Best Carne Asada

Flank steak or skirt steak is marinated in a tasty combination of onions, cilantro and spices, then grilled to perfection.

Carne Asada is a popular dish in Mexican cuisine that consists of marinated and grilled flank steak or skirt steak. The meat is usually seasoned with ingredients like lime juice, garlic, cilantro, chili peppers, cumin, and other spices before being grilled to perfection. Once cooked, it’s often sliced thin and served in various ways, such as in tacos, burritos, or alongside rice and beans. It is known for its smoky flavor, tender texture and flavorful marinade, making it a favorite for gatherings and street food stalls.

When choosing between flank steak or skirt steak, remember that flank steak is slightly leaner and tougher than skirt steak, with a more uniform grain.

Tips for Making Carne Asada

• Use a good cut of beef with good marbling for flavor and tenderness.
• Do not overcook; aim for medium-rare to medium for optimal juiciness.
• Let the meat rest after grilling before slicing to retain juices.

Ways to Enjoy Carne Asada

1. Tacos: Chop the grilled meat and serve it in warm corn or flour tortillas topped with diced onions, cilantro, salsa, guacamole, and lime.
2. Burritos: Wrap the sliced meat with rice, beans, cheese, lettuce, and salsa in a large flour tortilla for a hearty burrito.
3. Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, add chopped meat, shredded cheese, jalapeños, and other toppings. Bake until cheese melts, then garnish with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.
4. Carne Asada Plate: Serve the grilled steak sliced alongside sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, grilled vegetables, and fresh salsa.
5. Salad: Slice meat and add to a mixed greens salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cheese, and a tangy vinaigrette.
6. Sandwiches or Wraps: Use sliced meat in a sandwich or wrap with grilled peppers, onions, cheese, and your favorite sauce.
7. Skewers: Cube the meat and thread onto skewers with vegetables, then grill for carne asada kebabs.
8. Breakfast: Serve chopped meat with eggs, breakfast potatoes, and salsa for a hearty breakfast option.

Best Carne Asada

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Flank steak or skirt steak is marinated in a tasty combination of onions, cilantro and spices, then grilled to perfection.

• Prep Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 27 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grill
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Steak

2 (1-pound) flank steaks or skirt steaks

Marinade

1 lime, juiced
1 orange, juiced
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon California chile powder
2 teaspoons chile powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 large onion, cut into rings
1 bunch cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

In a large glass bowl, mix Marinade ingredients through black pepper. Add cilantro and onion.

Add meat. Let marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight, the longer the better.

When ready to grill, mix the steaks and marinade one more time.

Place flank steaks on grill for about 5 or 6 minutes on each side.

Remove steaks and set in an 8 inch square pan. Cover with foil, and let steaks sit for about 10 minutes.

Slice meat into strips against the grain.

Place a baked potato (with a chunk of butter), rice and slices of Carne Asada on a plate. Add 1/2 avocado in center, a couple tablespoons of salsa and a grilled jalapeño.

Dinner is served!

Notes

Grilling the steaks for the time given in the recipe will produce medium rare beef.