Cilantro Lime Carne Asada Recipe

Introduction

Cilantro Lime Carne Asada is a vibrant and flavorful grilled steak dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Marinated in zesty lime juice and fresh cilantro, this carne asada offers a tender, juicy bite every time.

Ingredients

• 1½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1½ teaspoons paprika
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon oregano
• 2 pounds flank steak
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Mix all of the ingredients for the carne asada seasoning together in a small bowl.
2. Step 2: In a zip top bag or container, combine the flank steak with the seasoning mix, lime juice, cilantro, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Seal and let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
3. Step 3: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Brush the grill with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
4. Step 4: Place the flank steak on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
5. Step 5: Remove the steak from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the steak overnight in the refrigerator.
• Use skirt steak as an alternative for a similar texture and taste.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a bit of heat.
• Serve with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, and guacamole for an authentic meal.

Storage

Store any leftover carne asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to avoid overcooking, or serve cold in salads or tacos.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, skirt steak or sirloin can be used, though cooking times may vary slightly. Flank steak is preferred for its tenderness and flavor when grilled.

How long should I marinate the steak?

The steak can marinate for as little as 20 minutes, but for deeper flavor, marinate for 2 to 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Cilantro Lime Carne Asada Recipe

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4.9 from 442 reviews

This Cilantro Lime Carne Asada recipe features a flavorful marinade combining chili powder, garlic, cumin, and fresh lime juice, resulting in tender and zesty grilled flank steak. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue, it’s easy to prepare and delivers vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Spice Mix

• 1½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
• 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
• 1½ teaspoons paprika
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¾ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon oregano

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds flank steak
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2–3 limes)
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Make the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Mix well to create the carne asada seasoning.
2. Marinate the steak: Place the flank steak into a zip-top bag or container. Add the seasoning mix, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Seal and toss to coat the steak evenly. Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
3. Preheat the grill: Heat your outdoor grill or grill pan over medium heat. Use the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to brush the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the steak: Place the marinated flank steak on the hot grill. Cook for 4-6 minutes on one side until a nice sear forms. Flip and grill the other side until the steak reaches your preferred level of doneness (medium-rare to medium is recommended).
5. Rest and slice: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute. Then, slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or tortillas.

Notes

• For deeper flavor, marinate the steak for up to 2 hours or overnight.
• You can substitute flank steak with skirt steak if preferred.
• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best citrus flavor.
• Serve with warm corn tortillas, guacamole, and pico de gallo for a classic Mexican meal.
• If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or cast iron skillet can be used to achieve a similar sear.

Keywords: Carne Asada, grilled steak, Mexican cuisine, cilantro lime steak, flank steak recipe, summer grilling