Authentic Carne Asada Recipe

This easy authentic Carne Asada recipe has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy and makes the most tender carne asada. It is grilled to perfection and full of amazing Mexican flavors.

For an easy and versatile dinner, wrap it in a warm tortilla to make it into carne asada tacos, or add a few of your favorite veggies on a bed of lettuce and you have a carne asada salad. For a similar recipe, try this Chipotle Carne Asada Recipe that is a bit more sweet and spicy.

The translation of carne asada literally means grilled meat. Carne aside is a thinly sliced, grilled, or pan-seared beef served most often in tacos and burritos. Almost any cut of beef can be thinly sliced into carne asada, but it’s usually cut from the skirt steak or flank steak.

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Carne asada means so much more than that to me and I’m sure, many of you. When I’m wanting carne asada, I’m looking for tender strips of flavorful beef marinated in my favorite Mexican flavors, grilled to perfection, and served in a fresh taco shell with a burst of flavor and tender beef in every bite.

The thing I love most about this carne asada recipe is the way the marinade tenderizes the beef and then when you grill it, you get that fire-grilled char on the outside. YUM! Add a little fresh guacamole and you’ve got yourself a Mexican fiesta!

carne asada marinade recipe in a glass baking dish with beef.

Key Ingredients

Avocado Oil– This will give your carne asada so much flavor, keep it tender, and help get those char lines when cooking.
Fresh Garlic – fresh garlic adds so much flavor!
Citrus Juice– the trio of orange, lime, and lemon juices will give your carne asada so much flavor and gives your marinade the acidity it needs to help break down the fibers in the meat.
Spices – this recipe uses a blend of traditional Mexican carne asada spices such as cumin, oregano, and garlic powder.
Salt – salt to taste when cooking. This will also help make your carne asada even more tender.
Jalapeno – this is optional, but really does add great flavor. And since it is cooked, the heat is much more mellow. Leave the seeds in for an extra spicy kick.
Cilantro – optional, but it adds a lot of authentic flavor and freshness.

What to Serve with Carne Asada:

We have many tex mex sides to choose from.

Grilled Vegetables: Serve up some delicious grilled veggies alongside your carne asada. Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini are all great options.
Guacamole: No carne asada meal is complete without guacamole! Whip up a batch of this creamy, avocado-based dip to serve alongside your meat.
Salsa: Another must-have condiment for any carne asada meal. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, this 5-minute salsa adds a burst of flavor to your meat.
Beans: A side of refried beans or black beans is a great way to round out your meal. They’re filling, delicious, and packed with protein.
Rice: Serve up some Spanish rice or Cilantro Lime Rice to add a bit of carb-y goodness to your meal. It’s the perfect base for your carne asada and other sides.
Tortillas: Of course, you’ll need some tortillas to make tacos or burritos with your carne asada. Warm them up on the grill for a bit of extra flavor.
Cilantro and Lime: Top your carne asada with some fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for added brightness and flavor.
Mexican Street Corn: Whip up some grilled corn on the cob and slather it in mayo, cheese, and spices for a delicious and unique side dish.

How to Make Carne Asada Tacos

Carne Asada Tacos start with perfectly grilled flank or skirt steak. Once you have that covered, the rest is easy:

Heat a little butter in a pan, warm the corn or flour tortilla, sprinkle a little cheese on the pan, and crisp it up. Do that to both sides of your tortilla and you’ve really leveled up your taco game.
Add your carne asada meat along with some shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh salsa, and a sprig of cilantro and you’ve got yourself the best carne asada tacos in all the land!
Enjoy!

A cutting board with sliced carne asada, tortillas, and taco toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut of meat is carne asada?

Carne Asada is usually cut from the skirt steak or flank steak but can be made from just about any kind of steak. Just cut thinly and add to a marinade to ensure your carne asada is tender and juicy.

What’s the difference between skirt steak and flank steak?

Skirt steak is a thin, long cut of beef from the diaphragm muscles of the cow. Skirt steak has an even more intense beefy flavor than flank steak. It does contain more tough muscles than flank steak, though, so should only be cooked to rare or medium-rare for the most tender texture.

Flank steak comes from the flank of the steer below the loin and sirloin. It sits in the abdominal area of the animal near the bottom. It helps the cow to twist and walk, so the muscle works A LOT. It is tough, lean and has long thick muscle fibers.

How do you make carne asada tender?

There are a few things that really make a difference if you want to make tender and juicy carne asada. First, make sure to marinate with lemon juice, lime juice, or vinegar. The acidity helps break down the muscle fibers and will give you more tender meat.

Another tip is to let the meat come to room temperature before you put it on the grill. This makes it so you don’t have to cook quite as long.

Also, slice the carne asada against the grain. This will make it easier to eat and in the end, will make your meat more tender.

Where can you buy carne asada meat?

You can find carne asada in most grocery stores in the spring, and summer months. It’s one of the most popular meats around Cinco de Mio. If your grocery store doesn’t carry the pre-sliced carne asada, no worries, you can still make this recipe, just thinly slice flank steak or skirt steak at home, it works great too!

Flour tortillas with carne asada meat and sliced avocados.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

When it comes to carne asada, the cut of meat is crucial. Look for cuts like flank steak or skirt steak that are thin and have a good amount of marbling.
A good marinade can take your carne asada to the next level. Use a blend of citrus, garlic, and spices for a flavorful and tender result.
Carne asada is traditionally cooked over high heat for a short amount of time. This will give your meat a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy.
After cooking, let your carne asada rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps your meat tender and moist.
Slice against the grain by cutting perpendicular to the veins in the steak. It will cut much easier and also be easier to eat.
To cook over the stove, preheat a large cast iron skillet, add a little cooking oil, and cook on each side for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked to your desired temperature.

More Beef Recipes we love

This easy and delicious Carne Asada marinade recipe makes an Authentic Mexican Fiesta. The grilled carne asada is perfection and full of amazing Mexican flavors. This beef recipe is quick and easy. Carne Asada recipe all day every day, yo!

Categories:

30-Minute Meals, Beef, Easy Weeknight Meals, Main Dish, Nut-Free, Tex Mex,

5 from 4 votes (2 ratings without comment)

3 Comments

Amy L says:

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This is so good! My family loved it. Making again.

Liz says:

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This marinade was outstanding, Jill!!! It’s going to be a regular on our grilling rotation this summer!!!

1. Jill Baird says:
  
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  So glad you enjoyed it, Liz!

Carne Asada