This tender Carne Asada recipe is flavorful and proof that sometimes all you need is a few simple ingredients to make a delicious steak dinner. Juicy grilled flank steak full of incredible Mexican flavors makes this homemade carne asada the best you’ve ever had!

While you’re here browsing for steak recipes, you should also try my filet mignon, New York strip steak, steak pizzaiola, and juicy churrasco!

 

Authentic Carne Asada Recipe

You probably know Carne Asada as a meal you order at your favorite Mexican restaurant, especially in the form of delicious carne asada tacos. It might seem like one of those dishes that you just can’t make at home because it tastes too good to be true.

Think again! Here, I’ll share a fool-proof recipe for the best carne asada, complete with a perfect marinade that ensures authentic Mexican flavors. To achieve amazing results, all you’ll need are some citrus, jalapeno, garlic, vinegar, and a few seasonings.

Why This Recipe Works

Bursting with flavors. Because it marinates for 2 hours, this steak recipe turns out super flavorful. Between the citrus, jalapeno, and garlic, there’s always a new flavor to make your mouth water.

Super easy. This easy carne asada recipe might be one of the simplest Mexican dishes to prepare, along with garlic guajillo steak. All you need to do is combine the marinade ingredients, allow the meat to marinate, and finally, grill it.

Versatile. Flavorful carne asada can be served as an entree with a few sides or added to tacos, quesadillas, salads, and more.

What You’ll Need

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to make an authentic carne asada recipe. For specific amounts, please scroll down to the recipe card.

• Citrus: Orange juice (no pulp), lemons, and limes help to tenderize the flank steak and add flavor as well.
• Olive oil
• White wine vinegar – Adds a tang to the steak marinade.
• Spices: Cumin, cilantro, salt, and pepper are used in the carne asada seasoning. You could also add chili powder and brown sugar.
• Jalapeno – Adds just a bit of heat to the carne asada meat.
• Garlic cloves – Minced into small pieces.
• Flank steak – See notes below.

How to Make Carne Asada

A grilled flank steak couldn’t be easier to make. Marinate the meat, grill it, cut it against the grain, and serve! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

1. Make the marinade. Whisk the orange juice, olive oil, cilantro, lime juice, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, cumin, salt, black pepper, jalapeno, and garlic in a large mixing bowl. Refrigerate ⅓ cup of the marinade in a covered container.
2. Marinate your steak. Combine the remaining marinade and steak in a large resealable freezer bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Prep. Preheat an outdoor grill to high heat. If you are cooking carne asada on the stove, you will want to set it to high heat. Make sure the grill pan or cast iron skillet is hot before you start to cook the meat.
4. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry. Discard any leftover marinade.
5. Cook. Add the steak to the preheated grill and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until you’ve reached your desired doneness. Note that if you use flank steak, it tastes best when it is cooked to rare or medium-rare because it’s a lean cut of steak. Use an instant read meat thermometer to check the temperature for accuracy.
6. Rest. Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes. It’s very important to give the steak time to rest!
7. Slice and serve. Finally, thinly slice the steak against the grain and serve it with the ⅓ cup of reserved cilantro mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Carne Asada is typically served with mexican food like rice and beans. I also love serving carne asada with fiesta rice, restaurant style salsa, grilled corn, and Mexican street corn, aka elotes.

Also, the leftovers from this steak are the most versatile! You can use them in flour tortillas, sandwiches, tacos, burritos, and nachos, or even with eggs for breakfast to make steak and eggs and top it with fresh pico de gallo!

How to Store and Reheat Extras

You can store carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat, you can warm up the steak in a skillet over medium heat until it is heated through.

Common Questions

More Steak Recipes

• Grilled Flank Steak with Avocado Chimichurri Sauce
• Jack Daniel’s Grilled Steak Recipe
• Oven Grilled Steak
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites
• London broil
• Reverse Sear Steak.

ENJOY!