What exactly is Carne Asada, and how can you prepare it yourself at home?

Mexican street tacos are the ultimate comfort food. Full of flavor and a budget-friendly choice for families, taco meat is also packed with protein and essential nutrients. At most taco stands, you can choose from various styles like al pastor, carnitas, and birria. But when it comes to popularity, carne asada is a top contender. So, what exactly is carne asada? It's rich, savory, and brimming with spices—though there's much more to discover. Read on to learn all there is about this classic Mexican dish.

What is Carne Asada, really?

Carne asada, which translates to 'grilled meat' in Latin American cuisine, originated in Northern Mexico but has now spread worldwide, becoming a favorite in countries like Colombia. This dish is made from thinly sliced beef that’s marinated for hours and grilled to perfection. It’s commonly prepared using lean cuts like skirt steak or flank steak, which are perfect for getting those thin slices. The marinade imparts a citrusy flavor, complemented by the smoky char from the grill. The flavors are enhanced by ingredients like lime juice, garlic, onion, and peppers. While carne asada is often compared to steak, they’re different—carne asada is usually thinner and packed with more flavor due to its lengthy marination. Though making carne asada requires time and care, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in tacos, burritos, bowls, or even on fries.

What’s in the Carne Asada Marinade?

Creating a great carne asada involves more than just choosing the right cut of beef and grilling it. Marinating the meat for several hours is essential to achieving the perfect flavor. Without the right marinade, your carne asada could end up dry, too sour, or lack depth of flavor.

A classic carne asada marinade typically includes a blend of citrus juice, oil, salt, sugar, garlic, cilantro, onion, chiles and/or peppers, and an array of spices. Each ingredient plays a key role: oil helps the meat brown and evenly coat with marinade, citrus juice adds necessary acidity, and garlic and onion bring depth of flavor. Chiles, peppers, cilantro, and spices infuse it with traditional Mexican tastes. Salt is a must, and while some prefer just salt for simplicity, others add soy sauce for extra umami. Finally, sugar balances out the saltiness and acidity. To marinate, simply combine all the ingredients (except the steak), pour over the meat, and let it soak in the refrigerator for up to eight hours. Ideally, it should marinate for at least one to two hours, but if left too long, the texture can turn mushy.

What Are Carne Asada Fries?

While carne asada is typically served in tacos and burritos, it’s a dish with many more possibilities. One unexpected but beloved way to enjoy it is atop crispy fries. Much like nachos, French fries create a perfect base for loading up with toppings. Pile on your favorite ingredients, like carne asada, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, jalapeños, and more. You can eat your carne asada fries with a fork or simply use the fries as the perfect delivery system for the delicious carne asada. The choice is yours!

Carne Asada Recipe

Now that you're well-versed in carne asada, it's time to give making it a shot! Follow the recipe below to create your own:

Ingredients

• 2 lbs skirt or flank steak
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• Juice of 1 orange
• Juice of 1 lime
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• ¾ cup cilantro
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Inspect the steak for any excess fat and trim it off if necessary. Flank steak is typically leaner, requiring less trimming.
2. Set the steak aside and mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl to create the marinade.
3. Place the steak in a container or plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Ensure that the steak is fully coated. Let it sit in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1-2 hours, or up to 8 hours.
4. Preheat your outdoor grill to high heat, aiming for 400-450 degrees.
5. Remove the steak from the marinade, discarding any excess liquid. Place the steak directly on the grill for several minutes on each side. Cooking times may vary depending on your grill and the thickness of the meat, but cook each side for around 4-12 minutes. Skirt steak will cook faster than flank steak. The steak is done when the thickest part reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the USDA.
6. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board or solid surface for about 10 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute for maximum juiciness.
7. For the cleanest cut, slice the meat against the grain. This simple step will help ensure the meat stays tender and doesn't fall apart.
8. Now, grab your tortillas and any toppings you prefer. Carne asada is delicious on its own, but a simple corn tortilla with carne asada, white onions, cilantro, and lime juice is perfect. For extra flavor, you can add salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, and jalapeños.