Carne Asada Recipe With Secret To Tenderness

This Carne Asada recipe features juicy, flavorful beef marinated to perfection. The secret to tenderness is a quick soak in a tasty citrus mix, making every bite melt in your mouth!

I love grilling this dish for a backyard barbecue. The smell alone brings everyone together, and who can resist a taco filled with this delicious meat? 🌮

It’s super easy to whip up. Just marinate, grill, and enjoy! You can serve it with fresh guacamole and salsa for a fun and tasty meal. Trust me, you’ll want seconds!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Flank or Skirt Steak: These cuts are perfect for Carne Asada as they grill up nicely and are very flavorful. If you can’t find them, you can use sirloin or ribeye, but make sure to slice against the grain for tenderness.

Lime & Orange Juice: The citrus juices not only add flavor but also tenderize the meat. If you’re short on fresh juice, bottled juice works in a pinch, though fresh is always best for taste.

Olive Oil: This helps to moisten the meat. Feel free to use avocado oil or canola oil if you prefer an alternative—just keep in mind the flavor might change slightly.

Soy Sauce: This ingredient adds umami and saltiness. For a gluten-free option, tamari is a great substitute. I also love how it enhances the marinade’s ability to make the meat tender.

Chili Powder & Smoked Paprika: These spices bring depth to the flavor. If you’re looking for a spicier kick, consider using chipotle powder instead of regular chili powder.

What’s the Secret to Keeping Carne Asada Tender?

The secret to tender Carne Asada lies in both the marinade and how you cook it. The combination of citrus juices and soy sauce helps break down the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender. Here’s how to ensure your steak comes out right:

• Marinate for 2-6 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness, but avoid going too long, as too much acid can break it down too much.
• Preheat your grill to high heat to get a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
• Grill quickly on high heat—about 3-5 minutes per side. This cooks the steak without drying it out.
• Let it rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making every slice more flavorful.
• Always slice against the grain! This cuts through the muscle fibers and gives you that tender bite.

Carne Asada Recipe With Secret To Tenderness

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 3-4 limes)
• 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (secret ingredient for tenderness)
• Optional: 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped (for some heat)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and at least 2 hours for marinating (4-6 hours is best). Once marinated, grilling will take another 10 minutes. So, all in all, plan for around 2 hours and 15 minutes to get everything ready, plus resting time after grilling.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Marinade:

In a large bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, soy sauce, and chopped jalapeño if you like some heat. Whisk everything together until well mixed.

2. Marinate the Steak:

Place the flank or skirt steak into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s well coated. Seal or cover the bag/dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For optimal tenderness, let it marinate for 4-6 hours. The marinade’s citrus and soy sauce will help break down the meat’s fibers.

3. Preheat the Grill:

Before cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat. This ensures a great sear, which locks in the juices!

4. Prepare the Steak for Grilling:

Once marinated, remove the steak from the bag, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Discard the marinade to avoid any contamination.

5. Grill the Steak:

Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for about 3-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the time slightly based on the steak’s thickness and your desired doneness.

6. Let It Rest:

After grilling, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is important as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist.

7. Slice and Serve:

Using a sharp knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. Serve the Carne Asada with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, guacamole, and any of your favorite toppings for a delicious meal!

Enjoy your tender, flavorful Carne Asada! 🌮

FAQ for Carne Asada Recipe

Can I Use a Different Cut of Meat?

Yes, you can use cuts like sirloin or ribeye, but flank or skirt steak is best known for this recipe due to its flavor and tenderness. Just remember to slice against the grain for the tenderest bites!

What if I Don’t Have Fresh Citrus Juices?

If fresh lime and orange juices are unavailable, bottled juices can work in a pinch. However, fresh juice enhances the flavor significantly, so use that if you can!

How Long Can I Marinate the Steak?

For optimal tenderness and flavor, marinate the steak for 4-6 hours. Avoid marinating longer than 8 hours, as the acid in the marinade can break down the meat too much, resulting in a mushy texture.

How Should I Store Leftover Carne Asada?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Thinly sliced steak is perfect for tacos, salads, or even burrito bowls!