What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade carne asada recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how quick it is to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. The marinade packs a punch with zesty lime, garlic, and spices, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. Grilling the steak gives it a smoky char that’s irresistible, while the versatility means it works great in tacos, salads, or on its own. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Recipe
Intro:
Carne Asada is a flavorful and tender grilled beef dish, perfect for tacos, burritos, or served with rice and beans. This recipe uses a simple marinade to infuse the meat with bold, zesty flavors.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, orange juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Make sure the meat is fully coated.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove steak from marinade and let excess drip off.
- Grill for 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Notes:
- For extra tenderness, score the steak lightly with a knife before marinating.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Equipment:
- Grill or grill pan
- Large bowl
- Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
- Tongs
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-14 minutes
- Marinating time: 2 hours to overnight
Cuisine: Mexican
Serving: 4-6 people
Nutrition
Homemade Carne Asada is a flavorful dish packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 450mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 3g |
| Protein | 35g |
What To Serve With It
When I make carne asada, I love pairing it with simple side dishes like grilled veggies, Mexican rice, or a cool, crunchy salad. Quick accompaniments, such as warm tortillas, guacamole, and salsa, always make the meal feel complete. These options are easy to prepare and let the flavors of the carne asada shine.
Side Dishes
There’s nothing like a juicy carne asada fresh off the grill, but let’s be honest—it’s even better when paired with the right sides. I love serving mine with warm, fluffy flour tortillas for wrapping up tender bites. A bright, tangy pico de gallo adds freshness, while creamy refried beans bring richness. Grilled onions and peppers caramelized alongside the meat are a must—they soak up all those smoky flavors. And don’t forget Mexican rice, seasoned just right with tomato and garlic. These sides turn a simple meal into a feast, balancing textures and tastes perfectly. Trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Quick Accompaniments
If I’m short on time but still want to make my carne asada shine, I turn to quick accompaniments that don’t skimp on flavor. I’ll whip up a quick guacamole with ripe avocados, lime juice, and a dash of salt, or toss together a zesty pico de gallo with tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Warm tortillas straight from the skillet are a must, and I sometimes grab a bag of pre-shredded lettuce for easy taco assembly. A squeeze of lime over the meat adds brightness, and a dollop of sour cream or salsa ties everything together perfectly. Simple, fast, and delicious!
