Flavorful Carne Asada Recipe

For a flavorful steak, try this Carne Asada Recipe which includes an array of Mexican flavors! The results are tender steak that is full of robust flavor. This carne asada can be served sliced alongside your favorite sides such as rice, stir-fried vegetables and/or salad as part of a main meal. Otherwise, you could also serve it as tacos with your favorite taco toppings.

To make the carne asada, olive oil is whisked with lime juice, soy sauce, vinegar, parsley, garlic, chilies, cumin, sugar, salt, and pepper. Then, the steak gets marinated in it for several hours before being grilled. The results are tender pieces of steak that are completely delicious.

What is Carne Asada?

Carne asada (in English it's grilled meat, and it's pronounced like CAR-nay ah-SAH-dah), is a Mexican dish involving flank steak or skirt steak. This steak is always marinated in a mixture of full-flavored ingredients before being served on its own or with other ingredients.

The marinade for carne asada can vary depending on the region it is produced in. For example, some areas along Mexico’s coast use bitter orange in the marinade while cooks in other regions add beer to the marinade. This version uses a series of accessible ingredients (soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, etc) that anyone should be able to access no matter where they live.

Pro Tips

• For the best results, choose a classic marinating steak such as flank steak or skirt steak.
• If you don’t have any limes on hand, you could use orange juice or lemon juice instead.
• The longer you marinate the steak, the more flavor it will have. Aim for marinating the steak for at least 3 hours although overnight is best.
• To add more flavor to the steak during the cooking process, you could scale up the quantity of marinade and set some aside so you can brush it onto the steak as it cooks.
• Use an instant-read thermometer so you can cook the steak to your desired doneness. For example, a medium-rare steak will be 57°C (135°F) when done.
• Before slicing the steak, allow it to rest for 5 minutes which will ensure a juicier steak.

Carne Asada Vs. Skirt Steak

Carne asada is a Mexican dish made from marinated beef, often using skirt steak, which is grilled or seared to create a flavorful, tangy meal. Skirt steak, on the other hand, is a specific cut of beef from the cow's diaphragm, known for its rich flavor and tender texture when cooked properly. While skirt steak is often used in carne asada, the term "carne asada" refers to the preparation and grilling process, not just the meat itself.

What is The Best Cut of Meat for Carne Asada?

The best cuts of meat for carne asada are typically skirt steak and flank steak. Both cuts are flavorful, tender when marinated, and grill well. Skirt steak is particularly prized for its rich beefy taste, while flank steak offers a slightly leaner option with a good texture. Both should be cooked quickly over high heat and sliced against the grain for the best results.

What to Serve with Carne Asada?

Carne asada can be served alongside side dishes like cilantro lime rice, black beans, and guacamole among other Mexican dishes. It can also be served as tacos with tortillas, bell peppers, avocado, and salsas.

How Do I Know the Carne Asada is Cooked to My Preferred Doneness?

The best way to check the carne asada for your preferred doneness is to check it with an instant-read thermometer. Generally, a medium-rare steak will need to cook for 4 minutes on each side, and will reach 57°C (135°F) when done.

Can I Make Carne Asada Low-Sodium?

Yes, you can! If you are on a low-sodium diet, you could replace the soy sauce with a low-sodium soy sauce. Feel free to limit the amount of salt that you add to the marinade as well.

Do I Have to Use Sugar in the Marinade?

No, it isn’t a necessity although it does balance out the flavors in the marinade. If you would prefer not to use sugar in the marinade, you could replace it with honey or maple syrup, or even omit sweetener altogether.

Can You Make Carne Asada Without Grilling It?

Absolutely! You don't need an outdoor grill to make the perfect carne asada. Simply cook the meat in a skillet on your stovetop over high heat. This should take a little less time to cook compared to on a grill, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Can I Freeze Carne Asada?

Yes, you can! If it's raw, you can freeze the marinated meat before cooking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. For cooked carne asada, wrap it well and freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator and warm it up on the grill or in a pan.

How to Store Carne Asada

While this carne asada recipe will be best eaten right away, you could definitely store it in the fridge for future use. Simply put leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where it should keep for up to 3 days.

How to Make Carne Asada

Step 1

Step 1

Step 1: In a dish, whisk the olive oil with the lime juice, soy sauce, vinegar, parsley, garlic, chili pepper, cumin, sugar, salt, and pepper until combined.

Step 1: In a dish, whisk the olive oil with the lime juice, soy sauce, vinegar, parsley, garlic, chili pepper, cumin, sugar, salt, and pepper until combined.

Step 2

Step 2

Step 2: Place the steaks in the marinade and allow them to marinate for at least 3 hours in the fridge or overnight.

Step 2: Place the steaks in the marinade and allow them to marinate for at least 3 hours in the fridge or overnight.

Step 3

Step 3

Step 3: Once marinated, grill the steaks in a grill pan to your preferred doneness.

Step 3: Once marinated, grill the steaks in a grill pan to your preferred doneness.

Step 4

Step 4

Step 4:  Slice the steak and serve it on a serving platter.

Step 4:  Slice the steak and serve it on a serving platter.