Carne Asada brings tender steak, bright citrus, fresh cilantro, and smoky char together in one juicy bite. I love how the grill catches the edges while the lime keeps the beef lively. Then, you can tuck the sliced steak into tacos, spoon it over burrito bowls, or pile it onto crispy fries for an easy lunch.
Table of Contents
What Is Carne Asada?
Carne asada means “grilled meat.” This recipe uses flank steak soaked in a bright citrus and herb marinade. Then, high heat creates smoky, charred edges while keeping the center juicy and tender. As a result, each slice tastes fresh, savory, and full of grilled flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Carne Asada Recipe
First, the marinade uses simple ingredients. Also, the steak cooks in about 10 minutes once it reaches the grill.
Meanwhile, one batch makes six servings. Therefore, you can turn the leftovers into quick lunches throughout the week.
Best Steak for Carne Asada
Flank steak works especially well because it has a rich beef flavor and cooks quickly over high heat.
Why Flank Steak Works Well
Flank steak has long, visible muscle fibers. Therefore, you can easily find the grain and slice across it after cooking.
Also, its broad shape gives the grill plenty of surface area for smoky browning.
Other Cuts You Can Use
You can also use skirt steak, flat iron steak, or sirloin. However, each cut has a different thickness.
Therefore, adjust the cooking time instead of following the clock alone.
Carne Asada Ingredients
The marinade keeps Carne Asada bright, savory, and fresh without covering the natural beef flavor.
Ingredients for the Steak and Marinade
You need 1 1/2 pounds flank steak, 1/3 cup olive oil, and the juice of 3 limes, about 6 tablespoons.
Also, use 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Optional Marinade Additions and Variations
For extra sweetness, add a splash of orange juice. Meanwhile, paprika can bring more warmth and color.
You can also add oregano for another savory note. However, keep the lime as the main citrus flavor.
How to Make Carne Asada
A short marinade and a hot grill do most of the work here.
Make the Carne Asada Marinade
First, whisk the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper together.
Then, stir until the herbs and spices spread evenly through the mixture.
Marinate the Steak for 1 to 4 Hours
Next, place the steak in a non-reactive container or resealable bag. Then, pour the marinade over the meat and coat every side.
Refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours. However, do not go beyond 4 hours because lime can soften the steak too much.
Preheat the Grill
Meanwhile, heat the grill to medium-high. A properly heated grill helps Carne Asada develop those deeply browned edges.
Grill the Carne Asada
Next, place the steak directly over the heat. Grill it for about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
However, adjust the time for thickness and your preferred doneness.
Rest the Steak Before Slicing
Then, move the steak to a cutting board and rest it for 5 minutes.
As a result, the juices stay in the meat instead of running across the board.
Slice Carne Asada Against the Grain
Finally, slice diagonally against the grain. Then, cut the strips into smaller pieces for tacos, bowls, or fries.
How Long to Grill Carne Asada
Grill time depends on steak thickness and preferred doneness.
Carne Asada Cooking Time for Medium-Rare
For medium-rare flank steak, grill for about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
However, use the timing as a guide because every steak cooks a little differently.
How Steak Thickness Affects Cooking Time
Thin steak cooks faster. Meanwhile, thicker steak needs more time over the heat.
Therefore, watch both the center and the charred exterior as you cook.
Tips for Tender and Flavorful Carne Asada
Small details can make a big difference with Carne Asada.
Don’t Marinate the Steak Too Long
Keep the marinating time under 4 hours. Otherwise, the lime acidity can make the outside overly soft.
Get a Good Char with High Heat
Use medium-high heat and let the steak make good contact with the grill.
Then, resist moving it too often. As a result, the surface develops better color and smoky flavor.
Check the Direction of the Grain Before Cooking
Before marinating, look at the direction of the muscle fibers.
Then, remember that direction so you can slice across the grain later.
Let the Steak Rest Before Cutting
Give the Carne Asada 5 minutes to rest. Meanwhile, prepare tortillas, toppings, rice, or side dishes.
Can You Make Carne Asada Without an Outdoor Grill?
Yes. You can still get excellent browning indoors.
How to Cook Carne Asada on a Stovetop Grill Pan
First, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Then, cook the steak until both sides develop good color.
Also, use your kitchen vent because high heat can create plenty of smoke.
How to Cook Carne Asada on a Griddle
Heat the griddle well before adding the meat. Next, cook the steak without crowding the surface.
Then, rest it for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
What to Serve with Carne Asada
Carne Asada fits easily into casual lunches, family meals, and build-your-own plates.
Carne Asada Tacos
Warm tortillas make an easy starting point. Then, add chopped steak, onion, cilantro, lime, and salsa.
Carne Asada Burrito Bowls
Start with rice and beans. Next, add sliced Carne Asada, vegetables, salsa, and avocado.
As a result, you get a filling lunch that also works well for meal prep.
Carne Asada Fries
Pile chopped steak over hot fries. Then, add cheese, salsa, avocado, or sour cream.
The crispy potatoes also catch the flavorful steak juices.
Mexican Rice, Elote, and Other Side Dishes
Mexican rice and elote make classic partners for grilled steak. Also, black beans, corn salad, and simple slaw work well.
Carne Asada Toppings and Garnishes
Fresh toppings add contrast to the smoky beef.
Fresh Toppings
Try chopped cilantro, diced onion, tomatoes, lime wedges, avocado, or fresh jalapeño.
Also, keep the toppings simple so the Carne Asada stays at the center of the plate.
Sauces and Creamy Toppings
Add salsa, guacamole, avocado salsa, or sour cream.
Meanwhile, a cool creamy topping can balance the warm char and citrus flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Carne Asada
Leftover Carne Asada makes lunch easy the next day.
How Long Carne Asada Lasts in the Refrigerator
Store cooked steak in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days.
Then, slice only what you need for each meal if you stored the steak whole.
How to Freeze Carne Asada
Freeze the cooked steak for up to 3 months.
Also, divide it into smaller portions first if you want quick single meals later.
How to Reheat Carne Asada Without Drying It Out
Place sliced meat in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes, until hot.
However, stop heating as soon as the meat reaches serving temperature so it keeps more moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Carne Asada
What meat is carne asada?
Carne Asada commonly uses steak that cooks well over high heat. This recipe uses flank steak, although skirt steak, flat iron steak, and sirloin also work.
Is carne asada spicy?
This Carne Asada has mild warmth from chili powder. However, you can add more chili powder or other seasonings if you want stronger heat.
What is the difference between asada and barbacoa?
Asada means grilled meat and focuses on high heat and char. Barbacoa uses a different cooking style that gives the meat a softer texture through longer cooking.
Is carne asada a Mexican thing?
Yes. Carne Asada has strong roots in Mexican cooking, and the Spanish phrase means “grilled meat.” Cooks commonly serve it in tacos and other Mexican meals.
More Such Recipes
- authentic Mexican street tacos with juicy carne asada
- fresh homemade guacamole for carne asada
- creamy and tangy avocado salsa
- smoky Mexican street corn salad
- crispy beef birria tacos with rich consommé
- fresh black bean and sweet potato burrito bowls
Final Thoughts
A short ingredient list gives this grilled steak plenty of fresh, bold flavor. The lime adds brightness, while garlic and cumin bring savory depth. Meanwhile, high heat creates smoky edges that make every bite satisfying.
Also, leftovers make lunch especially easy. Slice the steak against the grain, then tuck it into tacos, spoon it over rice, or pile it onto fries. Finally, add fresh cilantro, salsa, or avocado for a simple meal that still feels special.
Before the FAQs, you can find more Kai Recipes ideas on Pinterest and Facebook.
Carne Asada Recipe : Easy Citrus Grilled Steak for Lunch
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Tender citrus-marinated flank steak grilled over high heat for smoky char, juicy texture, and fresh flavor. Serve it in tacos, burrito bowls, fries, or alongside Mexican rice and elote.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb flank steak
1/3 cup olive oil
Juice of 3 limes, about 6 tablespoons
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Whisk the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper together to make the marinade.
2. Place the flank steak in a non-reactive container or resealable bag.
3. Pour the marinade over the steak and coat the meat thoroughly.
4. Cover or seal and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours.
5. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
6. Grill the steak for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, adjusting the time for thickness and preferred doneness.
7. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
8. Slice the steak diagonally against the grain for tenderness.
9. Cut the slices into smaller pieces if desired and serve.
Notes
Do not marinate the steak for longer than 4 hours because the acidity from the lime can make the meat overly soft.
An outdoor grill gives the steak a strong smoky char, although you can also use a stovetop grill pan or griddle.
Check the direction of the meat grain before cooking so you can easily slice against it afterward.
For a sweeter marinade, add a little orange juice.
For extra seasoning, add paprika or oregano.
You can use skirt steak, flat iron steak, or sirloin instead of flank steak.
Store cooked leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days.
Freeze cooked steak for up to 3 months.
Reheat sliced steak in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes, until heated through.
- Prep Time: 2 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 276
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 68 mg