Have you ever experienced the tantalizing aroma of marinated beef sizzling on a grill? This carne asada recipe captures the essence of flavorful grilled meat that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home. The juicy texture combined with a blend of spices creates an unforgettable dish that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Picture this: tender strips of marinated steak served alongside warm tortillas and vibrant toppings like fresh cilantro and zesty lime. Whether it’s a summer barbecue or taco night with friends, this carne asada recipe is sure to impress. As you savor each bite, you’ll appreciate the layers of flavor that make this dish a beloved classic in Mexican cuisine. Get ready to elevate your cooking game and create lasting memories around the table with this delightful recipe.

Why You’ll Love This carne asada recipe

• Flavor Explosion: The marinade infuses the steak with rich flavors that create a savory experience in every bite.
• Quick and Simple: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it in tacos, burritos, or on its own; this dish adapts to any occasion or preference.

Ingredients for carne asada recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Flank Steak: Choose high-quality flank steak for its tenderness and ability to absorb marinades well.
• Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances the marinade’s flavor while tenderizing the meat.
• Garlic Cloves: Use minced garlic for that aromatic depth that complements the beef beautifully.
• Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness both in the marinade and as a garnish.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to coat the steak evenly and keeps it moist while grilling.
• Cumin: Adding ground cumin brings warmth and an earthy note to the marinade.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make carne asada recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine fresh lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over it and ensure it’s fully coated. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for optimal flavor.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

While marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Ensure the grates are clean by scraping them down before cooking.

Step 4: Grill the Steak

Remove the flank steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Place it on the hot grill and cook for approximately 6-8 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.

Step 5: Rest Before Slicing

Once cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove the steak from the grill. Let it rest for about five minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer slices onto plates or serve in warm tortillas topped with your favorite garnishes like diced onions, cilantro, or avocado. Enjoy your delicious carne asada!

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

• Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor penetration, consider marinating overnight if time allows.
• Slicing Technique: Always slice against the grain to ensure tender pieces of meat.
• Resting Time: Allowing meat to rest after grilling helps retain its juices for maximum tenderness.

Mistakes to avoid

• Using the Wrong Cut of Meat: One of the most common mistakes when preparing a carne asada recipe is selecting the wrong cut of meat. For the best flavor and tenderness, choose flank steak or skirt steak. These cuts have the right amount of marbling and cook well on high heat. Avoid using tougher cuts like round steak, as they won’t provide the same juicy results. Properly marbled meat absorbs marinades better, leading to a richer flavor in your dish.
• Skipping the Marinade: Another mistake is not marinating the meat long enough or skipping it altogether. Marination is crucial for infusing flavors and tenderizing the meat. Ideally, let your carne asada marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. Use a marinade that includes citrus juice, garlic, and spices to enhance taste. Skipping this step can result in bland carne asada that fails to impress your guests.
• Overcooking the Meat: Overcooking is a frequent error that can ruin your carne asada recipe. Aim for a medium-rare to medium doneness for skirt or flank steak, which typically means an internal temperature of about 130-140°F (54-60°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Overcooked meat becomes tough and chewy, detracting from its natural tenderness and juiciness. Always allow the meat to rest before slicing to retain those delicious juices.

Serving Suggestions

This carne asada recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

• Tacos: Use warm corn or flour tortillas to wrap slices of carne asada, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious taco experience.
• Rice and Beans: Serve your carne asada alongside a hearty portion of Mexican rice and black or pinto beans. This classic combination enhances the meal’s flavors and adds satisfying sides.
• Grilled Vegetables: Complement your carne asada with grilled peppers, zucchini, and onions. The smokiness from the grill pairs perfectly with the marinated meat.

FAQs

What is carne asada?

Carne asada is a traditional Mexican dish that features marinated, grilled beef, typically flank steak or skirt steak. The beef is often seasoned with spices and citrus juices to enhance its flavor. After grilling, it’s sliced thinly and served in various dishes such as tacos or burritos. The key to a great carne asada recipe lies in the marinade, which usually includes ingredients like garlic, lime juice, and herbs.

How do I make a carne asada marinade?

Creating a flavorful carne asada marinade is simple. Combine lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, cumin, oregano, and black pepper in a bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed. Place your chosen cut of beef in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Can I cook carne asada in the oven?

Yes! While grilling is traditional for this carne asada recipe, you can also use your oven if needed. Preheat your oven to broil and place the marinated meat on a baking sheet lined with foil. Broil each side for about 5-7 minutes until cooked to your desired doneness. Make sure to let it rest before slicing for optimal tenderness.

What toppings go well with carne asada?

When serving carne asada, you can enhance its flavor with various toppings. Popular choices include fresh chopped cilantro, diced onions, avocado slices or guacamole, sour cream, salsa verde or pico de gallo. A squeeze of fresh lime juice also brightens up the dish beautifully.

Conclusion for carne asada recipe

In summary, this carne asada recipe is not just about grilling beef; it’s about creating a delicious meal that brings people together. Remember to marinate your meat well for the best flavor and consider pairing it with classic sides like tacos or rice and beans for an authentic experience. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings to personalize each serving. With these key points in mind, you’re ready to impress your family and friends at your next gathering with this mouthwatering dish! Enjoy your culinary adventure.

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Carne Asada Recipe

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 31 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of our authentic carne asada recipe. This dish features juicy, marinated flank steak that is skillfully grilled to perfection, producing tender, flavorful meat that will elevate any meal. Served in warm tortillas and topped with fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and diced onions, this classic Mexican dish is ideal for summer barbecues or cozy dinners at home. With simple preparation steps and minimal ingredients, you’ll impress family and friends alike with this culinary delight. Get ready to savor a rich explosion of flavors with every bite!

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Ingredients

• Flank steak
• Fresh lime juice
• Garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Ground cumin
• Chopped cilantro
• Salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade by whisking together lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it; seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C).
4. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.
5. Allow the steak to rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.
6. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite garnishes.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 490mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: - Marinate longer for deeper flavor; overnight is ideal. - Always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. - Consider pairing with grilled vegetables or a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.