Best Easy Carne Asada Recipe

Flame-grilled beef marinated in citrus, garlic, and chiles, a cornerstone of Mexican outdoor cooking. This high protein, carnivore-approved dish is perfect for family gatherings and clean eats.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 280 kcal
#high protein #diabetic friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • flank steak 2 lbs
  • orange juice 1 cup
  • lime juice 1 cup
  • garlic cloves 6 cloves
  • jalapeño 2 pieces
  • fresh cilantro 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • kosher salt 2 tsp
  • black pepper 1 tsp
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 7 g 10%
Protein 36 g 52%
Fat 11 g 38%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    1. In a large bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped jalapeño, chopped cilantro, olive oil, salt, pepper, and cumin. Whisk vigorously for 30 seconds to fully incorporate flavors.

  2. 2

    2. Place flank steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over, ensuring the meat is fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, turning once midway for even marination.

  3. 3

    3. Preheat grill to high heat (450–500°F). Remove steak from marinade and let excess drip off; pat dry with paper towels for optimal charring.

  4. 4

    4. Grill steak over direct high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, flipping once. Check for nice crust and internal temp of 130°F for medium-rare. Adjust grilling time for desired doneness.

  5. 5

    5. Rest grilled steak uncovered for 8 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness and serve immediately with any preferred sides.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The star ingredient is the flank steak, which delivers robust beef flavor and a tender bite when properly marinated and flame-grilled. The citrus juices—orange and lime—also play a pivotal role in brightening and tenderizing the meat.
Q. How should I control the grill heat for Carne Asada?
For authentic Carne Asada, heat your grill to a high temperature (450–500°F) before placing the steak. The intense heat seals in juices, achieving a flavorful crust while ensuring the inside remains juicy. Grill for 5–6 minutes per side and monitor internal temperature for your desired doneness.
Q. How can I prevent the steak from being tough or dry?
Marinating overnight is key to tenderizing the steak. Always slice across the grain after resting to enhance tenderness, and avoid overcooking—pull the meat at 130°F for medium-rare. Patting the steak dry before grilling helps achieve a crust without steaming.
Q. What is the nutrition breakdown per serving?
Each 180g serving of Carne Asada provides approximately 280 kcal, with 36g protein (52% of calories), 7g carbs (10%), and 11g fat (38%). This ratio makes it high in protein and friendly for those watching carbs.
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