Carne Asada, a popular dish in Mexican cuisine, features marinated and grilled steak bursting with flavor. However, not everyone knows how to cook asada carne to become soft, juicy and full of delicious flavor. Let’s explore three best ways to cook carne asada in this article.
1. What Cut of Meat Is Used For Carne Asada?
Carne asada traditionally uses either flank steak or skirt steak as the cut of meat. These cuts are popular for their rich flavor and tenderness when properly marinated and cooked.
Both flank steak and skirt steak have long, fibrous grains that benefit from marinating to enhance their taste and tenderness.
When cooked, they become juicy, flavorful, and perfect for slicing thinly to serve in tacos, burritos, or as a main dish with various accompaniments.
2. How To Cook Carne Asada on Grill
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
In a bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil to create the marinade.
Place the flank or skirt steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight.
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F or 200°C).
Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Grill the carne asada for approximately 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, or until your preferred level of doneness is achieved.
Let the grilled carne asada rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a burst of citrusy flavor.
3. How To Cook Carne Asada on Stove
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Follow the same marinade preparation and marinating process as mentioned in the Grilled Carne Asada recipe.
Heat a large, heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot pan.
Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the carne asada in the hot pan and cook for approximately 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, adjusting the cooking time to your preferred level of doneness.
Once cooked, transfer the stovetop carne asada to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before thinly slicing against the grain.
Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.
4. How To Cook Carne Asada in Oven
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for milder heat)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Prepare the marinade following the same steps as mentioned in the Grilled Carne Asada recipe.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Remove the carne asada from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the steak on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
Bake the oven-baked carne asada for about 15-20 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).
Once done, remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the carne asada thinly against the grain and garnish with chopped cilantro.
Serve the delicious oven-baked carne asada with lime wedges for a tangy finishing touch.
With these three mouthwatering carne asada recipes. Now, you know how to cook carne asada perfectly and can impress everybody with an authentic Mexican culinary experience.
