Authentic Carne Asada – Bold, Juicy, and Packed with Flavor

Carne Asada is the heart and soul of many Mexican cookouts — tender grilled beef marinated in citrus, herbs, and spices, then cooked to smoky perfection. This lighter version keeps all the bold flavors you love while using a balanced approach so you can enjoy it any night of the week. Whether you serve it in tacos, burritos, or alongside rice and beans, this dish is all about vibrant flavor and satisfying bites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Flavor: Citrus, garlic, cilantro, and smoky spices create a marinade that truly tastes like Mexico.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or as a main dish.
Lean & Juicy: Using flank or skirt steak keeps it flavorful yet balanced.
Quick Cook: Just a few minutes on the grill for perfectly charred, juicy meat.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak (trimmed of excess fat)
• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp kosher salt

Instructions

1. Make the Marinade
In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, pepper, and salt.

2. Marinate the Steak
Place the steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s fully coated. Seal or cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to 8 hours for maximum flavor).

3. Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill or grill pan to high heat. Remove steak from marinade, shaking off any excess. Discard marinade.

4. Grill the Meat
Place steak on the hot grill. Cook 3–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust time based on desired doneness.

5. Rest and Slice
Remove steak from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain to ensure tender bites.

6. Serve
Enjoy with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, guacamole, or your favorite sides.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 220
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fat: 11g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: This keeps the juices locked in.
• Slice Against the Grain: Prevents chewy bites and keeps it tender.
• Get a Good Sear: High heat is key to that charred, smoky flavor.
• Make It Your Own: Add jalapeño to the marinade for extra spice or swap citrus for pineapple juice for a tropical twist.

Why This Recipe Works

This Carne Asada brings together zesty citrus, fresh herbs, and smoky spices for a deeply flavorful dish that grills in minutes. The lean cut of beef keeps it balanced, while the marinade infuses every bite with authentic taste.

Perfect for summer cookouts, family dinners, or taco night, this Carne Asada is a bold, satisfying recipe you’ll want on repeat. With fresh ingredients and simple prep, it delivers authentic Mexican flavor with a lighter, fresher twist.