill, and serve with some fresh tortillas and your favorite toppings. Whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution, this authentic carne asada recipe never fails.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Carne Asada

Q: What type of beef should I use for carne asada?

For authentic carne asada, you want to use high-quality beef that’s marbled with fat. Look for skirt steak or flank steak – these cuts are perfect for grilling and will hold up well to the marinade.

Q: How long should I marinate the beef?

The longer you marinate the beef, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 2 hours, but ideally 4-6 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Q: Can I use a pre-made marinade instead of making my own?

While pre-made marinades are convenient, they often contain preservatives and artificial flavorings that can affect the taste of your dish. Making your own marinade from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and ensure maximum flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the beef from burning on the grill?

To prevent burning, make sure your grill is at medium-high heat and cook the beef for 3-5 minutes per side. You can also use a grill mat or foil to prevent scorching.

Q: Can I cook carne asada in a skillet instead of grilling it?

While skillet-cooked carne asada is delicious in its own right, it won’t have the same charred flavor that grilling provides. If you don’t have access to a grill or prefer not to grill, you can cook the beef in a skillet with some oil over medium-high heat.

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