Carne Asada is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of Mexican culinary tradition. With its bold marinade of citrus, herbs, spices, and smoky heat, this grilled steak dish captures the heart and soul of family gatherings, backyard cookouts, and festive occasions. Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, this recipe is your ticket to recreating authentic Carne Asada right at home.
Who is this Recipe For?
This Carne Asada recipe is perfect for:
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Grill lovers looking to master a restaurant-quality Mexican classic.
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Entertainers planning summer cookouts, taco nights, or Cinco de Mayo parties.
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Families who want a hearty, flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy.
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Foodies who love exploring cultural recipes with deep heritage.
Why It’s Great
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Authentic flavors – A citrus-soy marinade infused with garlic, cilantro, and chipotle creates incredible depth.
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Tender and juicy steak – Pounding and marinating ensure maximum tenderness.
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Versatile serving options – Serve as tacos, burritos, rice bowls, or with classic sides like beans and grilled veggies.
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Make-ahead friendly – Marinate the steak the night before for easy grilling the next day.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
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¾ cup orange juice
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½ cup lemon juice
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⅓ cup lime juice
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½ cup soy sauce
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1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon each: chili powder, cumin, paprika, and black pepper
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1 teaspoon chopped canned chipotle pepper
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½ cup olive oil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Steak:
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3 pounds flank steak
Instructions
1. Prepare the Marinade
In a large non-metal bowl, whisk together citrus juices, soy sauce, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, chipotle, and oregano. Slowly whisk in olive oil until the mixture is fully combined.
2. Reserve a Portion
Set aside 1 cup of the marinade in a small container, cover, and refrigerate to use later as a finishing drizzle.
3. Tenderize the Steak
Place steak between plastic wrap and pound to about ¼-inch thickness. For deeper flavor, prick the meat with a fork.
4. Marinate Overnight
Place steak in the remaining marinade, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours.
5. Grill to Perfection
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Remove steak from marinade (discard used marinade) and grill for about 5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
6. Slice and Serve
Rest the steak briefly, then slice thinly against the grain. Arrange on a platter and drizzle with the reserved marinade for an extra punch of flavor.
Serve hot with your favorite sides—tortillas, rice, beans, salsa, or guacamole.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Large non-metal mixing bowl
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Whisk
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Plastic wrap and meat mallet
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Sharp knife and cutting board
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Grill or grill pan
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Tongs
Storage
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Refrigerator (cooked): Store sliced Carne Asada in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer (cooked): Wrap in foil or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
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Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or on the grill to retain flavor and juiciness.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes! Skirt steak, hanger steak, or even sirloin work well with this marinade.
2. How long should I marinate Carne Asada?
For best results, marinate for 24 hours, but even 6–8 hours will still give great flavor.
3. Can I cook Carne Asada without a grill?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet on the stovetop. Just make sure it’s very hot before searing.
4. What sides go best with Carne Asada?
Serve with rice, refried beans, Mexican street corn, guacamole, or warm tortillas for tacos.
Conclusion
This Authentic Carne Asada Recipe combines vibrant flavors, tender grilled steak, and cultural tradition in every bite. Perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight family dinners, it’s a versatile dish that shines whether served as tacos, burritos, or simply sliced with sides. Once you try it, this Carne Asada will become your go-to recipe for flavorful, crowd-pleasing meals.
