Zesty Grilled Carne Asada with Garlic and Lime
Experience the bold flavors of traditional Mexican carne asada with this delicious recipe featuring marinated flank steak cooked to perfection on the grill. Infused with fragrant garlic and zesty lime juice, each bite delivers a mouthwatering combination of savory and tangy notes. This recipe is ideal for gatherings or a delightful family dinner, served alongside warm tortillas, refried beans, and perfectly seasoned rice for a complete feast. Elevate your outdoor dining experience with this vibrant dish that is sure to impress!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Skirt Steaks
1 1/2 lbs (trimmed, leaving some fat)
Garlic
1 1/2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Olive Oil
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
Coarse Salt
to taste (none)
Fresh Lime Juice
1 1/2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Instructions
1
If necessary, trim excess fat from the skirt steaks while leaving some for flavor and moisture.
2
In a shallow dish, combine the finely chopped garlic and olive oil to create a flavorful marinade.
3
Rub the marinade generously over the steaks, ensuring they are well coated.
4
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 day for maximum flavor infusion.
5
Prepare your grill for medium-high heat, ensuring it is clean and ready to go.
6
Season the marinated steaks generously with coarse salt on both sides just before grilling.
7
Place the steaks on the grill rack set 5 to 6 inches above the glowing coals, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer if desired.
8
Alternatively, you can broil the steaks in an oven preheated to broil, placing them 3 inches from the heat source and cooking for about 4 minutes on each side.
9
Once cooked to your desired doneness, transfer the steaks to a cutting board and drizzle with fresh lime juice to enhance the flavor.
10
Allow the steaks to rest uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes to retain juiciness.
11
Using a sharp knife, slice the steaks diagonally across the grain into thin, tender strips.
12
Garnish with grilled onions for added flavor and serve alongside warm tortillas, refried beans, and rice.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Grilled Carne Asada with Garlic and Lime?
It is a traditional Mexican-inspired dish featuring marinated skirt steak grilled to perfection and infused with garlic and tangy lime juice.
What cut of meat is best for this carne asada recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for 1.5 lbs of skirt steaks, though flank steak is also mentioned as a suitable alternative.
How much garlic is required for the marinade?
You will need 1.5 tablespoons of finely chopped garlic to create the flavorful marinade.
What type of oil should I use for the marinade?
The recipe recommends using 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil mixed with the chopped garlic.
How long should the meat be marinated?
For best results, marinate the steaks for at least 30 minutes, or up to one full day for maximum flavor infusion.
Should I trim all the fat off the skirt steak?
You should trim excess fat but leave some on the meat to ensure flavor and moisture during the grilling process.
When should I add the salt to the steak?
Season the marinated steaks generously with coarse salt on both sides just before you place them on the grill.
What temperature should the grill be set to?
Prepare your grill for medium-high heat, ensuring the rack is clean before cooking.
How long does it take to grill the steaks for medium-rare?
Grill the steaks for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on each side for a medium-rare finish.
Can I cook this carne asada in the oven?
Yes, you can broil the steaks in a preheated oven, placing them 3 inches from the heat source for about 4 minutes per side.
How far should the steak be from the coals on a grill?
Place the steaks on a grill rack set roughly 5 to 6 inches above the glowing coals.
Why is lime juice added after cooking?
Drizzling fresh lime juice over the cooked steaks enhances the savory and tangy notes of the dish.
Does the meat need to rest after grilling?
Yes, allow the steaks to rest uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes to help the meat retain its juiciness.
What is the best way to slice the grilled steak?
Use a sharp knife to slice the steaks diagonally across the grain into thin, tender strips.
What are the recommended side dishes for this meal?
This dish is traditionally served with warm tortillas, refried beans, and perfectly seasoned rice.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide 4 servings.
What garnishes go well with this carne asada?
Grilled onions are highly recommended as a garnish to add extra flavor to the final presentation.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
While marination takes time, the actual cooking process is very fast, taking only about 4 to 8 minutes total on the grill.
What kind of salt should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for coarse salt to properly season the meat.
Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh?
The recipe recommends 1.5 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice for the best vibrant and zesty flavor.
What makes this dish ideal for outdoor dining?
The combination of high-heat grilling, bold marinated flavors, and easy-to-share sides makes it a classic BBQ and outdoor cooking staple.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: skirt steak, garlic, olive oil, coarse salt, and fresh lime juice.
Should the meat be covered while resting?
The instructions state the meat should rest uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes.
How do I ensure the meat is tender?
Tenderness is achieved by marinating, not overcooking (aiming for medium-rare), and slicing diagonally across the grain.
What categories does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Meat and is noted for being a part of Mexican cuisine.
Can the marinade be made in advance?
Yes, you can mix the garlic and olive oil ahead of time and keep the steaks marinating for up to 24 hours.
What type of dish should I use for marinating?
A shallow dish is recommended to ensure the steaks can be laid out and well-coated with the marinade.
Should the grill be clean before use?
Yes, it is important to ensure the grill rack is clean and ready before starting the cooking process.
What flavor profile can I expect from this dish?
Expect a mouthwatering combination of savory garlic notes and tangy, zesty lime highlights.
How should I prepare the garlic?
The garlic should be finely chopped before being mixed with the olive oil for the marinade.