Grilled Carne Asada : How to Prepare This Flavorful Dish at home for six people
Grilled Carne Asada is a flavorful, marinated beef dish that’s perfect for grilling. Here’s how to prepare a delicious Carne Asada for six people at home.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ to 3 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
- 3/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 6-8 limes)
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, minced (optional for heat)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for extra umami flavor)
Equipment:
- Large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Tongs
- Cutting board and knife
- Meat thermometer
Preparation:
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, minced garlic, minced jalapeño (if using), cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground black pepper, salt, and soy sauce (if using).
Marinate the Steak:
- Place the flank or skirt steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
Prepare the Grill:
- Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450°F to 500°F). If using charcoal, prepare a two-zone fire with hot coals on one side and a cooler side for indirect cooking.
Grill the Steak:
- Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Place the steak on the hot grill. Grill for about 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness, until it reaches your desired level of doneness (135°F / 57°C for medium-rare).
- Use tongs to flip the steak halfway through cooking.
Rest the Steak:
- Remove the steak from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board.
- Tent the steak with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Slice and Serve:
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Serve the Carne Asada with warm tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and your favorite toppings such as grilled onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
Tips:
- Marinating Time: The longer the steak marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Overnight marination is ideal.
- Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is hot before placing the steak on it to achieve a good sear.
Enjoy your grilled Carne Asada with family and friends for a perfect outdoor meal!