Carne Asada
This authentic Carne Asada is juicy, flavorful, and grilled to perfection with a zesty citrus marinade. Perfect for tacos, bowls, or plates!
Servings: 4 servings
Equipment
- citrus juicer (optional)
- cast iron skillet or grill pan
Ingredients
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ cup fresh orange juice (juice from 2 oranges)
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (juice from 4 limes)
- 1 jalapeño seeded and finely chopped
- 5 cloves garlic finely minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro.
- Place the steak in a baking dish and pour the marinade over it. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours, flipping the steak after 1 hour.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes.
- Heat a cast iron grill or skillet over high heat until very hot and smoking.
- Sear the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
- Remove from the heat and rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice thinly across the grain and serve.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
♨️ REHEATING
- Skillet: Reheat with a splash of broth or oil over medium heat
- Microwave: Warm in 30-second bursts
- Oven: Wrap in foil and heat at 300°F for 10-12 minutes
- Air fryer: Not recommended, as the meat may dry out
❄️ FREEZING
- Freeze cooked, sliced carne asada in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months
- Thaw overnight before reheating
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Let the meat come to room temperature before cooking
- Do not overcook - medium rare to medium is best
- Always slice across the grain
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Grill: Cook over high heat for 4-5 minutes per side
- Broiler: Broil 4-6 inches from the heat for 4-6 minutes per side
- Stovetop: Use a cast-iron skillet for a good sear
♻️ LEFTOVERS
- Use in tacos, nachos, burritos, or breakfast hash
- Add to salads or quesadillas for a quick meal
Nutrition
Calories: 580kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 136mg | Sodium: 714mg | Potassium: 919mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 405IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 5mg
