RP
RecipePoolDiscover your next favorite recipe
  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Roundups
  • Meal Plans
  • Guides
  • About
Search
Browse
IngredientsCuisineDietMethodOccasion

Main Navigation

  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Roundups
  • Meal Plans
  • Guides
  • About

Browse Faster

IngredientsCuisineDietMethodOccasion
Follow RecipePool on Pinterest
RecipePool

1,784+ tested recipes

Thoughtfully tested recipes, seasonal inspiration, and cooking guides to help you make something delicious every day.

Get weekly recipe inspiration

Explore

  • Recipes
  • Collections
  • Roundups
  • Seasonal
  • Products
  • Meal Plans
  • Guides
  • Ingredients

Browse By

  • Cuisine
  • Diet
  • Method
  • Occasion

Company

  • About
  • Contact
  • Editorial Policy
  • Recipe Testing
  • Privacy
  • Terms

© 2026 RecipePool. All rights reserved.

HomeSearchCollectionsSaved
  1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Carne Asada
Close-up photo of grilled beef topped with onions, accompanied by fries and lettuce.

Citrus-marinated grilled steak Mexican-style

Carne Asada

Carne Asada

30 minEasy

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

10 min

Total Time

30 min

Servings

6

2 lbs cooked steak

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Moderate

$$

Be the first to rate this recipe
Share

Carne Asada

Citrus-marinated grilled steak Mexican-style

Flank steak marinated in a zesty citrus-garlic blend and grilled over high heat until charred and juicy. The foundation of the best tacos, burritos, and plates.

20m

Prep Time

10m

Cook Time

30m

Total Time

6

Servings

Easy

Difficulty

Moderate $$

Cost

Mexican CuisineMain CourseGluten-FreeKeto
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

February 22, 2023(Updated April 13, 2026)

True carne asada starts with a bold citrus marinade that tenderizes the beef and infuses it with bright flavor. Grilling over the hottest fire possible creates the essential charred crust.

Why This Recipe Works

The acidity in citrus juice tenderizes the surface proteins of the flank steak while adding flavor. Slicing against the grain after resting transforms this lean cut into tender, juicy bites.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs flank steak
  • 1/3 cup lime juice (about 4 limes)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
PrecisionUtility

Test Kitchen Pick

Thermometer

Helpful Tool

Why a thermometer helps here

This is the kind of recipe where doneness changes the result fast. A quick thermometer helps you pull it at the right moment instead of guessing.

The easiest upgrade here is accuracy, not another pan.

  • Makes doneness more repeatable
  • Helps avoid dry or overcooked protein

If you cook meat or fish regularly, an instant-read thermometer gets used constantly.

Shop thermometer options for this recipe

Instructions

  1. 1

    Whisk lime juice, orange juice, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, 2 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over steak in a zip-lock bag.

  2. 2

    Marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours. Do not exceed 8 hours or the citrus will make the meat mushy.

  3. 3

    Remove steak from marinade and pat dry. Let come to room temperature for 20 minutes.

  4. 4

    Grill over the highest heat possible for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.

  5. 5

    Rest 10 minutes, then slice very thinly against the grain. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and guacamole.

Serving Suggestions

Ways to Serve This Dish

  • Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges

  • Top with crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado

  • Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans

Substitutions

Flank steakSkirt steak

More marbling and beefy flavor; slightly more expensive

JalapeñoSerrano pepper

Hotter but adds more authentic Mexican heat

Tips & Storage

Pro Tips

  • Do not over-marinate—citrus acid breaks down meat fibers and can make the texture mushy after 8 hours.

  • Slice as thinly as possible against the grain for the most tender bites.

Storage

Refrigerate sliced meat for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat quickly in a hot skillet or on the grill to preserve texture.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (95mg) · 6 servings

Calories280
LowModerateHigh

A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet

Protein36g
Carbohydrates12g
Fat3g
Fiber320mg
Sugar0g
Sodium1g

Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cut is best for carne asada?
Flank steak and skirt steak are traditional. Flank is leaner; skirt has more fat and flavor.
Can I use this in burritos?
Absolutely—carne asada is perfect for tacos, burritos, nachos, and rice bowls.

Explore More

More Mexican RecipesMore Main CourseGluten-Free RecipesKeto RecipesGrill Recipes
Sarah Chen

About Sarah Chen

Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.

View all recipes →

Some product links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate RecipePool earns from qualifying purchases.

Related Recipes

Grilled lamb lollipops arranged on a plate with mint garnish

Grilled Lamb Lollipops

18 min

Japanese yakitori beef skewers with glossy tare glaze

Yakitori Beef Skewers

28 min

Grilled chicken skewer served on a stylish black plate, perfect for Asian cuisine lovers.

Chicken Yakitori

30 min

Grilled portobello burger on a bun with toppings

Grilled Portobello Burgers

25 min

Slices of grilled halloumi with grill marks and herbs

Grilled Halloumi

11 min

Sizzling grilled steak with chimichurri, served with roasted potatoes and fresh tomatoes on a slate board.

Chimichurri Grilled Steak

27 min

You Might Also Like

Grilled lamb lollipops arranged on a plate with mint garnish
Gluten-FreeKeto
Medium

Mediterranean

Grilled Lamb Lollipops

18 min4 servings
View Recipe

Grilled Lamb Lollipops

18 min•Medium
Japanese yakitori beef skewers with glossy tare glaze
Dairy-Free
Easy

Japanese

Yakitori Beef Skewers

28 min4 servings
View Recipe

Yakitori Beef Skewers

28 min•Easy
Grilled chicken skewer served on a stylish black plate, perfect for Asian cuisine lovers.
Dairy-Free
Easy

Japanese

Chicken Yakitori

30 min4 servings
View Recipe

Chicken Yakitori

30 min•Easy
Grilled portobello burger on a bun with toppings
Vegetarian
Easy

Grilled Portobello Burgers

25 min4 servings
View Recipe

Grilled Portobello Burgers

25 min•Easy
Slices of grilled halloumi with grill marks and herbs
VegetarianGluten-Free
Easy

Mediterranean

Grilled Halloumi

11 min4 servings
View Recipe

Grilled Halloumi

11 min•Easy
Sizzling grilled steak with chimichurri, served with roasted potatoes and fresh tomatoes on a slate board.
Gluten-FreeKeto
Medium

Chimichurri Grilled Steak

27 min4 servings
View Recipe

Chimichurri Grilled Steak

27 min•Medium
See more Mexican recipes →