This Easy Carne Asada Recipe brings tender, juicy steak right to your dinner table! Marinated in zesty lime and garlic, it’s packed with flavor and super simple to make.
I love cooking this dish because it hardly takes any time. Just grill the marinated meat, slice it up, and serve with warm tortillas. Perfect for taco night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank or Skirt Steak: These cuts are perfect for carne asada due to their rich flavor. For a budget-friendly option, try using sirloin or even a thick cut of chicken if you prefer poultry.
Citrus Juices: Fresh lime and orange juice brighten the dish. If you’re out of oranges, lemon juice can work in a pinch, providing a different but delicious tang!
Garlic: This adds depth to your marinade. If you’re a fan of garlic, feel free to increase the amount to 5 or 6 cloves for an even stronger flavor.
Spices: Cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika are key for that authentic taste. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work, or you can skip it altogether for a simpler flavor.
Jalapeño: Optional for heat, this can be replaced with red pepper flakes or omitted if you prefer a milder dish.
What’s the Best Technique for Grilling Carne Asada?
Grilling carne asada requires attention to heat and timing to get it just right and keep it tender. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to high. This creates a nice sear, locking in juices.
- When grilling, avoid flipping the steak too often. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.
- Use a meat thermometer if possible. Aim for medium-rare (130°F) to medium (140°F) for the best tenderness.
- Lastly, let the steak rest after grilling. This is crucial! It helps the juices settle back in, making every bite juicy.
- Always slice against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers and enhances tenderness, making the steak easier to chew.
Easy Carne Asada Recipe for Perfect Tenderness
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs flank or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 small jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep and at least 2 hours for marinating (or overnight for best results). Grill time is roughly 10 minutes, with a little extra time for resting. In total, you’re looking at around 2 hours and 30 minutes, mostly for marinating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and jalapeño if you’re using it. Stir well until everything is combined to create a delicious marinade.
2. Marinate the Steak:
Take your flank or skirt steak and place it in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring that it’s well coated. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. For the best flavor and tenderness, let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better!
3. Prepare the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat. While it’s heating up, take the steak out of the fridge, letting any excess marinade drip off before discarding the rest.
4. Grill the Steak:
Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side. How long will depend on how thick your steak is and how you like it cooked. For optimal tenderness, aim for medium-rare (about 130°F) to medium (about 140°F).
5. Let It Rest:
Once the steak is done, take it off the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5-10 minutes. This waiting period is essential; it helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it juicy.
6. Slice and Serve:
Now comes the best part! Slice the steak thinly against the grain. This makes each bite more tender. Serve your carne asada with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and any sides you love, such as diced avocado, onions, and tomatoes, or warm tortillas for tacos.
Enjoy your delicious, juicy carne asada!
FAQ About Easy Carne Asada Recipe
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While flank or skirt steak is preferred for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use sirloin or even ribeye. Just keep in mind that different cuts may require slight adjustments in cooking time.
How Long Should I Marinate the Steak?
For the best flavor and tenderness, it’s ideal to marinate the steak for at least 2 hours. However, marinating overnight really enhances the flavor, so if you can plan ahead, that’s the way to go!
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can also cook carne asada on a stovetop grill pan or in a broiler. For a grill pan, just heat it over medium-high heat and cook the steak for about the same amount of time as you’d on a grill. Keep an eye on it while broiling for safe results!
How Do I Store Leftover Carne Asada?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out. Enjoy it in tacos, salads, or just by itself!
