Description
This Authentic Carne Asada recipe features tender and flavorful grilled flank steak marinated in a zesty blend of lime, orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and spices. Perfectly grilled and served thinly sliced, it’s ideal for making delicious street tacos garnished with fresh cilantro. This classic Mexican dish is great for gatherings and family meals, capturing the traditional flavors and techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade and Steak
- 2 lb Flank Steak
- 1/4 cup lime juice (from 2–3 limes)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (no pulp)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (regular, not low-sodium)*
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chopped cilantro, plus more to serve
- 7 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
Serving Suggestions
- Warm corn tortillas or flour tortillas
- Diced onions
- Additional fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Salsa of choice
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large shallow bowl or casserole dish, combine lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, chopped cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the flank steak in the marinade and turn it several times to ensure it is fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, turning the steak once while marinating to enhance flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high. This ensures a good sear and caramelization while keeping the steak juicy inside.
- Grill the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and place on the hot grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until the steak reaches your preferred level of doneness—145˚F for medium-rare or 160˚F for medium.
- Rest and Slice: Transfer the steak to a plate, tent with foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps retain the juices. Then slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Serve: Serve the carne asada with warm tortillas, topped with diced onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and your favorite salsa to recreate authentic street tacos.
Notes
- Use tamari soy sauce as a gluten-free alternative.
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavors, but if short on time, 6 hours is sufficient.
- Resting the steak after grilling is essential to keep it juicy and tender.
- Slicing against the grain is key to tenderness.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger groups.
Keywords: Carne Asada, Street Tacos, Grilled Flank Steak, Mexican Recipe, Marinated Steak, Authentic Carne Asada