Carne Asada Recipe {A Fail-Proof Recipe}

Want to learn how to make Carne Asada?  Keep reading for an easy, homemade carne asada recipe! 

One of the first and best recipes I ever made from Pinterest was a recipe for Pork Carne Asada.   I have spent hours trying to hunt it down, but can’t find the recipe.   While it is similar to this recipe for pork carnitas, it has a little different taste profile.  (Although, the pork carnitas are amazing, and you should certainly try them.)

The basic premise of Carne Asada (which translates into grilled meat) is to marinate it in a salty, citrusy and abundantly flavorful marinade, and sear it quickly at a high heat.  Marinate the meat, slice it into thin strips, and pile high onto a tortilla. 

I have to warn you… if you like bland food, this recipe is not for you.  

The meat is tender, and the marinade is a combination of Mexican beer, bright limes and oranges.  This gets finished with fresh cilantro and a hint of spice (because it is Mexican food, after all).  The quick sear on the outside really traps all of the moisture and flavor in the meat.  The intense explosion of flavor will leave you happy and satisfied.  

Carne Asada Recipe

Carne Asada isn’t difficult to make, but it does require marinading the meat in advance.  You’ll start by adding cilantro leaves, a jalapeno, and garlic cloves into a food processor.  Pulse it a few times, then add in beer, lime and orange juice plus zest, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Blend well, then pour over steak. 

It marinates for 4 – 24 hours, then you simply grill it (about 4 minutes per side) until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees. 

Slice it into thin strips, and pile into a corn or flour tortilla.  

I personally like to pile my carne asada on to fresh corn tortillas, topped with shredded lettuce, tomatoes and homemade salsa.  The meat is so good, you could also add it to a four tortilla and eat it like a burrito, or just pile it on top of rice or quinoa, and call it amazing. 

A Printable Recipe – Carne Asada

Want to print this recipe to keep in your recipe box, or to share with a friend?  Here is a printable recipe for you! 

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Carne Asada Recipe

Prep Time 4 hours 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes

Servings 3 servings

Calories 578 kcal

Author Andrea

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves 
• 1 jalapeno stem and seeds removed
• 3 cloves garlic 
• 1/2 cup Mexican beer like Corona or Dos Equis 
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice 
• zest from the lime and orange 
• 1/4 cup olive oil 
• 1 tbsp chili powder 
• 1 tsp ground cumin 
• 1 tsp dried oregano 
• 1 tsp salt 
• 2 pounds flank or skirt steak 

Instructions

1. In a food processor, pulse cilantro, jalapeno and garlic until coarsely chopped.  Add in remaining ingredients, except the meat, and process until smooth.  
2. Place steak into a glass or plastic container, and pour marinade on top.  Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.  
3. Warm grill pan over medium-high (my grill pan is similar to this, but you can use a regular pan if you don't have one).  Place steak onto hot grill or pan, and allow to brown on the bottom undisturbed, about 4 minutes.  Flip and sear another 2-4 minutes on the other side, or until internal temperature has reached 140 degrees.  Depending on the thickness of your cut, you may need to adjust your cooking time. 
4. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes.   Thinly slice the beef, against the grain.

Nutrition Facts

Carne Asada Recipe

Amount Per Serving (3 g)

Calories 578 Calories from Fat 284

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 31.6g 49%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

More Mexican Recipes

As a New Mexican native, I make a lot of Mexican and New Mexican food! Here are some of my favorites: 

• Slow Cooker Carne Adovada
• Green Chile Cheese Bagels
• Homemade Mexican Potato Skins