Traditional Carne Asada

Name: Traditional Carne Asada
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs flank steak; 1/4 cup lime juice; 1/4 cup orange juice; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 jalapeño, sliced; 1 large onion, sliced

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 15 min

🍽 Serves: 4

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Get ready to fire up the grill for a classic Mexican favorite: Traditional Carne Asada. Perfect for a sunny afternoon, this dish brings together vibrant citrus flavors and a hint of spice to elevate your steak game.

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Ingredients for Traditional Carne Asada

The star of this dish is the flank steak, known for its rich flavor and tender texture when marinated well. The lime juice and orange juice offer a tangy and sweet balance, helping to tenderize the meat. Fresh garlic brings a robust depth, while olive oil helps to carry the flavors into the steak. A splash of soy sauce adds a hint of umami, enhancing the overall taste. The ground cumin, chili powder, and paprika provide warmth and spice, while black pepper and kosher salt enhance all the flavors. Finally, cilantro, jalapeño, and onion bring freshness and a little kick to the finished dish.

Tips & Tricks

Marinate the steak overnight for the best flavor infusion.
Always slice against the grain to ensure tender bites.
Use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.

Serving Suggestions

Carne Asada pairs beautifully with warm corn tortillas to create delicious tacos. Add a side of Mexican rice or a fresh avocado salad to complement the flavors. You can also serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef?: Yes, skirt steak or sirloin can work as alternatives, though flank steak is preferred for its texture and flavor.
How long can I keep leftovers?: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is there a way to make it spicier?: Feel free to add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra heat.

Traditional Carne Asada Recipe Walkthrough

First, grab a large bowl, the kind you'd use for a big salad. Pour in the lime juice and orange juice, then toss in the minced garlic. Add olive oil and soy sauce, giving it a little mix with your spoon. Now, sprinkle in the cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir it all together until everything is well combined and you can smell that delicious mix of citrus and spice.

Next, take your flank steak and nestle it into the marinade, turning it a few times to ensure every inch is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. Give it at least four hours, but overnight is your best bet if you want it to soak up all that goodness.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This usually takes about 10 minutes, so it's a good time to relax or prep any sides. Once the grill is hot, remove the steak from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Lay it on the grill, cooking for about 6-8 minutes on each side. You're looking for those nice grill marks and your preferred level of doneness.

Once cooked, let the steak rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender. Finally, slice the steak thinly against the grain, which makes it easier to chew and enjoy. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeño, and onion before serving for that fresh, vibrant finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Balanced marinade that tenderizes and flavors the meat perfectly.
Quick to grill, making it ideal for gatherings or a family dinner.
A simple yet impressive dish that highlights fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

2 lbs flank steak

1/4 cup lime juice

1/4 cup orange juice

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 jalapeño, sliced

1 large onion, sliced

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt to create the marinade.

2. Add the flank steak to the marinade, ensuring it is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.

3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.

4. Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill the steak for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.