Carne Asada
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Carne asada, which translates as “roast meat,” is a festive and flavorful dish of thinly sliced marinated beef. The key to making amazing carne asada is a marinade that strikes the right balance of spicy, sweet and savory flavors.
Any cook who loves carne asada is likely to have their own secret blend of herbs, spices and marinating liquid and we’re thrilled Darlene has shared hers for the Primal Blueprint Cookbook Contest. (Enter your own Primal recipes for a chance to win a Primal prize package and to be included in the reader-created Primal Blueprint Cookbook. View all the details and the current theme here.)
When the ingredients for this marinade are all chopped and mixed together, take a long, deep whiff. The aroma of the marinade hints at the flavor to come. Warm spices, refreshing lime, the sweet scent of oranges and the malty aroma of beer will have you salivating and counting the minutes until the meat goes on the grill. The marinade doesn’t just add flavor; the acidity in the citrus fruits and beer helps tenderize the meat, too. The alcohol will burn off as the steak cooks but the flavor of the beer will subtly enhance the carne asada. Choose a darker beer for a richer, more intense flavor.
Serve carne asada over shredded lettuce with slices of avocado or guacamole and a garnish of pico de gallo or salsa.
Darlene’s Mexican Carne Asada
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds (grass fed) flank steak
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Pinch cayenne pepper
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 orange, juiced
- 8 to 12 ounces beer (or beef broth)
Directions:
Slice the flank steak on the diagonal into thin strips.
Combine all ingredients in a large Ziploc bag or in a shallow dish (meat should be completely covered in liquid).
Marinate in the refrigerator at least 3 hours. Take out and drain off the marinade. Lightly salt the steak. The meat can be cooked in a skillet with coconut oil or grilled.
Cook 3-6 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
Pico de Gallo
Ingredients:
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- Juice from half a lime
Directions:
Mix together ingredients. Add salt to taste.
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Posted By: Mark Sisson
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yes, please!
oh I am so thrilled Mark that you picked one of my recipes! this is one we love! I am originally from Arizona and we love our carne asada there! thank you so much Mark! you made my day! xoxo Darlene (Primal Goddess)
Whoo, AZ represent! You know we love that carne asada here. I grew up on it coming from a Mexican family. I’m so ready to make this myself for once! Mmmm! Mm!
Darlene,
Looks great! And especially the nice Belgian beer (Grimbergen) will make this really great, it always does. Also very nice in meat stews.
Will defenitely try this one, thanks for sharing
Or just go to the local taco shop, order a carne asada burrito, eat the contents, and throw the tortilla away. My favorite primal fast food.
Helps if you live in San Diego.
Great recipe Darlene! I will be making this tomorrow, lol.
I know what i am eating tomorow night !
Great recipe !
Thanks
One of my favorites, my wife’s family being of Mexican descent.
One suggestion I’d make: grill the meat whole and slice it after cooking. Then cut a bunch of fresh limes in half and squeeze all over the freshly sliced meat.
I literally just got back from the butcher with some nice flank steak! Looks delicious. Thanks.
This one had my mouth watering! Can’t wait to try it!!!!
This looks so delicious!
This sounds anad looks delicious, thanks for sharing
sorry and looks delicious
I have done it both ways where I sliced it first and then cooked it whole
I always like slicing it first seems more of the marinade gets to all sides of the meat ..xoxo Darlene
I think we need a Seattle Primal Group Carne Asada Meet Up.
Looks good. I’m kind of a carne asada fanatic and learned how to prepare it from my cousins Mexican wife. Traditionally you’d want to marinate the meat over night. It’s pretty hard to over marinate flank/skirt steak.
One tip is to put the meat in the freezer for about an hour prior to slicing. Makes it much easier to make those thin slices prior to marination.
YUM! I LOVE carne asada! This is similar to my recipe but I never thought to add beer – interesting. I’m trying that next time with my bison flank steak.
Thank you!
Hmmmm Very MMMM.
Just wanted to say that I made this last night (with slight modifications) and it was delicious! Never thought that such an inexpensive cut of meat could be so tender, juicy and bursting with flavor. Thanks, Darlene and Mark!