10+ Carne Asada Recipes You’ll Love for Easy, Flavorful Meals

Carne asada is a popular dish known for its flavorful grilled beef. Many people enjoy making it at home because it’s a simple way to add delicious, smoky flavors to a meal.

Carne asada recipes often use fresh ingredients and marinades to make the meat tender and tasty.

If you want to learn how to prepare juicy and well-seasoned carne asada, this article will guide you through easy recipes and tips. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual barbecue, these recipes can help you create a satisfying meal.

1) Classic Flank Steak Carne Asada with Citrus Marinade

Start with flank steak, a lean cut that becomes tender and flavorful when marinated. Use a citrus marinade made from lime, orange, and sometimes lemon juice.

This bright mix breaks down the meat and adds a fresh, zesty taste. Add garlic, cilantro, soy sauce, and a bit of spice to the marinade.

Let your steak soak in this mix for up to 24 hours. You’ll get juicy carne asada ready to grill.

Grill the steak over medium-high heat until it’s cooked to your liking. Aim for about 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.

Let it rest before slicing thinly across the grain.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs flank steak
• Juice of 2 limes
• Juice of 1 orange
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder or crushed red pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix citrus juices, garlic, cilantro, soy sauce, and chili powder in a bowl.
2. Place steak in a zipper bag or dish and pour marinade over it.
3. Refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high.
5. Grill steak 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare (130°F/54°C).
6. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

2) Carne Asada with Spicy Soy and Lime Sauce

To make carne asada with a spicy soy and lime sauce, create a bright and flavorful marinade. The soy sauce adds saltiness, while lime juice gives it a fresh, tangy kick.

A bit of chili or jalapeño brings the heat and balances the flavors. Marinate your steak for at least one hour to let the meat soak up the flavors.

When you grill it, the marinade keeps the meat juicy and tender. This recipe works well for tacos, burritos, or served with rice and beans.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds flank or skirt steak
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Place steak in a zip-top bag or container and pour marinade over it.
3. Refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours.
4. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F or 200°C).
5. Grill steak 4-6 minutes per side until cooked to your liking.
6. Let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thin against the grain.

3) Grilled Skirt Steak with Garlic and Cilantro

You can make a simple and tasty carne asada using skirt steak. The key is a marinade with garlic, cilantro, cumin, and fresh lime juice.

This mix adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat. Grill the steak over medium-high heat until it reaches your desired doneness.

Let it rest a few minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve it with tortillas, salsa, and your favorite toppings for an easy meal.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds skirt steak
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 3 limes

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice in a bowl.
2. Marinate skirt steak in the mixture for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 204°C).
4. Grill steak for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
5. Remove steak and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

4) Orange and Lime Marinated Carne Asada

Enjoy the fresh taste of this orange and lime marinated carne asada. The citrus juices add a bright, tangy flavor that tenderizes the meat.

Fresh cilantro, garlic, and soy sauce blend well with the citrus to create a balanced taste. The marinade also keeps the meat juicy when you grill it.

You can cook your carne asada on a hot grill for a few minutes on each side until it’s just right.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup orange juice
• ½ cup lime juice
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, and cilantro in a bowl.
2. Marinate your thinly sliced steak for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours in the fridge.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high (about 400°F / 205°C).
4. Grill steak for 3-4 minutes per side, until cooked to your liking.
5. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

For more tips, see the detailed marinade at Lisa’s Favorite Carne Asada Marinade Recipe.

5) Chipotle and Dried Chile Carne Asada

Get a smoky, spicy flavor by using chipotle and dried chiles like guajillo or ancho in your carne asada marinade. These chiles add a mellow heat that pairs well with the citrus and garlic.

Marinate your steak with chipotle powder, rehydrated dried chiles, lime juice, and a little beer or olive oil for extra moisture. Let it soak in the flavors for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Grill the meat over high heat until it’s nicely charred on the outside but still juicy inside. This method adds a deep, smoky kick to your carne asada.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs skirt steak
• 2 dried guajillo chiles, seeded and rehydrated
• 1 dried ancho chile, seeded and rehydrated
• 1 tablespoon chipotle chile powder
• 1/2 cup lime juice (about 4 limes)
• 1/4 cup beer or olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Blend rehydrated chiles with lime juice, chipotle powder, beer or olive oil, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to make the marinade.
2. Place skirt steak in a shallow dish and pour marinade over it. Cover and refrigerate for 3-12 hours.
3. Preheat grill to high (about 450°F / 230°C).
4. Remove steak from marinade and cook on the grill 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
5. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice against the grain and serve.

6) Carne Asada Fries with Guacamole and Sour Cream

Carne asada fries are a tasty way to enjoy steak and crispy fries together. Start with baked or fried fries as the base.

Add juicy grilled carne asada on top. Sprinkle melted cheese over the fries and steak while still warm.

This helps the cheese melt perfectly. Add dollops of fresh guacamole and sour cream for creaminess.

You can also add pico de gallo or jalapenos for extra flavor and spice. Add onions, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors.

It’s a fun dish to share with friends or enjoy as a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 4 cups French fries (baked or fried)
• 1 lb carne asada steak, grilled and sliced
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup guacamole
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• Optional: pico de gallo, jalapenos, lime wedges

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook fries according to package or recipe instructions until crispy.
2. Grill carne asada steak, then slice into thin strips.
3. Place fries on a large plate and sprinkle with cheese.
4. Add sliced steak on top of fries and cheese.
5. Dollop guacamole and sour cream over everything.
6. Add optional toppings like pico de gallo or jalapenos.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

7) Flank Steak Carne Asada with Fresh Lime Juice

Start by marinating flank steak in fresh lime juice. The citrus helps break down the meat’s fibers, making it tender and adding a bright flavor.

Lime juice paired with garlic, cilantro, and spices gives this carne asada a fresh, zesty taste. Grill the steak over high heat to get a nice char.

Cook it for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium doneness. Let the meat rest before slicing against the grain to keep it juicy and easy to chew.

This recipe is great for tacos, burritos, or enjoying on its own with rice and beans.

Ingredients

• 1.5 to 2 pounds flank steak
• ½ cup fresh lime juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix lime juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, pepper, and olive oil in a bowl.
2. Place the flank steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it.
3. Marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, up to 8 hours.
4. Preheat grill to high heat (around 450°F / 232°C).
5. Grill steak for 4-6 minutes on each side, depending on thickness.
6. Remove steak and let it rest for 5 minutes.
7. Slice thinly against the grain and serve.

8) Skillet Carne Asada with Orange Juice and Soy

This skillet carne asada recipe uses orange juice and soy sauce for a tasty marinade. The citrus tenderizes the meat, and soy adds a salty flavor.

You’ll cook the marinated meat in a hot skillet. This method is quick and easy.

The marinade also includes garlic, lime juice, and jalapeño for a bit of heat. These simple ingredients create a fresh, flavorful dish.

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank or skirt steak
• ¾ cup orange juice
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix orange juice, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, jalapeño, and olive oil.
2. Marinate steak in the mixture for at least 1 hour.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Cook steak 4-5 minutes per side until medium.
5. Let meat rest 5 minutes before slicing.

9) Chef Merito’s Carne Asada Rub with Orange Juice

You can make a simple carne asada using Chef Merito’s carne asada rub and fresh orange juice. The rub adds a mix of spices that boost the meat’s flavor.

Coat your flank steak evenly with the rub. Add the juice of fresh oranges for sweetness and to help tenderize the steak.

Let the steak marinate for at least an hour. Grill your steak over medium-high heat until it reaches your preferred doneness.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs flank steak
• 3 tablespoons Chef Merito carne asada rub
• Juice of 2 oranges

Cooking Instructions

1. Rub the steak with Chef Merito carne asada rub on both sides.
2. Pour orange juice over the steak and let it marinate for 1-2 hours in the fridge.
3. Preheat grill to medium-high (around 400°F / 205°C).
4. Grill steak for 5-7 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
5. Let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

10) Quick and Easy Carne Asada for Tacos

If you want tasty carne asada without a long wait, this quick version is perfect. You skip the long marinade but still get great flavor with citrus and garlic.

It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want dinner ready fast. Cook the steak quickly over high heat for a nice char.

Then slice it thin for soft tortillas. Add simple toppings like onion, cilantro, and avocado to keep it fresh.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank or skirt steak
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Mix lime juice, orange juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
2. Marinate steak for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill or pan to high heat (about 450°F / 230°C).
4. Cook steak 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
5. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thin.
6. Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.