Authentic Carne Asada Recipe

Prep Time

20 minutes

Marinating Time

4–24 hours

Cook Time

10–15 minutes

Total Time

4 hours 35 minutes (minimum)

Servings

6–8 servings

Ingredients

For the Carne Asada Marinade

• 2 pounds (900g) flank steak or skirt steak
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ⅓ cup olive oil
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt

For Serving

• Warm corn tortillas
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced white onion
• Lime wedges
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Pico de gallo

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine:

• Orange juice
• Lime juice
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Jalapeño
• Cilantro
• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk until everything is thoroughly combined.

The citrus juices help tenderize the meat while the herbs and spices add deep layers of flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place the steak into a large zip-top bag or shallow dish.

Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated.

Seal the bag or cover the dish.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

For the best flavor, marinate overnight for 12–24 hours.

Turn the steak occasionally to ensure even marination.

Step 3: Prepare the Grill

About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator.

Allow it to come closer to room temperature.

Preheat a grill to high heat (450–500°F / 230–260°C).

Clean and lightly oil the grill grates.

A very hot grill is essential for achieving the signature charred exterior.

Step 4: Grill the Carne Asada

Remove the steak from the marinade and shake off excess liquid.

Place directly on the hot grill.

Cook:

For Medium-Rare

• 4–5 minutes per side

For Medium

• 5–6 minutes per side

For Medium-Well

• 6–7 minutes per side

The outside should develop beautiful grill marks and a slightly charred crust.

Avoid pressing down on the meat while grilling, as this releases valuable juices.

Step 5: Rest the Steak

Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board.

Loosely tent with foil.

Allow it to rest for 10 minutes.

This step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Step 6: Slice Properly

Identify the direction of the muscle fibers (grain).

Using a sharp knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain.

Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers and results in a more tender bite.

Homemade Pico de Gallo

Ingredients

• 3 Roma tomatoes, diced
• ½ white onion, diced
• ¼ cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt to taste

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.

How to Serve Carne Asada

Street-Style Tacos

Fill warm corn tortillas with sliced carne asada and top with:

• Diced onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice

Burritos

Wrap carne asada with:

• Rice
• Beans
• Cheese
• Guacamole
• Salsa

Carne Asada Fries

Top crispy fries with:

• Carne asada
• Cheese sauce
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Pico de gallo

Rice Bowls

Serve over:

• Cilantro lime rice
• Black beans
• Grilled vegetables
• Avocado

Fajitas

Pair with:

• Sautéed peppers
• Onions
• Warm tortillas

Pro Tips

Use Skirt Steak for Authentic Flavor

Skirt steak delivers the traditional texture and rich beefy flavor associated with classic carne asada.

Don’t Skip the Citrus

Fresh citrus juice adds brightness and naturally tenderizes the meat.

High Heat Is Essential

A hot grill creates the flavorful crust that makes carne asada special.

Slice Thinly

Thin slices against the grain ensure every bite is tender and juicy.

Marinate Overnight

Longer marination produces deeper flavor and a more tender steak.

Storage

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze cooked carne asada for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

• Calories: 360
• Protein: 34g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg