Carne Asada

Carne asada, meaning “grilled meat” in Spanish, is a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine. This flavorful marinated beef is perfect for gatherings, served with fresh tortillas and vibrant toppings. The combination of spices and grilling create a smoky, tender steak that will impress family and friends. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and enjoy a taste of Mexico right in your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 2 lbs flank or skirt steak
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 limes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)

Servings and Cooking Time

This recipe serves 4 people, with a preparation time of 15 minutes and a cooking time of 10-15 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (approximately 5 oz) contains about 300 calories, 20g of protein, 25g of fat, and 0g of carbohydrates. This nutritional value is based on one serving for one person.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the flank or skirt steak to the marinade and let it sit for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the steak from the marinade and let excess marinade drip off.
5. Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
6. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
7. Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
8. Slice the carne asada against the grain into thin strips.
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
10. Serve immediately with tortillas or as desired.

Alternative Ingredients

If you prefer, you can substitute flank steak with sirloin or ribeye for a different flavor profile. Additionally, lime juice can be switched with orange juice for a sweeter marinade.

Serving and Pairings

Carne asada is traditionally served with warm corn tortillas, fresh salsa, guacamole, and a side of Mexican rice or beans. It also pairs well with grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or microwave it briefly. Freezing is also an option; wrap tightly and consume within 3 months for the best quality.

Cooking Mistakes

• Over-marinating the meat can lead to mushiness.
• Not letting the meat rest after cooking will result in dry steak.
• Grilling at too low a temperature can prevent proper searing.
• Cutting the meat against the grain is crucial for tenderness.
• Using a dull knife makes slicing difficult and uneven.
• Neglecting to preheat the grill can lead to uneven cooking.
• Overcooking will toughen the meat; aim for medium-rare.

Helpful Tips

• Use a marinade injector for deeper flavor.
• Experiment with different spices in your marinade.
• Always grill on a clean, oiled grate to prevent sticking.
• Consider using a cast iron skillet for indoor cooking.
• Let the meat come to room temperature before grilling.

FAQs

What cut of meat is best for carne asada?

Flank steak and skirt steak are the most popular cuts for carne asada due to their flavor and tenderness when marinated and grilled.

Can I make carne asada in the oven?

Yes, you can broil carne asada in the oven. Preheat the broiler and place the marinated steak on a broiler pan, cooking for about 6-8 minutes per side.

How do I know when carne asada is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare. Let it rest before slicing for best results.

Is carne asada gluten-free?

Yes, carne asada is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any added sauces or marinades are also gluten-free.

What can I serve with carne asada?

Carne asada pairs well with tortillas, fresh salsas, guacamole, beans, rice, and grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Carne asada is a flavorful dish that brings the essence of Mexican cuisine to your table. With its tender, marinated beef and vibrant accompaniments, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed in tacos or on its own, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Enjoy the rich flavors and celebrate the joy of cooking!

Carne Asada

Carne asada is a flavorful Mexican dish featuring marinated and grilled beef, perfect for tacos or enjoyed on its own.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: carne asada, Mexican cuisine, grilled beef, tacos

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 300kcal

Ingredients

• 2 lbs flank or skirt steak
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 limes
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño minced (optional)

Instructions

• Combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Add steak to the marinade and let it sit for at least 1 hour.
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
• Remove steak from marinade and let excess drip off.
• Grill steak for 4-6 minutes on each side until medium-rare.
• Check internal temperature; it should be 130-135°F.
• Remove steak from grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes.
• Slice carne asada against the grain into thin strips.
• Garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges.
• Serve immediately with tortillas or as desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal | Protein: 20g | Fat: 25g