This Easy Mexican Carne Asada is perfect for grilling! It features juicy beef marinated with lime, garlic, and spices, giving it a tasty twist you’ll love.
Grilling this meat turns your backyard into a fiesta! I like to serve it with warm tortillas and fresh salsa for the best tacos ever. Trust me, everyone will come back for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Skirt or Flank Steak: Both cuts are great for Carne Asada. Skirt steak tends to be more flavorful, while flank steak is leaner. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use sirloin or even chicken for a lighter option!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a strong flavor, but you could substitute with garlic powder if you’re in a pinch. Use about half a teaspoon of powder for each clove of fresh garlic.
Citrus Juices: Lime juice is key for tanginess in the marinade. If you can’t find fresh limes, bottled lime juice works, but fresh is always better! You can also swap with lemon juice if needed.
Olive Oil: I like using olive oil for its fruity flavor, but you can use any neutral oil like canola or avocado oil if you prefer.
Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley or green onions make good substitutes. You’ll still get a fresh touch!
How Do You Ensure the Steak Is Tender and Flavorful?
Marinating the steak is crucial! It not only adds flavor but also breaks down tough fibers. Here’s how to succeed:
- Mix the marinade well before adding the steak, ensuring even coating.
- Use a freezer bag or shallow dish to let the marinade fully surround the meat.
- Allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour, but longer (up to overnight) really brings out the flavors.
Once ready to grill, make sure your grill is hot! This sears the meat, locking in juices. After grilling, let the steak rest. This way, all the flavors and moisture stay inside, giving you that juicy bite!
Easy Mexican Carne Asada Recipe for Grilling
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Marinade:
- 2 pounds skirt steak or flank steak
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Serving:
- Tortillas
- Lime wedges
- Chopped cilantro
- Your favorite toppings (salsa, guacamole, diced onions)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 1 hour for marinating. For the best flavor, aim for 3-4 hours, or even overnight! Grilling will take around 10 minutes, so you can enjoy your delicious carne asada in about 25 minutes of cooking once it’s marinated.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and optional red pepper flakes. This mix will create a zesty and flavorful marinade for the steak!
2. Marinate the Steak:
Place the skirt or flank steak into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, letting it sit for 3-4 hours or overnight really enhances the flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill nice and hot! Preheat it to high heat, which is essential for achieving a good sear on the steak.
4. Grill the Steak:
Take the steak out of the marinade and let any excess drip off (don’t wipe it clean!). Discard the marinade. Place the steak on the hot grill. Grill for about 3-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, depending on how thick the steak is and how well done you prefer it. Keep an eye on it—burnt steak is no fun!
5. Let It Rest:
Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier steak.
6. Slice and Serve:
Slice the carne asada thinly against the grain. This ensures super tender bites! Serve with warm tortillas and garnish with lime wedges and fresh cilantro. Don’t forget your favorite toppings like salsa or guacamole!
This recipe yields a tender and flavorful carne asada that’s perfect for tacos or served alongside rice and beans. Enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ for Easy Mexican Carne Asada Recipe
Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?
Absolutely! While skirt and flank steak are traditional choices, you can also use sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken for a different flavor. Just adjust the cooking times as needed since different cuts have varying thicknesses.
How Long Should I Marinate the Steak?
For the best flavor, marinate the steak for at least 1 hour, but ideally 3-4 hours or even overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become!
What Should I Serve with Carne Asada?
Carne asada is delicious in tacos or burritos! Serve it with warm tortillas, lime wedges, and toppings like salsa, guacamole, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro. You can also pair it with rice, beans, or a simple salad.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You can also slice it cold for salads or sandwiches!
