Carne Asada is a classic Mexican dish featuring marinated, grilled steak with bold flavors. Traditionally, it’s made with skirt steak or flank steak, marinated in a citrusy, garlicky, and smoky blend, then grilled to perfection. The result? Tender, juicy, and flavorful steak that can be served on its own, in tacos, burritos, nachos, or salads.

This authentic Carne Asada recipe is simple, easy, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend BBQ, a taco night, or a special gathering, this dish will be the star of the show.

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 2 lbs skirt steak or flank steak
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup soy sauce (or Worcestershire sauce)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ cup chopped cilantro

For Serving:

• Warm corn or flour tortillas
• Sliced avocado or guacamole
• Chopped onions & cilantro
• Fresh lime wedges
• Pico de gallo or salsa

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

1. In a large mixing bowl or resealable bag, combine lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, jalapeño, cumin, paprika, chili powder, black pepper, salt, oregano, and cilantro.
2. Whisk everything together until well combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

3. Place the skirt or flank steak into the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (for best flavor, marinate overnight).

(Tip: Do not marinate for more than 24 hour, as the citrus can break down the meat too much.)

Step 3: Grill the Carne Asada

5. Preheat the grill to high heat (450°F-500°F).
6. Remove the steak from the marinade and shake off excess liquid.
7. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 6-7 minutes per side for medium.
8. Remove from the grill and let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

(Tip: Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.)

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

9. Serve Carne Asada as is, or slice it thinly for tacos, burritos, or salads.
10. Pair with warm tortillas, fresh guacamole, chopped onions & cilantro, salsa, and lime wedges for the best experience.

Tips & Variation

✔ Best Steak Choice: Skirt steak is the most traditional, but flank steak also works well.

✔ No Grill? No Problem! Cook on a cast-iron skillet over high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.

✔ Add More Heat: Increase spice with extra jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.

✔ Oven Method: Broil on high for 5-6 minutes per side until charred and cooked to your liking.

✔ Make It Keto/Low-Carb: Serve with lettuce wraps, cauliflower rice, or grilled veggies instead of tortillas.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze cooked Carne Asada for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

• Reheat in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What’s the best cut of beef for Carne Asada?

Skirt steak is the most authentic choice, but flank steak works well too. You can also use sirloin or ribeye for a more tender option.

2. How long should I marinate the steak?

For best flavor, marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better). Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours.

3. Can I cook Carne Asada indoors?

Yes! Use a cast-iron skillet or broil it in the oven for similar results.

4. Can I use bottled lime and orange juice?

Fresh juice is best for flavor, but bottled juice works in a pinch.

5. What sides go well with Carne Asada?

Try it with Mexican rice, black beans, grilled veggies, or elote (Mexican street corn).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Authentic Mexican Flavors – Bold, smoky, and citrusy.
✔ Perfect for Tacos & More – Use in tacos, burritos, bowls, or nachos.
✔ Easy & Versatile – Grill, pan-sear, or broil in the oven.
✔ Crowd Favorite – Great for BBQs, taco nights, and family dinners.

This Carne Asada recipe delivers tender, flavorful steak that’s perfect for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy an authentic Mexican-inspired meal at home!