Get ready to transform your backyard into a Mexican street food paradise with this mouthwatering Carne Asada recipe that will make your taste buds dance! Imagine tender, juicy flank steak infused with zesty citrus and bold spices, grilled to perfection and promising a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico. Whether you're a grilling enthusiast or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe is your ticket to culinary greatness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs flank steak
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the marinade for the carne asada. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
- Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the marinating steak for at least 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. For best results, marinate for up to 2 hours if time permits.
- Preheat your grill to high heat. If using a charcoal grill, prepare the coals until they are covered with white ash. For a gas grill, allow it to heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the grill is hot, remove the flank steak from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Discard the leftover marinade.
- Place the flank steak on the grill. Grill for about 5 minutes on one side without moving it to achieve a good sear.
- After 5 minutes, flip the steak and grill for an additional 3-5 minutes on the other side, depending on your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F.
- Once cooked to your preference, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. This will help ensure tenderness in each bite.
- Serve the carne asada with your choice of accompaniments such as warm tortillas, fresh salsa, guacamole, or grilled vegetables. Enjoy your delicious Mexican meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Flank steak is ideal, but skirt steak works wonderfully too. Look for well-marbled meat with good color.
- Marinate Smartly: While 20 minutes is the minimum, allowing the steak to marinate for 1-2 hours maximizes flavor without breaking down the meat's texture.
- High Heat is Key: Ensure your grill is scorching hot before cooking to achieve those beautiful caramelized grill marks and a perfect sear.
- Don't Overcook: Flank steak is best served medium-rare to medium. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature.
- Always Slice Against the Grain: This technique ensures maximum tenderness and makes each bite more enjoyable.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the meat to rest for 5 minutes after grilling helps redistribute juices, keeping the steak moist and flavorful.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
