Oh, the sizzle of carne asada on a grill—it’s music to my ears and a feast for the senses. Imagine a summer evening, the aroma of marinated steak mingling with the chatter of friends—pure bliss. I recall a backyard gathering just last month, where the carne asada stole the show, leaving everyone with bellies full and hearts even fuller.
Steps
- In a large glass or ceramic bowl, mix together orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice. Add the chopped cilantro, soy sauce, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, finely chopped chipotle pepper, and oregano, stirring to combine all the ingredients.
- Gradually whisk in olive oil until the mixture is well blended. Set aside 1 cup of the marinade in a small bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for later use after the steak is cooked.
- Place the flank steak between two sheets of heavy plastic, such as resealable freezer bags, on a flat surface. Use the smooth side of a meat mallet to pound the steak to a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- After flattening the steak, pierce it all over with a fork. Submerge the steak in the bowl of marinade, cover, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
- When ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Take the steak out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and discard the leftover marinade.
- Grill the steak on the preheated grill, cooking for about 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the time as needed for your desired level of doneness.
- Remove the steak from the grill and slice it thinly against the grain. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and drizzle with the reserved marinade. Serve immediately.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup of orange juice
- ½ cup of lemon juice
- ? cup of lime juice
- 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup of soy sauce
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon of ground paprika
- 1 tablespoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of finely chopped canned chipotle pepper
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- ½ cup of olive oil
- 3 pounds of flank steak
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2484 | Total Fat: 168g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Cholesterol: 300mg | Sodium: 7680mg | Total Carbohydrate: 72g | Dietary Fiber: 12g | Total Sugars: 24g | Protein: 180g | Vitamin C: 204mg | Calcium: 372mg | Iron: 24mg | Potassium: 3708mg
FAQ
- What is carne asada?
- Carne asada is a traditional Mexican dish consisting of steak marinated in lime juice and various seasonings, then grilled. The term “carne asada” literally translates to “grilled meat.”
- What ingredients are used in a carne asada marinade?
- This marinade includes a mix of fruit juices (orange, lemon, and lime), soy sauce, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, chipotle pepper, and oregano, all combined with olive oil to enhance flavor and keep the steak moist.
- How long should I marinate the carne asada?
- For the best results, marinate the steak for 24 hours. However, if time is limited, even a few hours or overnight in the marinade can improve the flavor.
- How do I cook carne asada after marinating it?
- After marinating, grill the steak on a preheated outdoor grill set to medium-high heat. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side for a medium-rare finish, then slice across the grain and serve with the reserved marinade.
- Can I make adjustments to the marinade to suit my taste?
- Yes, you can modify the marinade ingredients to suit your preferences. For instance, adding more garlic or using red pepper instead of paprika can adjust the flavor and heat level to your liking.
Tips
- For enhanced flavor, ensure that you marinate the steak for a full 24 hours. This allows the meat to absorb all the delicious flavors from the marinade, resulting in a tender and flavorful carne asada.
- Use a meat mallet to pound the steak to a thickness of 1/4 inch. This not only helps the marinade penetrate the meat more effectively but also ensures even cooking on the grill.
- Reserve 1 cup of the marinade before adding the steak. This reserved marinade can be poured over the cooked steak for an extra burst of flavor when serving.
- For optimal grilling results, cook the steak over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness.
Equipment
- Meat mallet
- Outdoor grill (if not already available)
- Grilling accessories, such as a grill brush or grilling tongs (if not already available)
