Authentic Mexican Carne Asada Fiesta
This Authentic Mexican Carne Asada recipe is a cherished family favorite passed down through generations. Inspired by a neighbor's traditional Mexican cooking, my mom has perfected this simple yet flavorful dish that's been a staple at our family gatherings and barbecues. The hearty cut of flank steak is marinated in a savory blend of reduced sodium soy sauce, aromatic garlic, and freshly ground black pepper, then grilled to perfection. Serve it sizzling hot with warm tortillas and an array of vibrant toppings to create a delightful feast everyone will love. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, this carne asada is sure to impress your family and friends!
6
Servings
307
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
flap meat, skirt steak or flank steak
3 lbs (trimmed and ready for marinating)
reduced sodium soy sauce
1/2 cup (none)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (about 20 grinds) (none)
tortillas
as needed (warmed)
shredded cheese
as desired (none)
shredded lettuce
as desired (none)
chopped tomato
as desired (none)
cilantro
as desired (chopped)
chopped onion
as desired (none)
hot sauce
to taste (none)
lime wedge
1 (fresh, for serving)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the marinade. In a resealable plastic bag, combine the flap meat (or your choice of steak), reduced sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper.
2
Seal the bag and gently massage the marinade into the meat. Allow it to marinate for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to enhance the flavor.
3
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the meat from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.
4
Place the marinated steak on the grill and cook for approximately 3 minutes on each side, adjusting the time based on the thickness of the meat. Aim for a nice sear while keeping the inside juicy.
5
After grilling, transfer the meat to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender bite.
6
Slice the meat against the grain for optimal texture. Serve immediately with warm tortillas and a selection of toppings such as shredded cheese, lettuce, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and onions.
7
Add a splash of hot sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to elevate the flavors. Gather your loved ones and enjoy this delicious Carne Asada!
Nutrition Information
18.3g
Fat
5.8g
Carbs
27.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Mexican Carne Asada Fiesta?
It is a cherished family recipe for grilled steak marinated in a savory blend of soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper, typically served with tortillas and vibrant toppings.
What cuts of meat are best for this recipe?
You can use 3 lbs of flap meat, skirt steak, or flank steak for the best results.
How long should the carne asada marinate?
The meat should marinate for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to enhance the flavor.
What are the main ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of reduced sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper.
What is the recommended grill temperature?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before cooking the steak.
How long do you cook the steak on the grill?
Cook the marinated steak for approximately 3 minutes on each side, adjusting for the thickness of the meat.
Should I keep the leftover marinade?
No, you should discard any excess marinade after removing the meat for grilling.
Why must the meat rest after grilling?
Resting the meat for 5 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender bite.
How should the carne asada be sliced?
The steak should be sliced against the grain for optimal texture.
What toppings go well with this dish?
Suggested toppings include shredded cheese, lettuce, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, onions, hot sauce, and fresh lime juice.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 307 calories.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 27.5g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 18.3g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 5.8g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of reduced sodium soy sauce.
How many garlic cloves are used?
Two garlic cloves, minced, are used for the marinade.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended, specifically about 20 grinds.
How do I prepare the marinade?
Combine the steak, soy sauce, garlic, and pepper in a resealable plastic bag and massage it into the meat.
Can I use flank steak for this?
Yes, flank steak is one of the recommended cuts mentioned in the recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for a barbecue?
Yes, it is a staple for family gatherings and barbecues.
What is the origin of this recipe?
It is a traditional Mexican-inspired family recipe passed down through generations.
How should the tortillas be served?
The tortillas should be served warm.
What is the best way to add extra zing to the tacos?
Adding a splash of hot sauce and a squeeze of fresh lime juice elevates the flavors.
How much meat is needed for 6 people?
Three pounds of steak are required for 6 servings.
Can I use skirt steak instead of flap meat?
Yes, skirt steak is a perfectly acceptable alternative.
What is the prep for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the marinade.
Should the meat be trimmed?
Yes, the steak should be trimmed and ready for marinating.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe utilizes 12 specific ingredients including toppings.
Is this a quick weeknight dinner?
While the grilling is fast, the meat requires at least 4 hours of marinating time.