Ah, carne asada—just the very mention of it makes my taste buds do a little happy dance. I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe during a road trip down the California coast last summer, where the grill smoke mingled with salty ocean air—pure bliss. It’s the kind of dish that invites folks to linger around the grill, sharing stories and laughter, while that aromatic blend of citrus and spices does its magic on the sizzling meat.
Steps
- In a large glass dish, mix together minced jalapeño, garlic, chopped cilantro, and the juices of an orange, lime, and lemon. Add apple cider vinegar, olive oil, ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper, whisking until well combined.
- Place the skirt or flank steak in the marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to permeate the meat.
- Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat when ready to cook. Grill the marinated steak for 7 to 10 minutes on each side for medium-rare, turning only once.
- Once grilled, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness before serving. Enjoy as is or with your choice of sides such as tortillas, pico de gallo, or other toppings.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of skirt steak, trimmed of excess fat
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- Juice from 1 orange
- Juice from 1 lime
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 688kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 64g | Fat: 46g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 190mg | Sodium: 978mg | Potassium: 938mg | Vitamin A: 250IU | Vitamin C: 8.8mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 6mg
FAQ
- What is Carne Asada?
- Carne Asada translates to “Grilled Meat,” typically referring to beef that is roasted, broiled, or grilled to achieve that characteristic charred flavor. It’s often seared for that delicious taste and texture.
- What type of beef is best for Carne Asada?
- While you can use various cuts like sirloin or tenderloin, flank steak or skirt steak are most commonly recommended. Outside skirt steak is particularly favored for its excellent flavor and tenderness. Always slice the steak thinly across the grain for the best results.
- How long should I grill Carne Asada?
- Grill the steak over medium-high heat for 7 to 10 minutes to reach 130°F for medium-rare, or 10 to 12 minutes to reach 140°F for medium. Remember, the steak will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the grill. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- How should I serve Carne Asada?
- Carne Asada is versatile and can be enjoyed in various forms, such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, salads, nachos, or fries. It’s great for outdoor gatherings and pairs well with warm tortillas, fresh pico de gallo, and other toppings.
- How can I store leftover Carne Asada?
- Store any leftover Carne Asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For a longer storage option, freeze it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag or container for up to 2 months.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Opt for outside skirt steak if possible, as it’s known for its tender texture and rich flavor. If unavailable, flank steak is a good alternative. Always slice the steak thinly against the grain to enhance tenderness.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the steak to marinate for at least 1 hour, but not more than 8 hours, to ensure it absorbs the flavors without compromising its texture. The combination of citrus juices and apple cider vinegar will help tenderize the meat.
- Perfect Grilling Time: Grill the steak over medium-high heat, cooking each side for 7 to 10 minutes to achieve a medium-rare result. Remember that the steak continues to cook slightly after being removed from the grill, so factor in this resting time.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve your Carne Asada with warm tortillas and toppings like fresh pico de gallo for a traditional Mexican experience. Alternatively, create dishes such as tacos, burritos, or quesadillas to make the most of the flavorful steak.
Equipment
- Outdoor Grill – Necessary for grilling the steak to achieve the signature charred flavor.
- Grill Pan – If you prefer cooking indoors, this can be used to replicate the grilling effect.
- Meat Thermometer – Useful for ensuring the steak reaches the desired level of doneness.
- Citrus Juicer – Handy for extracting juice from oranges, limes, and lemons efficiently.
- Glass Baking Dish – Needed for marinating the steak.
- Cutting Board – Essential for resting and slicing the steak thinly across the grain.
