Carne Asada Recipe
User Reviews
4.7
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Additional Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
213 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Carne Asada Recipe
Description
Carne Asada uses flank or skirt steak marinated in a mixture of cilantro, olive oil, soy sauce, orange juice, lime juice, vinegar, garlic, jalapeno, and a range of chili powders and herbs. The marinade infuses the meat with a complex flavor profile of citrus brightness, herbaceous notes, and mild heat.
After marinating between 2 to 4 hours, the steak is patted dry, lightly seasoned, and grilled over high direct heat. Grilling with the lid closed allows the meat to develop a flavorful crust and those characteristic grill marks while maintaining juiciness. The steak grilling time varies by thickness, with skirt steak cooking faster than flank steak.
Served sliced, Carne Asada fits well in tacos, burritos, or on plates with sides. Brushing the meat with reserved marinade during grilling adds extra moisture and flavor.
Using a thermometer for medium rare (approximately 135°F) ensures consistent doneness, and preheating the grill thoroughly provides a good sear. The recipe advises against marinating longer than 8 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy due to the citrus acids.
Ingredients
- ½ cup cilantro chopped
- ⅓ cup olive oil plus more for grilling
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (apple cider vinegar also works)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper seeded and minced
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried, Mexican
- 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for grilling
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper plus more for grilling, freshly ground
- 2 pounds flank steak excess fat removed, or skirt steak
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients except for the steak. Set aside ¼ cup of the marinade and refrigerate for later use.
- Place the steak in a large baking dish or Ziploc bag and pour the marinade on top. Turn the steak a few times until it's completely coated with the marinade and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. Do not marinate for longer than 8 hours because the meat will start to break down and get mushy.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and discard any excess liquid. Pat the steak dry and drizzle with a touch of olive oil, just enough to coat each side. Season lightly with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Preheat the grill for direct heat grilling at high heat (450-500°F). Grill steaks with the lid closed for 4-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Skirt steak will be closer to 4 minutes per side, and flank steak will be closer to 6-8 minutes per side. If desired, brush the steak with the reserved marinade a few times during the grilling process for extra flavor.
- Remove steaks and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain and serve.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer and grill to an internal temperature of about 135°F for medium rare steak.
- Ensure the grill is fully preheated to very high heat (450-500°F) for good searing and grill marks.
- Do not marinate the steak longer than 8 hours to avoid the meat becoming mushy from the acids.
- Reserve part of the marinade to brush on the steak during grilling for added flavor and moisture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 213 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/8th of recipe | |
| Calories | 213kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 75mg | 25% |
| Sodium | 620mg | 26% |
| Potassium | 12mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 0g | 0% |
| Sugar | 0g | 0% |
| Vitamin A | 0IU | 0% |
| Vitamin C | 4.1mg | 5% |
| Calcium | 0mg | 0% |
| Iron | 1.8mg | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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