Carne Asada

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carne Asada is a bold, juicy, and flavorful grilled steak that’s marinated in a zesty blend of citrus, garlic, and spices. Perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or served on its own, this classic Mexican dish is easy to make and guaranteed to impress with its smoky char and tender texture.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

flank steak or skirt steakorange juicelime juiceolive oilsoy saucegarlic clovescilantrojalapeñoground cuminchili powderoregano saltblack pepper

directions

In a bowl or resealable bag, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, diced jalapeño, cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Add the steak and coat well with the marinade. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

Remove steak from marinade and let come to room temperature. Pat dry for better searing.

Preheat grill or grill pan over high heat. Grill steak for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.

Let rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

Serve with tortillas, rice, beans, or use in tacos, burritos, or bowls.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4–6 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Marinating time: 2–12 hours
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 20 minutes (with marinating)

Variations

Use lemon juice if you’re out of lime.
Add a splash of beer or tequila to the marinade for deeper flavor.
Include onion slices in the marinade for extra aroma.
Swap flank steak with ribeye or sirloin if preferred.
Top with grilled onions, avocado, or chimichurri sauce.

storage/reheating

Store cooked carne asada in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, or enjoy cold in salads or wraps.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of beef for carne asada?

Flank or skirt steak—both are flavorful and perfect for grilling.

Do I have to marinate overnight?

Overnight is best for flavor, but 2 hours minimum will still work.

Can I cook this indoors?

Yes, use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over high heat.

Is carne asada spicy?

Mild by default—adjust jalapeño or chili powder to your heat preference.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, marinate in advance and cook just before serving.

Should I tenderize the meat?

Marinating helps, but you can also pound the steak lightly for tenderness.

What should I serve with carne asada?

Tortillas, rice, beans, grilled vegetables, guacamole, or salsa.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch.

How do I know when it’s done?

Use a meat thermometer—130–135°F for medium rare, 140–145°F for medium.

Can I use this for meal prep?

Absolutely—store sliced carne asada for tacos, bowls, or salads throughout the week.

Conclusion

Carne Asada is a flavorful, grilled steak dish that brings authentic Mexican taste to your table with minimal effort. Whether stuffed into tacos or served alongside rice and beans, its citrusy, garlicky marinade and charred edges make it a standout favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Print