Go Back
–+ servings
Juicy grilled carne asada sliced thin with a smoky charred crust and tender pink center.

Carne Asada Recipe

Rebecca Blumer
This easy carne asada features juicy flank or skirt steak marinated in a bright citrus blend, then grilled hot and fast to create beautifully charred, tender slices with a rich, smoky aroma.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 servings
Calories 257 kcal

Equipment

  • 9 by 13-inch casserole dish
  • Grill
  • Instant-read thermometer

Ingredients
 

  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 very large navel orange)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 to 2 jalapeños (thinly sliced)
  • 4 cloves garlic (crushed)
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pounds flank steak

Instructions
 

  • Add the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, white wine vinegar, olive oil, jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, and black pepper to a bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Put the steak into a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the meat on both sides (this helps tenderize it and lets the marinade seep in).
  • Pour the marinade on top, cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (but up to 24 hours).
  • When it is time to grill the steak, remove it from the marinade and scrape off the pieces of jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while the grill heats up.
  • Clean grill grates and brush with a paper towel or napkin soaked with vegetable oil. Preheat the grill to medium high. Once hot, add the steak and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, flipping once. (This should yield medium-rare meat but all grills and techniques differ. See Notes below for internal temperatures.)
  • Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. Thinly slice across the grain. Serve.

Notes

Marinating time: Limit marinating to 24 hours. Past this point, the citrus acids will break down the beef fibers too much and make the texture mushy.
Slicing for tenderness: Always slice the steak thinly across the grain at a 45-degree angle. This shortens the long muscle fibers, making every bite incredibly tender.
Indoor skillet method: Cook in a preheated hot cast-iron skillet for 4 to 6 minutes per side. Be sure to run a vent fan or open a window, as this method creates smoke.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.

Nutrition

Calories: 257kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 456mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2.5mg
Keyword carne asada recipe, flank steak marinade, grilled carne asada
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!