March 18, 2025

How to Prepare Carne Asada al Cilantro

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This authentic Mexican carne asada al Cilantro recipe marinates skirt steak in a cilantro-beer marinade before it is expertly cooked. Serve with corn tortillas and drunken beans on the side. If desired, replace the skirt steak with flank steak.

Carne asada, which means “grilled meat” in Spanish, is a mainstay of Mexican cooking. The recipe is elevated by the inclusion of cilantro, which gives it a crisp, herbaceous flavour that goes well with the charred, smoky beef. Carne Asada al Cilantro is typically served with fresh salsa, warm tortillas, and lime juice.

Ingredients for Carne Asada al Cilantro

For the Marinade:

2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For Serving:

Warm corn or flour tortillas
Pico de gallo
Sliced avocado or guacamole
Crumbled queso fresco
Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Marinade

The cilantro, garlic, lime juice, orange juice, cumin, chilli powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes should all be whisked together in a big bowl. The meat will become more soft and flavourful from this marinade.

Step 2 – Marinate the Steak

Put the steak in a plastic bag that can be sealed or in a shallow plate. Make sure the steak is evenly coated after pouring the marinade over it. For optimal effects, leave it in the refrigerator overnight or for at least two hours.

Step 3 – Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to 400°F to 450°F, or medium-high heat. You can cook with a cast-iron skillet or grill pan on the stovetop if you don’t have a grill.

Step 4 – Grill the Steak

After taking the steak out of the marinade, allow the excess to fall off. To achieve a medium-rare to medium doneness, place it on the hot grill and cook it for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, depending on its thickness. Cook for a further two to three minutes on each side if you like your steak well-done.

Step 5 – Rest and Slice

After grilling, move the steak to a cutting board and give it five to ten minutes to rest. This keeps the meat moist and tender by allowing the liquids to disperse. For optimal tenderness, cut the steak into thin strips against the grain.

Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Carne Asada al Cilantro with warm tortillas, avocado, queso fresco, pico de gallo, and lime juice. Savour it with rice and beans, tacos, or burritos.

Best Advice for the Greatest Cilantro Carne Asada

✅ Use Fresh Cilantro: The fresher the cilantro, the more vibrant the flavor.
✅ Don’t Skip the Marinade Time: Letting the steak marinate for at least 2 hours ensures maximum flavor infusion.
✅ High Heat is Key: A hot grill or pan gives you that authentic charred crust while keeping the inside juicy.
✅ Slice Against the Grain: This makes the steak tender and easy to chew.

Suggestions for Pairing

Pair Carne Asada al Cilantro with these delicious sides:

Health Benefits of Cilantro in This Recipe

Cilantro not only adds a fresh taste but also offers numerous health benefits:

Rich in Antioxidants – Helps fight inflammation.
Aids Digestion – Supports gut health and detoxification.
Vitamin & Mineral Boost – Provides vitamin A, K, and potassium.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Protein: 27g
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 580mg

A straightforward yet tasty dish that brings real Mexican flavours to your table is carne asada al cilantro. This dish is sure to be a hit whether you’re having a taco night or a weekend barbecue! 🌮🔥