What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade carne asada recipe is incredibly flavorful and easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout. You’ll love how the marinade brings out the best in the grilled meat, making every bite juicy and packed with smoky, zesty goodness.
- Simple ingredients: All you need are a few pantry staples and fresh lime juice to create a marinade that transforms the steak.
- Quick prep: Just marinate, grill, and serve—no fancy techniques or complicated steps required.
- Versatile meal: Serve it in tacos, burritos, or on its own for a meal that’s sure to impress.
Recipe
Carne asada is a flavorful and tender grilled beef dish that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, or served simply with sides. This homemade recipe captures the authentic taste with a zesty marinade and simple grilling technique.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs flank or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, orange juice, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Place the steak in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, turning occasionally.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Discard the marinade.
- Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Notes:
- For extra tenderness, marinate the steak overnight.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the steak on a stovetop grill pan or under the broiler in your oven.
Equipment:
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowl
- Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ marinating time)
- Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Cuisine:
Mexican
Serving:
4-6 servings
Nutrition
Carne asada is a flavorful dish that provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Fiber (g) | Sugar (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 28 | 22 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 420 |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade carne asada with fresh sides like guacamole, grilled veggies, or cilantro-lime rice for a satisfying meal. To really bring it all together, I’ll grab a cold drink like a tangy margarita or a simple agua fresca. It’s amazing how these combinations can make the whole experience feel even more special.
Side Dishes
Ever wondered what pairs perfectly with that smoky, flavorful carne asada? I love serving it with warm, fluffy flour tortillas—they’re perfect for wrapping up tender bites. A bright, zesty pico de gallo adds freshness, while creamy guacamole brings richness. Charred onions and peppers, cooked right on the grill, add sweetness and crunch. For something hearty, I go for Mexican rice or refried beans, which soak up all those delicious juices. And don’t forget a simple green salad with lime dressing to balance the richness. Each bite feels like a celebration, with flavors that just sing together.
Drinks Pairings
After rounding out the meal with all those tasty sides, it’s time to think about what to sip alongside your carne asada. I love pairing it with a cold Mexican beer like Modelo or Pacifico—it’s invigorating and complements the smoky flavors perfectly. If you’re into cocktails, a classic margarita with lime and a salty rim is a go-to. For something non-alcoholic, agua frescas like watermelon or hibiscus are light and fruity, balancing the richness of the meat. And don’t forget a glass of iced horchata—it’s creamy and cinnamon-spiced, making every bite and sip feel like a fiesta.
