CARNE ASADA
Carne Asada is a Mexican favorite, featuring marinated and grilled steak, known for its juicy, smoky, and perfectly charred flavors.
Typically made with a skirt or flank steak, it’s a versatile dish often served in tacos, burritos, or as a main with fresh sides.
Easy to make yet packed with bold flavors, Carne Asada is perfect for gatherings or a flavorful weeknight meal.

Why This Recipe
This Carne Asada recipe delivers authentic Mexican flavors with a tangy, spicy marinade that deeply flavors the steak.
Grilled to perfection, each bite is smoky and tender, with a bold taste that’s easy to love.
Serve it in tacos or over rice, and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish right at home.
About This Recipe
Carne Asada, which means “grilled meat” in Spanish, typically involves marinating thin cuts of beef in citrus, garlic, and spices before grilling.
This recipe uses skirt or flank steak, marinated for maximum flavor, then grilled quickly over high heat for a juicy, charred finish.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 1/2 lbs skirt or flank steak
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Diced onions
- Sliced avocado
Prep Time and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1-2 hours marinating)
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1.5-2.5 hours
Estimated Calories
- Serving Size: 4 oz steak
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 220 calories
Cooking Instructions
1. Marinate the Steak
In a bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, garlic, soy sauce, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Place steak in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
2. Grill the Steak
Preheat grill to high heat. Grill steak for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.
3. Slice and Serve
Thinly slice the steak against the grain. Serve in tacos, burritos, or with sides like rice and beans. Add optional toppings as desired.
FAQs
Yes! Use a cast iron skillet or grill pan on high heat for a nice sear and smoky flavor.
Marinate for at least 1 hour, but no longer than 4 hours, to avoid over-tenderizing the meat.
Yes, you can use chicken or pork with similar marinade flavors, though grilling times may vary.
Skirt steak or flank steak are traditional choices for their tenderness and flavor when grilled.
Conclusion
Carne Asada is a flavorful Mexican dish that brings together the smoky, tangy flavors of marinated steak, perfect for tacos or as a main dish.
This recipe gives you an authentic taste with minimal effort, making it ideal for gatherings or a family meal.
Slice, serve, and savor the deliciously bold flavors of this grilled classic!

CARNE ASADA
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs flank or skirt steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for garnish
- Chopped onions and cilantro for garnish
- Tortillas for serving
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and soy sauce.
- Place the steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness (medium-rare to medium).
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve with warm tortillas, lime wedges, and toppings like chopped onions and cilantro.