This easy and delicious marinade recipe makes Authentic Carne Asada. The carne asada is grilled to perfection and full of amazing Mexican flavors. This is a quick and easy carne asada recipe!
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
resting time5 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 6people
Calories: 435kcal
Ingredients
2lbsFlank SteakSkirt Steak, or pre-sliced Carne Asada (plan ⅓ lb of uncooked meat per person)
Carne Asada Marinade
2TablespoonsAvocado Oilor any vegetable oil
2TablespoonsGarlicMinced
¼cupOrange Juice
1largeLemon Juicejuiced
1largeLime Juicejuiced
2teaspoonCumin
1teaspoonGarlic Powder
1teaspoonOregano
1teaspoonSalt
½teaspoonBlack Pepper
1largeJalapenooptional-seeded and minced (because it's cooked, it adds just a little spice)
½bunchCilantro LeavesChopped, Optional-It adds a lot of flavor but if you don't like cilanto, just omit
Toppings for Carne Asada Tacos
12smallTaco ShellsCorn Tortilla or small, 6" flour tortillas work great.
½cupShredded Cheese
⅓cupSour Cream
½cupFresh Salsa
1 largeLimecut into small chunks to individually squeeze on the tacos
Instructions
How to Tenderize the Carne Asada
It is important to tenderize the steak. Use a tenderizing mallet or the bottom of a pan. Briefly pound the steaks on one side, turn them over and pound again. This, along with the marinade will help your carne asada be tender, juicy and full of flavor.
How to Make the Carne Asada Marinade
Wearing rubber gloves to protect your hands, wash and then slice the jalapeno in half. Use a small spoon to scoop the seeds out. Discard the seeds. Dice the jalapeno into small chunks.
Wash the cilantro and use a knife to cut into small pieces.
In a gallon sized Ziplock bag, add the Avocado Oil, Minced garlic, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, minced jalapeno, and chopped cilantro leaves.
Add the beef steak to the marinade. Let the meat marinade for 2-24 hours.
How to Grill Carne Asada
If you're using the thicker flank or skirt steak, grill the steak over a medium-high flame for 7 to 10 minutes until it reaches 130°F for medium-rare, 10 to 12 minutes until it reaches 140°F for medium. (The steak will continue to cook once you’ve removed it from the grill.)
If you're using the pre-sliced carne asada, lay the carne asada on the grill and cook on med-high heat for 2-3 min or just until the meat is seared. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you don't overcook the meat.
Transfer steak to cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
Find the grain of the meat. (It will run one way. You are going to want to cut against the grain. If your grain runs lenght-wise of your meat, cut the meat width-wise)
Serve this delicious carne asada on a tortilla shell with your favorite taco toppings.
Notes
You can also cook carne asada on the stovetop. Preheat a large skillet, a cast iron skillet works great. Be sure to add a little cooking oil such as avocado oil. Cook on each side for 5-7 minutes or until its cooked to your desired tempreture.