Carne Asada Recipe
Juicy flank steak marinated in fresh lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and warm spices, then grilled over high heat for bold char and tender texture.
Ingredients
Steak
- 1.5 pounds flank steak Choose a piece with light marbling and even thickness
Citrus Garlic Marinade
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 6 tablespoons fresh lime juice Juice of about 3 fresh limes
- 4 cloves garlic Finely minced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro Chopped, including tender stems
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder Adjust to taste
- salt To taste
- black pepper Freshly cracked, to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Place the flank steak in a glass baking dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the steak and turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours, flipping halfway if possible. Do not exceed 8 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and let excess drip off. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes on the first side without moving, then flip and cook another 5 to 7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 130 to 135°F for medium-rare.
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice the steak against the grain at a slight angle using a sharp knife. Serve as slices or chopped for tacos, bowls, or fries.
Notes
For indoor cooking, use a very hot cast iron skillet or grill pan to achieve a similar char. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing.
This recipe is naturally gluten free when served with corn tortillas and simple toppings.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat quickly in a hot skillet to restore texture.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
- Calories: 276 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 68 mg
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Potassium: 445 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Vitamin A: 161 IU
- Vitamin C: 11 mg
- Calcium: 43 mg
- Iron: 2 mg