This carne asada recipe is a fiesta on your plate! With juicy marinated steak, fresh lime, and spices, it’s perfect for tacos or serving with rice and beans.
Trust me, there’s nothing better than the smell of grilling carne asada. I love making a big batch so I can enjoy it all week long. Who doesn’t love leftovers? 🍴
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak or Skirt Steak: Both cuts are excellent for carne asada. Flank is leaner, while skirt has more flavor due to its fat content. If you can’t find them, try sirloin or even chicken for a lighter option.
Olive Oil: This adds richness to the marinade. If you’re after a different flavor, avocado oil works great too. It’s just as healthy and has a high smoke point.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is a must for that zesty kick! If you’re out, lemon juice can be a good substitute, but it won’t have the same tangy flavor.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings brightness. If you dislike it, parsley is an acceptable substitute, though it offers a different flavor.
Spices: Cumin and chili powder create warmth in the marinade. If you like it extra spicy, go for cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes. Adjust to your heat preference!
How Do I Grill the Steak Perfectly?
Grilling can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can achieve perfectly cooked carne asada. Preheating the grill is key—this gives a nice char and prevents sticking. Here’s how to do it:
- Ensure your grill is hot before adding the steak. Aim for high heat.
- Only flip the steak once! This helps develop a beautiful crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—medium-rare is around 130°F for tender meat.
- Let the steak rest after grilling. This step makes a big difference in keeping it juicy.
- Always slice against the grain! This will make your meat easier to chew and taste more tender.
The Best Carne Asada
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Serving:
- Tortillas
- Chopped red onion, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This carne asada recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll want to marinate the steak for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight for more flavor. Cooking the steak on the grill will take around 10-14 minutes. Altogether, plan for about 1 hour and 30 minutes including the marinade time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Stir everything together well to create a tasty marinade for the steak.
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 meat, making sure it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you can. The longer it sits, the better the flavor!
3. Grill the Steak:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat. Take the steak out of the marinade, letting any extra marinade drip off. Grill the steak for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your perfect doneness (medium-rare is usually best!).
4. Let It Rest and Slice:
Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This is important as it helps the juices settle in. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain. This ensures every bite is tender and delicious!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Grab some warm tortillas and fill them with the sliced carne asada. Top with chopped red onion and fresh cilantro. Don’t forget to add lime wedges on the side for an extra zing. Enjoy your delicious homemade carne asada!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! If flank or skirt steak isn’t available, you can also use sirloin or ribeye. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the cut, so monitor the temperature with a meat thermometer for your preferred doneness.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply add the meat when you’re ready to marinate. This way, it’ll have enough time to soak up all the delicious flavors!
What If I Don’t Have Lime Juice?
If you’re out of lime juice, you can substitute it with lemon juice or vinegar (like apple cider vinegar). Each will impart a slightly different flavor, but it will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat for the best texture, adding a dash of water or broth to keep it moist.
