Introduction
Carne asada is a classic Mexican dish of grilled and marinated beef. When done right, carne asada is juicy, flavorful and delicious. Grilling carne asada is simple but there are some tips and tricks to get that perfect char while keeping the inside tender. Follow this guide to learn the secrets of how to bbq the best carne asada.
What is Carne Asada?
Carne asada translates to “grilled meat” in Spanish. It consists of thin strips of beef marinated in a blend of flavors like garlic, lime juice, cilantro, and chilies. The meat is quickly seared over high heat on a grill to create a crisp char while the inside stays nice and juicy. Carne asada makes for amazing tacos, burritos, nachos and more.
How to Choose the Right Cut of Meat
The cut of beef you choose is vital for tasty carne asada. Here are some top options:
- Flap or Flank Steak – This thin, long cut has good marbling which keeps it tender when grilling. It’s a top choice for carne asada.
- Skirt Steak – Skirt steak has a loose texture that soaks up the marinade well. It gets nicely charred on the outside.
- Hanger Steak – Hanger steak has a robust beefy flavor that pairs perfectly with zesty Mexican marinades.
- Sirloin Flap – Also called flap meat, this is another excellent cut for carne asada with good marbling.
For best results, choose a thinner cut of steak around 1/2 inch thick. Thicker cuts won’t absorb the marinade as well.
How to Marinate the Meat
A good marinade really makes or breaks carne asada. The marinade should be bold, bright and fresh to stand up to the hearty beef. Here are some tips for killer carne asada marinade:
- Use lime juice – Lime adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the meat. Juice from 3-4 limes per 1-2 pounds of meat is ideal.
- Chopped cilantro – A handful of chopped cilantro adds fresh herbal flavor.
- Minced garlic – Garlic amps up the marinade flavor. Use 2-3 cloves per pound of meat.
- Chili powder – For a touch of heat, add 1-2 teaspoons chili powder. Ancho or guajillo work well.
- Olive oil – Use 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil to help the marinade coat the meat.
- Salt and pepper – Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Orange juice – For a citrusy twist, use fresh orange juice instead of some of the lime.
- Cumin – A sprinkle of cumin adds earthiness and complements the lime and cilantro.
Mix the ingredients to form a wet paste-like marinade. Place the steak strips in a shallow dish and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, turning occasionally. Don’t marinate for longer than 2 hours or the acid can start to break down the meat.
How to Grill Carne Asada
Grilling the meat over high, direct heat is key for creating that signature char while keeping the inside juicy. Follow these tips:
Prep the Meat
- Pat the meat dry before grilling to help it caramelize.
- Brush or rub a thin coating of oil on the meat so it doesn’t stick.
Heat the Grill
- Use a gas or charcoal grill and heat to high heat.
- Clean the grates well so the meat doesn’t stick.
Grill the Meat
- Place the meat directly over the heat. Resist moving it too early or it won’t get a good char.
- Grill for just 2-3 minutes per side.
- Use tongs to flip each piece and check for charring.
- Avoid overcooking or it will dry out. Carne asada cooks fast so watch closely.
- Grill any fatty areas of meat first to render the fat before the leaner parts.
Let Meat Rest
- After grilling, transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Let rest 5 minutes so juices redistribute evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Carne asada is extremely versatile. Here are some popular ways to serve it:
- Chopped or sliced for tacos and burritos
- Diced into a salad
- Served over nachos
- On quesadillas or tostadas
- Inside enchiladas or tamales
- As the protein in bowls or plates with rice, beans, pico de gallo and more
No matter how you serve it up, perfectly grilled carne asada takes any dish to the next level!
FAQs About BBQ Carne Asada
What is the best cut of meat for carne asada?
Flank, skirt and hanger steak are ideal cuts for carne asada because they are thin, absorb marinade well and get nice and charred on the grill. Look for cuts around 1/2 inch thick.
How long should you marinate carne asada?
Only marinate for 1-2 hours. Any longer and the acid from the lime juice can start to break down the meat texture.
What is in authentic carne asada marinade?
A classic carne asada marinade contains lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, olive oil, chili powder, salt and pepper. Orange juice and cumin are also popular additions.
Should carne asada be grilled on high or low heat?
Use high direct heat between 450-550°F to quickly sear and char the meat while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Avoid grilling on low heat which will overcook the meat.
How do you keep carne asada juicy on the grill?
Patting meat dry, oiling before grilling, minimal flipping, and resting after cooking all help keep carne asada juicy. Avoid overcooking by grilling just 2-3 minutes per side over high heat.
Conclusion
From selecting the right cut to marinating and grilling, follow these tips and you’ll be a carne asada pro in no time. Well-made carne asada is an amazing addition to tacos, burritos, nachos, salads and beyond. With flavorful marinade and perfect grilling technique, you can make restaurant-worthy carne asada right at home. Your friends and family will be begging for the recipe!