Carne Asada (Grilled or Skillet) – Juicy, Flavor-Packed Mexican Steak Recipe

This Carne Asada is everything you want in a flavorful Mexican steak — juicy, tender, citrusy, and brushed with a warm blend of garlic and spices. It cooks beautifully on the grill or stovetop, making it a perfect year-round dinner. Serve it with Mexican Rice for a classic plate, or pair it with fresh toppings like Fresh Homemade Salsa or Classic Guacamole Dip for the ultimate fiesta-style meal.

If you’re building a Mexican night, carne asada is amazing stuffed into warm tortillas, layered with White Queso, or plated alongside dishes such as Mexican Street Corn or crispy Birria Tacos. However you serve it, this steak brings bold, cozy comfort-food flavor to the table — fast, simple, and full of life.

Why You’ll Love This

• Juicy, flavorful steak with bold citrus and spice

• Simple marinade that delivers big, authentic flavor

• Quick-cooking protein perfect for grilling or the stovetop

• Great for tacos, bowls, or serving alongside your favorite sides

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes Marinade Time: 2–6 hours Cook Time: 10–15 minutes Total Time: 2 hrs 30 min Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

For the Marinade

• 2 lbs flank or skirt steak

• 1/3 cup orange juice

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 jalapeño, seeded & minced (optional)

• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp chili powder

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp oregano

• 1/2 tsp salt (more to taste)

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For Serving

• Warm tortillas

• Lime wedges

• Chopped onions & cilantro

• Salsa, guacamole, or rice

Instructions

1. Make the Marinade

1. In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, soy sauce, vinegar, and all spices.

2. Place the steak in a large bag or dish and pour the marinade over top.

3. Marinate 2–6 hours (do not exceed 8 hours or citrus breaks down the meat too much).

2. Grill Method

1. Preheat grill to high heat (450–500°F).

2. Remove steak from marinade and pat lightly to remove excess moisture.

3. Grill 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until medium or medium-rare.

4. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.

3. Skillet Method

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot.

2. Add a drizzle of oil.

3. Sear steak 3–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

4. Let rest before slicing.

4. Serve

Slice thinly and serve with tortillas, rice, salsa, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.

FAQ

1. What cut of meat is best for Carne Asada?

Flank or skirt steak is ideal because it’s thin, flavorful, and cooks quickly. Skirt steak is richer, while flank steak slices beautifully.

2. How long should I marinate carne asada?

2–6 hours is ideal. Avoid past 8 hours — citrus can “over-tenderize” the steak and make the texture mushy.

3. Can I cook carne asada indoors?

Yes! A hot cast-iron skillet or grill pan works perfectly and gives that delicious char flavor.

4. What temperature should carne asada be cooked to?

Medium or medium-rare yields the juiciest results. Remove at 130–135°F (it will rise slightly while resting).

5. Why is my carne asada tough?

Two common reasons:

• It wasn’t sliced against the grain

• It was overcooked (thin steak cooks very fast)

6. Can I freeze carne asada?

Yes!

• Freeze raw steak in the marinade for up to 3 months.

• Cooked sliced steak freezes well, too.

7. What can I serve with carne asada?

Great pairings include:

• Mexican  Tamales

• Mexican Enchiladas

• Chicken Fajitas

• Mexican Street Tacos

• Crispy Birria Tacos

Conclusion

This Carne Asada delivers huge flavor with simple ingredients — bright citrus, warm spices, and a perfect smoky sear. Whether you grill it outside or cook it indoors on a busy weeknight, the result is always juicy, tender, and irresistible. Serve it family-style with warm tortillas and fresh toppings for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings everyone to the table.