Carne Asada Steak

Carne Asada Steak is a mouthwatering dish that brings bold flavors and juicy tenderness to your plate. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or even as a stand-alone meal, this recipe offers an incredible taste experience at a fraction of the cost of dining out. Ideal for gatherings or family dinners, you’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how much your guests will appreciate the vibrant flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: The marinade infuses the steak with a delightful blend of spices and citrus, making every bite burst with taste.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for various dishes like tacos, salads, and burritos, Carne Asada is great for any occasion.
• Easy Preparation: With simple marinating and grilling steps, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time.
• Budget-Friendly: Using flank steak makes this an economical choice without sacrificing flavor or quality.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its impressive presentation and taste make it a hit at parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth experience. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in achieving perfect Carne Asada Steak.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Large freezer bag
• Small plastic bag or sealable container
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: A grill provides the ideal cooking environment for achieving that perfect charred exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
• Meat Thermometer: This tool ensures that your steak reaches the desired doneness without overcooking.

Ingredients

Carne Asada marinated and spice rubbed for the most juicy, tender, flavorful Carne Asada EVER! This Carne Asada recipe is perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, salads, etc. at a fraction of the price and fabulous for crowds!

For the Marinade

• 1 1/2 – 2 pounds flank steak, pounded thin
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke

For the Spice Mix

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For Serving

• Your favorite cheese (I like cheddar/cotija combo)
• Recipe 5 Minute Blender Tomatillo Avocado Ranch
• Recipe 5 Minute Fire Roasted Restaurant Blender Salsa
• Pico de gallo
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Recipe Grilled Pineapple Salsa
• Recipe Mexican Street Fries

How to Make Carne Asada Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix

To start off, take a small plastic bag (or sealable container) and add all ingredients listed under For the Spice Mix. Whisk them together until well combined. Set aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Next, add all Marinade Ingredients to a large freezer bag. Whisk them together until blended. Then add 3 tablespoons of your prepared Spice Mix to this marinade and whisk again. Place your flank steak into the bag, seal it tightly while removing excess air, and refrigerate it to marinate for 4-12 hours.

Step 3: Create Spice Rub

When you’re ready to grill, mix any remaining Spice Mix with 2 tablespoons of olive oil to form a Spice Rub.

Step 4: Prepare for Grilling

Discard the marinade from the bag and pat your steaks dry using paper towels. Make sure they are not wet; you want to keep some spices on them! Rub your Spice Rub evenly over all sides of the steak. Allow it to rest at room temperature for about 30-60 minutes before grilling.

Step 5: Grill the Steak

Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place your steak on it and grill each side for about 5-6 minutes or until an internal thermometer reads between 130-135°F for medium rare or around 140°F for medium doneness. Keep in mind that grilling time may vary based on thickness.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Remove your perfectly grilled steak from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes. After resting, slice against the grain on a diagonal into thin strips.

Enjoy your delicious Carne Asada Steak with toppings like pico de gallo or guacamole!

How to Serve Carne Asada Steak

Carne Asada Steak is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just having a casual dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Tacos

• Use warm corn or flour tortillas filled with sliced Carne Asada, topped with fresh pico de gallo and guacamole for a delicious bite.

Burritos

• Wrap the seasoned Carne Asada in a large tortilla with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite salsa for a hearty meal.

Nachos

• Layer crispy tortilla chips with thinly sliced Carne Asada, melted cheese, jalapeños, and drizzle with sour cream for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Salads

• Slice the grilled steak over mixed greens, tomatoes, and avocado. Top with a tangy dressing for a fresh and filling salad option.

Quesadillas

• Stuff tortillas with shredded Carne Asada and cheese, then grill until golden. Serve with salsa and sour cream on the side.

Sandwiches

• Create a flavorful sandwich by placing slices of Carne Asada between crusty bread, adding toppings like lettuce, tomato, and avocado.

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How to Perfect Carne Asada Steak

Achieving the perfect Carne Asada Steak requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your steak is juicy and flavorful.

• Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, let the steak marinate for up to 12 hours.
• Use High Heat: Grill at medium-high heat to achieve that perfect char while keeping the inside tender.
• Slice Against the Grain: This technique ensures each bite is tender and easy to chew.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allow the steak to rest for 10 minutes after grilling; this helps retain juices.
• Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to adjust spices in the marinade or rub based on your taste preference.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices can elevate the flavor profile of your Carne Asada.

Best Side Dishes for Carne Asada Steak

Pairing sides with your Carne Asada Steak can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Mexican Street Corn: Grilled corn on the cob slathered in creamy sauce, topped with cheese and chili powder.
2. Black Beans: Savory black beans cooked with garlic and spices make a perfect complement to steak.
3. Spanish Rice: Fluffy rice cooked in tomato sauce offers a delicious balance to the richness of the meat.
4. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds freshness; serve it alongside crispy tortilla chips for dipping.
5. Refried Beans: Smooth refried beans provide a hearty side that pairs well with any Mexican dish.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers grilled add color and flavor to your plate.
7. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with zesty salsa are always a hit as an appetizer or side dish.
8. Cilantro Lime Rice: A refreshing rice dish flavored with cilantro and lime zest complements the flavors of Carne Asada perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Carne Asada Steak, avoiding common errors can elevate your dish to perfection.

• Ignoring the Marinade Time: Marinating for less than 4 hours can result in less flavor. Ensure you allow enough time for the steak to absorb the marinade.
• Skipping the Spice Rub: Neglecting the spice rub can lead to bland meat. Always apply the spice rub evenly before grilling for maximum flavor.
• Not Preheating the Grill: Grilling on a cold surface can make your steak tough. Preheat your grill to medium-high for a perfect sear.
• Slicing Against the Grain: Cutting with the grain makes meat chewy. Always slice against the grain for tender bites.
• Overcooking the Steak: Cooking past medium can dry out your Carne Asada. Use a thermometer to check doneness and aim for 130-135 degrees F for medium rare.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Carne Asada Steak in an airtight container.
• It can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Carne Asada Steak

• Wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
• It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Carne Asada Steak

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 250 degrees F. Place steak on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat until warm, about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Sear each side of the steak briefly until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Carne Asada Steak?

Carne Asada Steak is marinated beef, often flank or skirt steak, grilled to perfection. It’s known for its rich flavors and is popular in Mexican cuisine.

How do I make Carne Asada Steak more tender?

To enhance tenderness, pound the steak before marinating and ensure you slice against the grain after cooking.

Can I use other cuts of beef for Carne Asada?

Yes, while flank steak is traditional, cuts like skirt or sirloin can also work well in this recipe.

What is a good side dish for Carne Asada Steak?

Serve it with Mexican street fries or grilled vegetables for a delicious meal pairing.

How long should I marinate Carne Asada Steak?

For best results, marinate your steak for at least 4 hours but no longer than 12 hours to prevent over-tenderizing.

Final Thoughts

This Carne Asada Steak recipe delivers juicy, flavorful results that are perfect for any occasion. Whether served in tacos or alongside grilled veggies, this dish offers endless customization options! Don’t hesitate to try different toppings or sides based on your preferences.