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Print / PDFCarne Asada
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- Prep Time
- 10 mins
- Cook Time
- 12 mins
- resting
- 5 mins
- Total Time
- 27 mins
Ingredients
- 2 pounds flank steak (Choose a good quality cut)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (Freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (Adds a nice sweetness)
- 4 cloves garlic (Minced for a robust taste)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (Finely chopped for freshness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (To help marinate)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (Adds earthiness)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (For some heat)
- to taste salt (Enhances flavors)
- to taste black pepper (Adds a little kick)
Equipment
- 1 Grill — Preheat to high heat
- 1 Mixing bowl — For whisking marinade
- 1 resealable bag — For marinating steak
- 1 Cutting Board — For resting and slicing steak
Method
- 1
In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This zesty marinade is the heart of your carne asada!
- 2
Place the flank steak in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor!
- 3
Preheat your grill to high heat. This is where the magic happens, so get it nice and hot!
- 4
Remove the steak from the marinade and shake off any excess. Grill the steak for 4–6 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Sizzle away!
- 5
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is crucial for juicy, tender slices!
- 6
Slice the steak thinly against the grain and serve hot with lime wedges and chopped cilantro. Enjoy your homemade carne asada!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbs | 5g |
Why You’ll Love This carne asada
- Juicy, tender meat that melts in your mouth.
- Bold, zesty flavors that bring your taste buds to life.
- Perfect for gatherings, tacos, or a cozy dinner.
- Easy to customize with your favorite marinades and toppings.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients to make the perfect carne asada at home!

- flank steak – 2 pounds, choose a good quality cut
- lime juice – 1/4 cup, freshly squeezed for best flavor
- orange juice – 1/4 cup, adds a nice sweetness
- garlic cloves – 4, minced for a robust taste
- cilantro – 1/4 cup, finely chopped for freshness
- olive oil – 2 tablespoons, to help marinate
- ground cumin – 1 teaspoon, adds earthiness
- chili powder – 1 tablespoon, for some heat
- salt – to taste, enhances flavors
- black pepper – to taste, adds a little kick
How to Make carne asada
Get ready to impress your taste buds with this amazing carne asada! With a preparation time of 10 minutes, a cooking time of 12 minutes, and a resting time of 5 minutes, you’ll be savoring delicious flavors in no time.

Step 1: Whisk the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This zesty marinade is the heart of your carne asada!
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place the flank steak in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor!
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to high heat. This is where the magic happens, so get it nice and hot!
Step 4: Grill the Steak
Remove the steak from the marinade and shake off any excess. Grill the steak for 4–6 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Sizzle away!
Step 5: Let it Rest
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step is crucial for juicy, tender slices!
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Slice the steak thinly against the grain and serve hot with lime wedges and chopped cilantro. Enjoy your homemade carne asada!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 27 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Hot with lime wedges and cilantro! |
Pro Tips for Making carne asada
- Choose flank or skirt steak for the best flavor and tenderness.
- Marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.
- Let the meat rest after grilling to keep it juicy.
- Slice against the grain for the most tender bites.
- Serve with fresh lime wedges for a zesty finish.
How to Serve this carne asada
- Serve with warm corn tortillas for delicious tacos.
- Top with fresh pico de gallo and avocado slices.
- Pair with a zesty lime crema for a creamy contrast.
- Accompany with grilled vegetables for a colorful plate.
- Serve alongside cilantro-lime rice for a hearty meal.
- Offer a side of black beans for added protein and flavor.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Here’s how to store and enjoy your grilled beef later:
Storing carne asada Leftovers
- Let the grilled beef cool to room temperature.
- Place in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing carne asada
- Wrap the grilled beef tightly in plastic wrap.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating carne asada
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best texture.
- Add a splash of beef broth or water to keep it moist.
- Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve mastered the art of carne asada, gather your loved ones and savor every bite! This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and memories. Enjoy the simplicity and satisfaction of grilling at home, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations. Happy cooking!
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.
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What is carne asada marinade made of?
Kitchen notes
Nutrition & sources
Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.
Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.
For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.






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