Carne Asada Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
-
Prep Time
2 hrs
-
Cook Time
10 mins
-
Total Time
2 hrs 10 mins
-
Servings
6 servings
-
Calories
276 kcal
-
Course
Main Course
-
Cuisine
Mexican
Carne Asada Recipe
Description
This Carne Asada recipe features flank steak, a lean, flavorful cut marinated in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. The acidic lime juice helps tenderize the beef while infusing it with bright citrus notes. The aromatic garlic and spices contribute earthy and mildly spicy undertones, balanced by fresh cilantro.
The steak is marinated for 1 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate. It is then grilled over medium-high heat to develop a caramelized crust, cooking approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side. After resting, the steak is sliced thinly against the grain, which shortens muscle fibers and makes each bite more tender.
The sliced Carne Asada can be served as a main dish with sides, or chopped for tacos, burritos, or salads. Its bold yet balanced marinade and grilling technique produce beef with a mix of smoky, citrusy, and herbal flavors.
The notes mention grilling outdoors as ideal but suggest using a stovetop grill pan if necessary. Checking the grain direction before slicing ensures the meat is cut properly for tenderness.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs flank steak
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 lime juiced (about 6 tablespoons juice
- 4 garlic minced, cloves
- ½ cup cilantro chopped, fresh
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Whisk all of the oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper together in a bowl.
- Add the steak to a glass or non-reactive baking tray and pour the marinade on top. Ensure both side of the steak are well coated, cover the baking tray with plastic wrap and marinate for 1 to 4 hours. Alternatively, you could marinate in a plastic bag.
- Heat a grill on medium-high heat. Add the carne asada and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side. Remove the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for another 5 minutes.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the carne asada at an angle against the grain. From there, you can further chop the carne asada into smaller pieces, if you'd like.
Notes
- For best results, grill the steak outdoors to achieve smoky flavor and proper searing.
- If grilling outdoors isn’t possible, a stovetop reversible grill or grill pan works well for cooking.
- Always double-check the direction of the meat grain before cooking to slice correctly against the grain afterward for tender slices.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 276 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 276kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 68mg | 23% |
| Sodium | 65mg | 3% |
| Potassium | 445mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 161IU | 3% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 43mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.