Carne Asada Steak

Carne Asada Steak is a mouthwatering dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine to your table. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, this recipe offers a deliciously juicy and tender steak that can be used in tacos, burritos, nachos, salads, and more. The marinade infuses the meat with an irresistible blend of spices and citrus, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The marinade combines citrus juices and spices, creating a rich taste profile that elevates your steak.
• Versatile Uses: Enjoy Carne Asada in tacos, burritos, or as a main dish—perfect for any meal.
• Crowd-pleaser: This recipe serves 4, making it ideal for family gatherings or friendly get-togethers.
• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps and ingredients, you can create restaurant-quality Carne Asada at home.
• Budget-Friendly: Making Carne Asada at home saves money while delivering big flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Plastic bags (for marinating)
• Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: A good grill ensures even cooking and adds wonderful charred flavor to your Carne Asada.
• Meat Thermometer: This tool helps you achieve the perfect doneness every time, ensuring juicy results.
• Plastic Bags: Ideal for marinating, they help to evenly coat the steak with flavor while saving space in the fridge.

Ingredients

Carne Asada marinated and spice rubbed for the most juicy, tender, flavorful Carne Asada EVER! This Carne Asada recipe is perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, salads, etc. at a fraction of the price and fabulous for crowds!

For the Marinade

• 1 1/2 – 2 pounds flank steak, pounded thin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke

For the Spice Mix

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon EACH salt, chili powder, onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon EACH pepper, cayenne pepper

For Serving

• Your favorite cheese (I like cheddar/cotija combo)
• Recipe 5 Minute Blender Tomatillo Avocado Ranch
• Recipe 5 Minute Fire Roasted Restaurant Blender Salsa
• Pico de gallo
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Recipe Grilled Pineapple Salsa
• Recipe Mexican Street Fries

How to Make Carne Asada Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix

To start, add all spice mix ingredients to a small plastic bag or sealable container. Whisk them together until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

In a large freezer bag:
1. Add marinade ingredients (olive oil, soy sauce, orange juice, lime juice, brown sugar, liquid smoke).
2. Whisk until combined.
3. Add 3 tablespoons of the prepared spice mix to the marinade and whisk again.
4. Place the flank steak into the bag; seal it tightly while removing excess air.
5. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4-12 hours.

Step 3: Create Spice Rub

When ready to grill:
1. Mix remaining spice mix with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to make a spice rub.

Step 4: Prepare Grill & Steak

Before grilling:
1. Discard marinade from steak and pat dry with paper towels—this helps achieve better searing.
2. Rub steak evenly with spice rub.
3. Allow resting at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.

Step 5: Grill

Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat:
1. Grill steak for about 5-6 minutes on each side.
2. Use an internal thermometer to check doneness; aim for 130-135°F for medium rare or around 140°F for medium.

Step 6: Rest & Slice

After grilling:
1. Remove steak from grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
2. Thinly slice against the grain on a diagonal before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Carne Asada Steak!

How to Serve Carne Asada Steak

Carne Asada Steak is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a casual meal, here are some delicious serving ideas that will elevate your experience.

Tacos

• Use warm corn or flour tortillas to wrap slices of carne asada. Top with cilantro, onions, and your choice of salsa for a classic taco experience.

Burritos

• Fill a large tortilla with carne asada, rice, beans, cheese, and any other favorite toppings for a hearty burrito. Roll it up tightly and enjoy!

Nachos

• Layer tortilla chips with carne asada, melted cheese, jalapeños, and guacamole for a tasty nacho platter that’s perfect for sharing.

Salads

• Slice the grilled carne asada over mixed greens or romaine. Add avocado, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing for a refreshing salad option.

Quesadillas

• Place carne asada between two tortillas with cheese and grill until crispy. Cut into wedges for easy serving.

Sandwiches

• Create a delicious sandwich using sliced carne asada on crusty bread, topped with avocado and spicy mayo for an amazing flavor combination.

How to Perfect Carne Asada Steak

Cooking the perfect carne asada steak requires attention to detail and some simple tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your steak is always juicy and flavorful.

• Marinate Long Enough: Allow the steak to marinate for at least 4 hours but ideally up to 12 hours. This enhances the flavor and tenderness.
• Use High Heat: Grill over medium-high heat to achieve that perfect char while keeping the inside juicy.
• Rest After Cooking: Let the steak rest for about 10 minutes after grilling. This helps retain juices when slicing.
• Cut Against the Grain: When slicing the steak, always cut against the grain. This results in more tender pieces.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time based on thickness; thicker cuts will take longer than thinner ones.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spice rub according to your taste preferences for added flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Carne Asada Steak

Pairing side dishes with carne asada steak can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some delightful options that complement the flavors perfectly.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice creates a vibrant side dish.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a rich contrast to the grilled flavors of carne asada. Serve them warm with cheese on top.
3. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lime juice and fresh cilantro pairs beautifully with carne asada tacos or burritos.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like bell peppers and zucchini grilled alongside your steak add color and flavor to your plate.
5. Guacamole: A creamy avocado dip brings richness and freshness that complements the smoky taste of carne asada.
6. Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños adds a zesty kick that enhances any dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Marinating and cooking Carne Asada Steak can be simple, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring the marinating time: Not allowing enough time for the flavors to penetrate can result in bland steak. Aim for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best.
• Skipping the spice rub: Relying solely on the marinade may lead to a lack of flavor on the outside. The spice rub adds a crucial layer of seasoning that enhances taste.
• Grilling at the wrong temperature: Cooking your steak at too low of a heat can result in uneven cooking. Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high for a perfect sear.
• Not letting it rest: Cutting into your steak immediately after grilling releases juices, leading to dryness. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing for maximum juiciness.
• Slicing against the grain: Cutting with the grain makes meat tougher. Always slice against the grain for tender pieces.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Carne Asada Steak in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Carne Asada Steak

• For longer storage, freeze cooked Carne Asada Steak in freezer-safe bags.
• Properly stored, it can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Carne Asada Steak

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (121°C) and place steak on a baking sheet. Heat until warm without drying out, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use medium power and heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, checking frequently to avoid toughening the meat.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of broth or water. Add sliced steak and cover until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate Carne Asada Steak?

Marinate your Carne Asada Steak for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to ensure maximum flavor absorption.

Can I use other cuts of meat for Carne Asada?

Yes! While flank steak is popular, you can also use skirt steak or flap meat for a delicious Carne Asada.

What sides go well with Carne Asada Steak?

Carne Asada pairs beautifully with traditional sides like rice, beans, grilled vegetables, or even Mexican street fries.

How do I make Carne Asada tacos?

Simply slice your grilled Carne Asada Steak thinly and serve it in corn tortillas topped with pico de gallo and guacamole for delicious tacos.

Can I cook Carne Asada on a gas grill?

Absolutely! A gas grill works great for cooking Carne Asada. Just ensure it’s preheated properly before adding your steak.

Final Thoughts

This Carne Asada Steak recipe offers an incredible balance of flavors and textures that will delight any crowd. Its versatility allows you to serve it in tacos, salads, or even as a main dish with sides. Feel free to customize the spices or toppings based on your preferences—your imagination is the limit! Try this recipe today and experience why it’s such a favorite!