Carne Asada is a classic Mexican dish featuring marinated and grilled beef, typically served with tortillas and various toppings. This flavorful and juicy dish is perfect for a weekend barbecue or a casual dinner.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Marinate the Steak:
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, minced jalapeño, ground cumin, paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, and chopped cilantro.
- Marinate: Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Grill the Steak:
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Grill Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. Grill the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time to your preferred doneness.
Rest and Serve:
- Rest Steak: Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice Steak: Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
Serving Suggestions:
- Tacos: Serve the sliced carne asada in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings such as guacamole, salsa, chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
- Burritos: Use the carne asada as a filling for burritos with rice, beans, cheese, and your favorite salsa.
- Platter: Serve with Mexican rice, beans, and a side salad for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips:
- Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the steak for at least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal.
- Grill Marks: To achieve perfect grill marks, resist the urge to move the steak around too much while it’s cooking.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Beef: A good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins.
- Citrus: Provides a burst of vitamin C from the lime and orange juice.
Dietary Information:
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the soy sauce is gluten-free to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
- Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Flavorful: The marinade infuses the steak with a rich, tangy flavor.
- Versatile: Serve in tacos, burritos, or as part of a main course.
- Quick and Easy: Simple to prepare, especially if you marinate the steak in advance.
Conclusion:
Carne Asada is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The flavorful marinade and quick grilling make it an easy and tasty meal. Whether served in tacos, burritos, or as a standalone dish, this Carne Asada will become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!