Ultimate Flap Steak Carne Asada
Elevate your outdoor grilling game with this flavorful carne asada recipe! Our easy marinade combines the umami richness of soy sauce, the brightness of citrus juices, and the depth of beer for a truly irresistible dish. This recipe offers a truly authentic Mexican experience, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Paired with fresh tortillas and your favorite toppings, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser at your next barbecue. Preparing this dish is a breeze, as you likely have the ingredients at hand – just grab the meat and let the marinade do the magic!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flap steak
5 lbs (Trimmed and ready for marinade)
Soy sauce
3 cups (None)
Orange juice
1 cup (Freshly squeezed or bottled)
Lemon juice
1/2 cup (Freshly squeezed or bottled)
Beer
1 (12 ounce) can (Any beer of your choice)
Instructions
1
Start by sourcing high-quality flap steak from a local mercado or carniceria, where it's often labeled as Carne Asada Ranchera. If you can't find flap steak, skirt steak makes a suitable alternative, although the texture will slightly differ.
2
Prepare the marinade by combining the soy sauce, orange juice, lemon juice, and beer in a large bowl or container that can accommodate the meat.
3
Place the flap steak into the marinade, ensuring it is completely submerged. Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat thoroughly.
4
When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off.
5
Grill the carne asada for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it develops a nice brown crust and reaches your desired level of doneness. For a juicy result, aim for medium-rare to medium.
6
Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender bite.
7
Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips to maximize tenderness.
8
Serve warm with freshly made flour or corn tortillas and accompany with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, diced onions, salsa, or hot sauce. For an extra treat, seek out tortillas from a local restaurant that makes them fresh daily.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Flap Steak Carne Asada?
It is a flavorful grilled meat dish featuring an easy marinade of soy sauce, citrus juices, and beer for an authentic Mexican experience.
What cut of meat is recommended for this recipe?
High-quality flap steak, often labeled as Carne Asada Ranchera at local mercados or carnicerias, is recommended.
Can I use a different cut of meat if flap steak is unavailable?
Yes, skirt steak is a suitable alternative, though the texture will be slightly different.
What are the primary ingredients in the marinade?
The marinade consists of soy sauce, orange juice, lemon juice, and a 12-ounce can of beer.
How much flap steak does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 5 lbs of flap steak.
How much soy sauce is used in the marinade?
You will need 3 cups of soy sauce.
What is the required amount of orange juice?
The recipe requires 1 cup of orange juice, which can be freshly squeezed or bottled.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of lemon juice.
What type of beer should I use for the marinade?
You can use any beer of your choice.
How long should the steak marinate?
The meat should be refrigerated in the marinade for at least 24 hours to ensure the flavors penetrate thoroughly.
Should the meat be completely covered in the marinade?
Yes, ensure the flap steak is completely submerged in the marinade.
What is the first step in preparing the marinade?
Combine the soy sauce, orange juice, lemon juice, and beer in a large bowl or container.
At what temperature should the grill be set?
Preheat your grill to high heat before cooking.
How long do I grill the carne asada?
Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes on each side.
How do I know when the steak is done?
The steak is ready when it develops a nice brown crust and reaches your desired doneness, ideally medium-rare to medium.
Should the steak rest after grilling?
Yes, let the steak rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the grill.
Why is it important to let the meat rest?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy bite.
How should the carne asada be sliced?
Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
Why slice against the grain?
Slicing against the grain maximizes the tenderness of the meat.
What type of tortillas should I serve with this dish?
Serve with warm, freshly made flour or corn tortillas.
What are some recommended toppings for carne asada?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, diced onions, salsa, and hot sauce.
Where can I find the best tortillas?
For an extra treat, look for a local restaurant that makes fresh tortillas daily.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, it is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or outdoor barbecues.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: flap steak, soy sauce, orange juice, lemon juice, and beer.
Is this recipe difficult to prepare?
No, it is described as a breeze to prepare with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
What flavor profile does this dish offer?
It offers umami richness from soy sauce combined with bright citrus and deep beer flavors.
Can I use bottled juices instead of fresh?
Yes, the recipe allows for either freshly squeezed or bottled juices.
What should I do before putting the meat on the grill?
Remove the steak from the marinade and allow the excess liquid to drip off.
What is the goal for the exterior of the meat?
The goal is to develop a nice brown crust on the outside.
What makes this an authentic experience?
The use of traditional cuts like flap steak and a classic citrus-beer marinade provides an authentic Mexican flavor.