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There’s something magical about the smell of The Most Delicious Carne Asada sizzling on a hot grill. It instantly takes me back to summer evenings in my neighbor Maria’s backyard. What started as “just a little barbecue” turned into one of the most unforgettable meals of my life — tender, smoky beef infused with citrus, garlic, and spice. That night, Maria handed me her family’s carne asada recipe on a grease-stained index card I still treasure today. And now? I’m passing that magic on to you.
Table talk
with Michelle!
Whether it’s a backyard cookout or a cozy family dinner, The Most Delicious Carne Asada Grilled Steak never fails to steal the show. I’ve marinated and grilled this beauty more times than I can count—and every single time, it disappears faster than I can slice it. Even my “I’ll just have a bite” guests end up going back for thirds. Juicy, smoky, and bursting with flavor—it’s the kind of recipe that turns meals into memories.
Michelle
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Carne Asada
- Bold, unforgettable flavor from a citrus-garlic marinade
- Grill-ready and crowd-pleasing with minimal prep
- Uses budget-friendly cuts that become melt-in-your-mouth tender
- Perfect for family gatherings, parties, and taco nights
This recipe is easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for weekend cookouts. It’s vibrant, zesty, and truly irresistible.
What You’ll Need
Let’s break down the essential ingredients that bring this carne asada to life:
- Flank or skirt steak – Ideal cuts that absorb flavor and grill beautifully
- Fresh lime and orange juice – The citrus tenderizes and brightens the meat
- Low sodium soy sauce – Adds depth and umami
- Garlic cloves (about 10) – Yes, really. You want the full garlicky impact
- High heat oil – Helps everything emulsify and prevents sticking
- Ground cumin, Mexican oregano, and chipotle chili powder – The smoky, spicy trio that defines this dish
- Kosher salt – Enhances every other flavor
- Fresh cilantro – Use stems and leaves for full flavor infusion
- Large onion – Cut into chunks for sweetness and marinade distribution
Instructions: How to Make Delicious Carne Asada
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, oil, cumin, oregano, chipotle powder, and salt until fully combined.
Step 2: Add the Extras
Stir in chopped cilantro (including stems) and chunks of onion. This adds depth and helps the steak absorb even more flavor.
Step 3: Marinate the Steak
Place your steak in a large dish or a heavy-duty zip-top bag. Pour in the marinade, making sure the meat is fully coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 10 hours for best results.
Step 4: Bring to Room Temperature
Remove the steak from the fridge 30 minutes before grilling. This ensures even cooking.
Step 5: Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high (about 450-475°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Grill the Steak
Remove steak from the marinade and shake off excess liquid. Grill for 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
Step 7: Rest and Slice
Let the steak rest for 5–7 minutes before slicing against the grain. This step is crucial for tenderness.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile carne asada can be served in countless ways:
- Tacos – Warm corn tortillas, diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime
- Rice bowls – Over cilantro-lime rice with beans, salsa, and avocado
- Nachos – Layered with cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream
- Family-style platters – Let everyone build their own perfect bite
It’s festive, flexible, and always a crowd favorite.
Customization Tips
- To reduce heat: Cut the chipotle powder in half
- For extra spice: Add diced jalapeño to the marinade
- No grill? Use a cast-iron skillet over high heat, 3–4 minutes per side
- Try other proteins: Chicken thighs, shrimp, or firm fish like mahi-mahi work well
- Citrus swap: Use grapefruit juice instead of orange for a tangier flavor
Kitchen Tips for Delicious Carne Asada
Always slice against the grain – This breaks down tough muscle fibers and ensures tender bites
Let it rest – After grilling, a short rest time keeps juices sealed in
Longer marination = better results – Especially with flank or skirt steak
Don’t overcook – These cuts are best served medium-rare to medium
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate ahead: Steak can be marinated up to 24 hours before cooking
- After cooking: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezing: Cooked and sliced carne asada can be frozen for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Gently warm in a skillet or enjoy cold in wraps and salads
More Mexican Recipes
- Chicken Enchiladas: Rolled tortillas packed with shredded chicken and smothered in zesty red sauce.
- Authentic Birria Tacos: Crispy tortillas stuffed with juicy beef, perfect for dipping in rich consommé.
- Chiles Rellenos: Cheese-stuffed peppers dipped in batter and fried to golden perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Flank and skirt steak are ideal due to their ability to absorb marinades and deliver bold flavor when grilled.
Yes. A cast-iron skillet or grill pan works great on the stovetop.
At least 2 hours is good, but 6–10 hours delivers the best flavor and tenderness.
Don’t overcook, and be sure to slice against the grain after resting.
Medium-rare to medium (130–135°F internal temperature) is best for tender, juicy steak.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about The Most Delicious Carne Asada — and it goes far beyond flavor. It’s about the experience of cooking something with heart, sharing it with the people you love, and making memories around the grill. This recipe is forgiving, flavorful, and always a hit.
Don’t be afraid to make it your own. The beauty of carne asada is that it welcomes creativity and always brings people together. I hope it becomes a go-to in your home just like it has in mine.
Thank you for being in my kitchen today — I can’t wait to hear how your carne asada turns out.
If you give Carne Asada Grilled Steak a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Please take a moment to leave a rating and a quick review—it really helps us keep sharing free, delicious recipes you can trust.
Carne Asada Grilled Steak
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Flavorful marinated steak grilled to perfection, perfect for tacos, burritos, or served with sides.
Ingredients
- 2 – 2 ½ pounds flank or skirt steak
- ¼ cup EACH: lime juice AND orange juice (fresh)
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 10 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 3 tablespoons high heat oil
- 2 teaspoons EACH: ground cumin, dried Mexican oregano AND chipotle chili powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup cilantro (leaves + stems)
- 1 large onion, cut into 8 pieces
Instructions
- MARINADE: In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients except the cilantro and onions in a medium bowl. Pour the marinade into a large dish or a heavy-duty zip top bag, add the cilantro and onion pieces. Add the meat to the dish (flip to coat both sides.) Cover the dish or zip bag and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours and up to 10 hours.
- PREHEAT: Remove the meat from the fridge about 30 minutes prior to grilling. Preheat the grill on medium-high heat (you want to aim for 450-475ºF.) Remove the steak from the marinade and discard. Prep the grill by cleaning and oiling the grates. Grill the steak for 3-5 minutes per side until it cooks to desired temperature (see notes for temps.) Allow the meat to rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.
Notes
For medium-rare: 130-135°F, Medium: 140-145°F, Medium-well: 150-155°F
