traditional carne asada recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
traditional carne asada recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
Table of Contents▼

The Best traditional carne asada recipe

I’ve been making carne asada for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorite dishes. It’s a simple recipe, but the flavors and textures are always a hit. I love how the marinated steak cooks up quickly on the grill, and the aroma that fills the house is just amazing.

My kids always ask for seconds, and it’s easy to see why – the combination of char-grilled meat and fresh cilantro is just irresistible. Carne asada is a staple in many Latin American countries, where it’s often served with beans, rice, and other side dishes. But I like to keep things simple and serve it with some grilled vegetables or a salad.

The best part is that it’s so versatile – you can make it in a skillet on the stovetop or on a grill outdoors. Either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser. One of the things I love about carne asada is how easy it is to make.

Just marinate the steak in some lime juice, olive oil, and spices, then throw it on the grill. It’s ready in no time, and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. As for health benefits, carne asada is actually a relatively lean cut of meat.

When you pair it with some roasted vegetables or a salad, you’ve got a well-rounded meal that’s good for your body and soul.

Traditional Carne Asada

Traditional Carne Asada

4.8 from 563 votes

Carne asada is a popular Mexican dish featuring marinated skirt steak grilled to perfection. It is typically served with warm tortillas, onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.

Prep Time2 hours 15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Marinade

1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup orange juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Steak

2 lb skirt steak

For Serving

4 warm flour tortillas
1/2 white onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 limes, cut into wedges

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, chopped cilantro, and olive oil to create the marinade.
2The marinade should have a vibrant, slightly tangy smell with a pungent garlic aroma.
3Add the skirt steak to the bowl, ensuring it is fully submerged in the marinade.
4Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
5This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste.
6Preheat the grill or grill pan to high heat until it is very hot.
7This is crucial for achieving the characteristic char on the steak.
8Use a grill brush to clean the grill grates if necessary.
9Remove the steak from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid.
10Place the steak on the preheated grill.
11The grill should be hot enough to cause the steak to sizzle upon contact.
12Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness.
13The steak should have nice grill marks and be slightly charred on the edges.
14Use tongs to flip the steak and avoid piercing it with a fork to prevent juices from escaping.
15Once done, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes.
16This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicier steak.
17After resting, thinly slice the steak against the grain.
18This shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender and easier to chew.
19The slices should be uniform and have a slight sheen from the juices.
20Serve the sliced carne asada on warm flour tortillas, topped with thinly sliced white onion, chopped fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
21The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful dining experience.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Grill or grill pan
Tongs
Cutting board
Sharp knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 1000mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 2g🥩Protein: 40g

📝Notes

Tips: For a more tender steak, slice it thinly against the grain. Ensure the steak is well-rested before slicing to retain its juices.

Watch Video Of How Traditional Carne Asada Works

This recipe never fails me – whether I’m serving it to my family or guests at a party, everyone loves carne asada!

One of my favorite ways to store leftovers is by slicing them thinly and storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

You can also reheat them quickly by grilling them again until they’re hot through.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Carne Asada

Q: What is carne asada?

Carne asada is a type of grilled steak that originated in Latin America. It’s typically made with thinly sliced beef that’s marinated in lime juice, olive oil, and spices before being grilled to perfection.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when making carne asada?

One common mistake people make is overcooking the steak. Carne asada should be cooked to medium-rare at most, so it stays tender and juicy.

Q: Can I use any type of beef for carne asada?

No, not all types of beef are suitable for carne asada. The best cuts are thinly sliced flank steak or skirt steak.

Q: How long does marinade time affect the flavor of carne asada?

The longer you marinate the steak, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marinating time for optimal flavor.

Q: Is carne asada healthy?

Carne asada can be healthy if you pair it with plenty of vegetables and whole grains. However, if you’re serving it with fries or other high-calorie sides, then it’s not as healthy.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

Similar Posts