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Carne Asada plate with beans, rice and a tortilla

Authentic Carne Asada Recipe

Smoky, juicy carne asada made with a citrus-garlic marinade and cooked over screaming-hot heat. Skirt steak, overnight marinade, sliced against the grain — this is the method that gets it right.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time 4 hours
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

  • The Steak
  • 1.5 lbs skirt steak or flank steak
  • The Marinade
  • 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice about 2 limes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 jalapeño optional, finely chopped

Method
 

  1. Whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cilantro, salt, and pepper in a bowl until combined.
  2. Place the skirt steak in a zip-lock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, press out the air, and seal. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight (8–12 hours) for best results.
  3. Remove the steak from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature.
  4. Heat a cast iron skillet or grill to screaming hot — high heat for 3–4 minutes until just beginning to smoke.
  5. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat lightly with a paper towel. Place on the hot surface and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes. Flip once and cook another 3–4 minutes for medium (140–145°F internal temperature).
  6. Transfer to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 38gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 520mgSugar: 2g

Notes

Skirt steak is the preferred cut — flank steak also works but may need 1–2 extra minutes. Do not marinate beyond 24 hours as the citrus will over-tenderize the meat. Slicing against the grain is essential for tenderness. Leftovers make excellent beef enchiladas or rice bowls.

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