Carne Asada

Carne asada shines when the marinade is done right, and this version brings bold, authentic flavor straight to your kitchen. A good cut of steak soaks up layers of citrus, garlic, and spices before hitting the grill, transforming into a juicy, deeply seasoned piece of beef with that signature char everyone loves. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into something vibrant and unforgettable.

Lovingly adapted from the expertise of Rick Bayless, this take keeps the heart of traditional Mexican cuisine alive while making the method easy and doable for home cooks. The result is carne asada that tastes restaurant-quality yet feels comfortingly homemade, a perfect centerpiece for tacos, bowls, or simply sliced hot off the grill.

Carne Asada

Print

Carne asada shines when the marinade is done right, and this version brings bold, authentic flavor straight to your kitchen. A good cut of steak soaks up layers of citrus, garlic, and spices before hitting the grill, transforming into a juicy, deeply seasoned piece of beef with that signature char everyone loves. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into something vibrant and unforgettable.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Marinating Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon minced jalapeno (1 medium jalapeno)
• 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
• 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak

Instructions

Step-By-Step Instructions

Please leave a star rating and comment to let us know how you liked this recipe!

Notes

• For the juiciest and most tender carne asada aim for an internal temperature of 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare. Avoid going beyond medium (140 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit) as flank or skirt steak becomes tough and chewy when cooked longer. A meat thermometer is handy to ensure your carne asada is perfect every time.