traditional carne asada recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
traditional carne asada recipe
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The Best traditional carne asada recipe

I’ve been making carne asada for years, and it’s a staple in our household. This traditional Mexican dish is a favorite among my family and friends. The key to making great carne asada is in the marinade and the cooking technique.

The marinade consists of lime juice, garlic, and spices that give the beef a rich flavor. I like to use skirt steak or flap meat, which is tender and flavorful. The beef is then grilled to perfection, resulting in a nice char on the outside and a juicy interior.

My kids love helping me prepare the meal, from marinating the beef to grilling it on the outdoor grill. It’s a fun and interactive experience that we all enjoy together. We often serve it with warm flour or corn tortillas, beans, and grilled vegetables.

The health benefits of carne asada are numerous, as it’s high in protein and low in calories. It’s also a great way to get our daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids from the beef. I’ve tried many different recipes over the years, but this one remains my favorite.

It’s simple yet flavorful, making it perfect for any occasion or everyday meal. My husband loves it when I make carne asada for dinner, as it’s his favorite meal of the week.

Traditional Carne Asada

Traditional Carne Asada

4.8 from 1230 votes

Carne asada is a classic Mexican dish of grilled, thinly sliced beef marinated in citrus and spices. This recipe delivers tender, flavorful steak perfect for tacos, burritos, or as a main course.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 27 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup olive oil

For the Steak

2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
Corn or flour tortillas for serving
Fresh salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cilantro, soy sauce, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
2Slowly whisk in olive oil until the marinade is well combined.
3Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
4Pour the marinade over the steak, turning to coat evenly.
5Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
6Preheat an outdoor grill to high heat, about 450-500 degrees F.
7Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off.
8Discard the remaining marinade.
9Grill the steak for 5 to 7 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees F.
10The steak should have a nice char and be slightly firm to the touch.
11For medium, cook 7 to 9 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
12Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
13This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender result.
14Slice the steak thinly against the grain into strips.
15Serve the carne asada immediately on warm tortillas with fresh salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges.
16The meat should be juicy and full of citrus and spice flavor.

🔧Equipment

Large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
Grill or cast-iron skillet
Tongs
Cutting board
Sharp knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 700mg🌾Total Carbs: 8g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

For best results, slice the steak very thinly against the grain. If using skirt steak, be careful not to overcook as it can become tough. The marinade can also be used for chicken or pork.

Watch Video Of How Traditional Carne Asada Works

This traditional carne asada recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It works well for family gatherings because it is easy to make in large batches and everyone loves the bold flavors.

The leftovers are versatile and can be used for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. I recommend storing the cooked meat in a sealed container in the fridge and reheating it in a hot skillet to bring back the char.

You can also slice it cold and add it to salads or sandwiches. Serve it with warm tortillas fresh salsa and grilled onions for a complete meal that never disappoints.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Carne Asada

Q1: What is carne asada?

Carne asada is a traditional Mexican dish made from thinly sliced beef that has been marinated in lime juice and spices before being grilled to perfection.

Q2: What type of beef should I use for carne asada?

The best type of beef to use for carne asada is skirt steak or flap meat, which is tender and flavorful.

Q3: How do I marinate the beef for carne asada?

To marinate the beef for carne asada, combine lime juice, garlic, and spices in a large bowl. Add the sliced beef to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.

Q4: Can I make carne asada in advance?

Yes, you can make carne asada in advance by marinating the beef for up to 24 hours before grilling.

Q5: How do I grill the beef for carne asada?

To grill the beef for carne asada, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade and grill for 3-4 minutes per side or until cooked through.

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