How to Make the Perfect Carne Asada: From Marinade to Grill 🌮🔥

Introduction: What Makes Carne Asada Special?

Carne Asada—literally meaning "grilled meat"—is a Mexican classic that brings bold flavors, smoky char, and the perfect balance of citrus, garlic, and spice to every bite. Whether you're making steak tacos, burritos, or just enjoying a juicy slice of grilled meat, this guide will show you how to marinate, grill, and serve the perfect Carne Asada.

We’ll also link to Primo Mike’s Carne Asada Rub—our handcrafted spice blend designed to give your Carne Asada the authentic Mexican flavor it deserves!

 

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🥩 Best Cuts of Meat for Carne Asada

For the best results, choose cuts that are thin, well-marbled, and quick to grill.

✅ Flank Steak – Lean, flavorful, and absorbs marinade well.
✅ Skirt Steak – Classic choice, full of rich beefy flavor.
✅ Sirloin Steak – More tender than flank or skirt, great for slicing.
✅ Ribeye – Marbled and juicy, for a premium Carne Asada experience.

✔ Pro Tip: Avoid thick steaks—Carne Asada should be grilled quickly over high heat for the perfect char.

 

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🔥 Step 1: The Ultimate Carne Asada Marinade

A great marinade is the key to juicy, flavorful Carne Asada. It enhances the meat with citrus, garlic, and bold spices before hitting the grill.

🥣 Carne Asada Marinade Recipe

✔ 1/3 cup lime juice (fresh-squeezed)
✔ 1/3 cup orange juice (adds mild sweetness)
✔ 2 tbsp olive oil
✔ 2 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
✔ 4 cloves garlic, minced
✔ 1 tbsp cumin
✔ 1 tbsp chili powder
✔ 1 tsp smoked paprika
✔ 1 tsp oregano
✔ 1 tsp black pepper
✔ 1 tsp salt
✔ 1 tbsp Primo Mike’s Carne Asada Rub Shop Now

🔪 How to Marinate Carne Asada:

1️⃣ Place steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
2️⃣ Pour marinade over the meat, making sure it’s fully coated.
3️⃣ Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best for deep flavor).
4️⃣ Before grilling, let the steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.

✔ Pro Tip: Avoid marinating for more than 12 hours, as the acids in citrus can start to "cook" the meat and affect its texture.

 

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🔥 Step 2: Grilling the Perfect Carne Asada

Carne Asada is best cooked over high heat for a quick, smoky sear.

🌡️ How to Grill Carne Asada

✅ Preheat Grill to High Heat (450-500°F). Use a charcoal grill for extra smoky flavor.
✅ Oil the Grates. Prevents sticking and helps get the perfect char.
✅ Grill Steak for 5-7 Minutes Per Side. Flip only once to get those perfect grill marks.
✅ Check Internal Temp:

• 130-135°F (Medium-Rare) – Juicy & slightly pink.

• 140-145°F (Medium) – A bit firmer but still tender.

🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t overcook! Carne Asada should be juicy, not dry.

 

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🔪 Step 3: Resting & Slicing the Meat

After grilling, let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat flavorful and tender.

✅ Slice Against the Grain – This shortens the muscle fibers and makes each bite more tender.
✅ Thin Slices – Carne Asada should be cut thin for tacos, burritos, or plating.

✔ Pro Tip: If your steak is thicker than ½ inch, try pounding it gently with a meat mallet before marinating for extra tenderness.

 

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🌮 Step 4: Serving Carne Asada

Carne Asada is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ways to serve it:

🌮 Carne Asada Tacos

✅ Warm corn tortillas over the grill for a smoky flavor.
✅ Top with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and salsa.
✅ Add guacamole, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime.

🌯 Carne Asada Burritos

✅ Wrap slices in a flour tortilla with rice, beans, salsa, and cheese.

🥗 Carne Asada Bowls

✅ Serve over Mexican rice, black beans, and grilled veggies.

🔥 Pair with These Seasonings & Sauces:
✔ Ojo Rojos Tequila Lime Seasoning – Adds extra zesty, smoky heat.
✔ Deadly Viper Assassination Squad Hot Sauce – For extreme spice lovers.
✔ I Volunteer as Tribute – Aji Pepper Sauce – Fruity heat to balance the smoky char.

 

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🔥 Pro Tips for the Best Carne Asada

✅ Use a Hot Grill: High heat locks in juices and creates the perfect char.
✅ Marinate Overnight: The longer, the more flavorful the meat.
✅ Thin Slices Are Key: Thick cuts won’t give you the right texture.
✅ Fresh Lime Juice: Always use fresh citrus for the best taste.

 

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🌶️ Carne Asada & The Scoville Scale

Want to spice up your Carne Asada? Here’s how different chilies measure up on the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) Scale:

🔥 Shop Our Spicy Carne Asada Rub to take your grilling to the next level!

 

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🛒 Get Everything You Need for Carne Asada!

Now that you know how to make the perfect Carne Asada, it’s time to get the best seasonings, rubs, and sauces to take your dish to the next level!

🔥 Shop Carne Asada Rubs & Hot Sauces Now

 

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