Juicy, Flavor-Packed Carne Asada Recipe

 When it comes to bold Mexican flavors, Carne Asada reigns supreme. Translating to “grilled meat,” this dish is all about juicy, marinated beef with charred edges and tender texture—perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or simply slicing and serving with a side of rice and beans.

The key? It’s all in the marinade. This recipe combines vinegar, lime juice, garlic, soy sauce, and a powerful blend of spices to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Carne Asada Marinade:

1/3 cup white vinegar

1/2 cup soy sauce

4 garlic cloves, minced

Juice of 2 limes

1/2 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

✨ This marinade is perfect for 1½ to 2 pounds (700–900g) of flank steak, skirt steak, or any grilling cut you love.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade

In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine all marinade ingredients. Whisk or shake until thoroughly mixed.

2. Marinate the Beef

Add your flank or skirt steak to the bowl or bag. Make sure it’s fully coated.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight for deeper flavor.

3. Grill It Up

Preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat.

Remove steak from the marinade, letting the excess drip off.

Grill for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.

Let the steak rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

Serving Ideas

Carne Asada is incredibly versatile! Here are some serving suggestions:

Tacos: Load into warm tortillas with diced onions, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime.

Bowls: Serve over rice with black beans, avocado, grilled corn, and crema.

Burritos: Wrap it up with rice, cheese, beans, and veggies.

Plates: Pair with Mexican rice, refried beans, and grilled jalapeños.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Slice and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of lime juice to refresh the flavor.

Pro Tips

Don’t skip the rest time! Letting the steak rest after grilling keeps it juicy.

Slice against the grain to avoid chewiness.

Want it spicier? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.

A Little History of Carne Asada

Carne Asada has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for generations, especially in northern Mexico where cattle ranching is part of daily life. It’s a centerpiece for gatherings, weekend barbecues (carne asadas), and celebrations — bringing people together around smoky, juicy, grilled meat. Its bold flavors reflect the fusion of indigenous ingredients and Spanish influence.

Final Thoughts

This Carne Asada recipe is your go-to for juicy, flavorful beef that never disappoints. Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, taco night, or just craving something satisfying, this marinade will transform your beef into a masterpiece.