Authentic Mexican Carne Asada
Experience the rich flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with this Authentic Carne Asada recipe. The term 'carne asada' means 'grilled meat,' and this dish highlights tender beef marinated in a harmonious blend of zesty citrus, aromatic onions, and flavorful seasoning. Perfect for summer barbecues or backyard gatherings, this simple yet delicious recipe allows the natural taste of high-quality beef to shine. By using fresh ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe invites you to personalize your marinade with optional spices and herbs, creating a dish that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a tasty filling for tacos, burritos, or served alongside crisp tostadas. Gather your family and friends, fire up the grill, and savor a delightful meal that celebrates the vibrant flavors of Central America and Mexico.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
flank steak or skirt steak
2-3 lbs (Trimmed of excess fat)
onions
1-2 (Thinly sliced)
orange juice
Juice of 2-3 oranges (Freshly squeezed)
salt
To taste
black pepper
To taste
oil
1/4 cup (Preferably vegetable or olive oil)
Instructions
1
In a large stainless steel or glass bowl, combine the flank or skirt steaks, thinly sliced onions, freshly squeezed orange juice, salt, black pepper, and oil.
2
Mix well, ensuring the meat is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator, or better yet, overnight for deeper flavor.
3
When you're ready to grill, start a good fire with mesquite charcoal for an authentic taste. Preheat the grill until it's hot.
4
Remove the meat from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels; this will help achieve a good sear. Discard the marinade.
5
Place the steaks on the hot grill, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on the first side, or until a beautiful brown crust forms.
6
Flip the steaks over and continue to grill, checking for doneness. Grill until your desired level of doneness is achieved, typically another 4-6 minutes for medium.
7
Once cooked, transfer the steaks to a clean platter. Let them rest for about 5 minutes.
8
Slice the meat against the grain into thin strips for optimal tenderness. Serve the carne asada as a main dish or as a filling for tacos, burritos, or atop tostadas.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carne Asada?
Carne Asada is a traditional Mexican dish that translates to 'grilled meat,' typically featuring tender beef marinated in citrus and spices.
What cuts of beef are best for this recipe?
This recipe recommends using 2-3 lbs of flank steak or skirt steak for the best results.
How long should I marinate the steak?
The meat should marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator, but for deeper flavor, it is best to leave it overnight.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of freshly squeezed orange juice, thinly sliced onions, salt, black pepper, and oil.
Why is orange juice used in the marinade?
Orange juice provides a zesty citrus flavor and helps tenderize the beef through its natural acidity.
Should I trim the fat off the steak?
Yes, the beef should be trimmed of excess fat before being placed into the marinade.
What type of oil should I use?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 cup of vegetable or olive oil.
What is the best way to cook the meat?
Grilling over a hot fire is the traditional method, ideally using mesquite charcoal for an authentic taste.
Why should I pat the meat dry before grilling?
Patting the meat dry with paper towels removes excess moisture, which helps you achieve a better sear and a beautiful brown crust.
How long does it take to grill Carne Asada?
Cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 4-6 minutes depending on your desired level of doneness.
How do I know when the steak is medium done?
Grill for approximately 4-6 minutes after flipping to achieve a typical medium level of doneness.
Should the meat rest after cooking?
Yes, transfer the steaks to a clean platter and let them rest for about 5 minutes to ensure the juices redistribute.
What is the best way to slice the beef?
Slice the meat against the grain into thin strips to ensure optimal tenderness.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
Can I use this meat for tacos?
Yes, Carne Asada is a perfect filling for tacos, as well as burritos and tostadas.
Can I add other spices to the marinade?
Absolutely! The recipe invites you to personalize the marinade with your choice of optional spices and herbs.
What kind of bowl should I use for marinating?
A large stainless steel or glass bowl is recommended for marinating the beef.
Do I keep the marinade after cooking?
No, you should discard the marinade after removing the meat for grilling.
What kind of onions should I use?
The recipe calls for 1-2 onions that have been thinly sliced.
Is this a good recipe for barbecues?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for summer barbecues and backyard gatherings.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized under Steak and Mexican Cuisine.
Does the recipe require many ingredients?
No, it is a simple recipe with an ingredient count of 6 main items.
How many oranges do I need for the juice?
You will need the juice of 2-3 freshly squeezed oranges.
What gives it the authentic Mexican flavor?
The combination of citrus, onions, and the use of mesquite charcoal on the grill provides that authentic profile.
Is salt and pepper used?
Yes, salt and black pepper are added to taste during the marinade process.
Can I serve this on a tostada?
Yes, serving the meat atop crisp tostadas is one of the suggested serving methods.
What region of food does this represent?
This dish celebrates the vibrant flavors of Central America and Mexico.
Do I need to cover the meat while it marinates?
Yes, cover the bowl with plastic wrap while it is in the refrigerator.
How do I prep the onions?
Onions should be thinly sliced before being added to the steak and marinade mix.
What is the primary goal of this recipe?
The goal is to allow the natural taste of high-quality beef to shine using fresh ingredients and minimal preparation.