Carne Asada

Flank or skirt steak marinated in orange and lime juice with garlic, jalapeño, cilantro and cumin, grilled over high heat and sliced for tacos or plates. Serves 6.

Naturally gluten-freeDairy-freeKetoLow-carbHigh-proteinPaleoNo added sugar

Allergens: none of the major food allergens in the ingredients as written. Check package labels, which can change.

  • Prep 20 min
  • Cook 15 min
  • Marinate 4 hr
  • Total 4 hr 35 min
  • Yield 6 servings
  • Heat 🌶🌶 Medium
  • Level Easy

Updated

Jump to: Ingredients | Instructions | Tips | Questions | Nutrition | Storage | Print recipe

Sliced grilled carne asada on a cutting board with corn tortillas, onion, cilantro, salsa and lime

Carne asada simply means grilled meat, and along the border it means a weekend cookout: thin steak soaked in citrus and garlic, grilled hot and chopped for tacos.

Orange juice adds a little sweetness and lime adds brightness. Serve it in corn tortillas with onion, cilantro and salsa, or on a plate with rice and charro beans.

Instructions

  1. Marinate. Mix all the marinade ingredients, add the steak and turn to coat. Refrigerate for 4 to 8 hours.
  2. Heat the grill. Heat a grill to high and oil the grates.
  3. Grill. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until charred and 130°F for medium-rare.
  4. Rest and slice. Rest 10 minutes, then slice thinly across the grain or chop for tacos.
  5. Serve. Serve with warm corn tortillas, onion, cilantro, salsa and lime.

Nutrition per serving (estimated)

350Calories
4 gCarbohydrates
0 gFiber
4 gNet carbs
32 gProtein
22 gFat

Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Net carbs are carbohydrates minus fiber. Optional ingredients, garnishes and anything served on the side are not included, and marinades are counted at about a third because most is discarded. Brands and portion sizes change the numbers.

KetoLow-carbHigh-proteinGluten-freeDairy-freePaleo-friendlyGrill and BBQBudget-friendlyNo added sugar

Tips

  • A cast-iron grill pan works if you cannot grill outdoors.
  • Leftovers make excellent nachos and breakfast tacos.

Storage and leftovers

Make ahead Freezer-friendly

Refrigerate sliced steak up to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months. Reheat quickly in a hot skillet for tacos, nachos or breakfast tacos.

What to make with leftover ham, roast beef and steak: recipes for leftovers.

Questions about this recipe

What is the best cut for carne asada?
Flank or skirt steak; both take well to marinades and quick, hot grilling.
How long should carne asada marinate?
At least 4 hours and up to 8; longer and the citrus makes the meat mushy.

Serve it with

Build the whole dinner: sides, sauce and dessert ›

Pairs with: a cold Mexican lager, or a Malbec or Zinfandel. Wine pairing guide

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