Introduction
Carne Asada, meaning "grilled meat" in Spanish, is a beloved Mexican dish that highlights the flavors of marinated beef. Traditionally made with flank steak or skirt steak, the meat is marinated in a mixture of citrus juices, garlic, and spices before being grilled to perfection. Served with warm tortillas, salsa, and a variety of fresh toppings such as guacamole, onions, and cilantro, Carne Asada is a popular choice for tacos, burritos, and more. This dish is not only a favorite at barbecues but also a staple in Mexican cuisine.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- Warm tortillas (corn or flour)
- Fresh salsa (pico de gallo or your choice)
- Guacamole
- Diced onions and cilantro
Instructions
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Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, olive oil, and chopped cilantro.
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Marinate the Steak:
- Place the flank steak or skirt steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.
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Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
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Grill the Steak:
- Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until your desired doneness is reached. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (130°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium).
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Rest and Slice:
- Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Slice the meat against the grain into thin strips.
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Serve:
- Serve the Carne Asada with warm tortillas and a variety of toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, diced onions, and fresh cilantro.
Health Tips
- Carne Asada can be part of a balanced meal when served with plenty of fresh vegetables and whole grains. Opting for lean cuts of beef helps reduce saturated fat content. When using tortillas, whole-grain options can add fiber and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
- Carne Asada is best enjoyed fresh off the grill. Serve it as tacos with all the fixings or alongside rice and beans for a complete meal.
Tips
- Marinating Time: For maximum flavor, marinate the meat for at least 2 hours, but not more than 12 hours, to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat too much.
- Grilling Technique: Let the meat come to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking. Also, avoid flipping the meat too frequently; let it sear well on one side before flipping.
- Garnishing: For an extra touch, you can grill the tortillas for a few seconds on each side before serving to add a smoky flavor.
