If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and easy to make, this Perfect Skillet Carne Asada is exactly what you need. With a marinade that’s loaded with citrus, garlic, and spices, this beef will be so tender it practically melts in your mouth. I always make extra so I can use it in multiple recipes throughout the week. Whether you want to serve it in tacos, burritos, or salads, this carne asada is versatile and delicious. Let’s get into how to make it!
Method
Start by marinating the steak. Place the flank steak in a large pan or ziplock bag. Pour in the olive oil, orange juice, soy sauce, lime juice, mashed garlic, chopped jalapeños, sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, cumin, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the steak is well-coated in the marinade. If you’re using a pan, cover it with foil. Seal the ziplock bag tightly. Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for the best flavor.
Next, prepare to cook. When you’re ready to cook, remove the steak from the marinade and set aside about 1/2 cup of the marinade to use later during the cooking process. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the steak to the pan. Allow it to cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes on one side to develop a nice sear on the meat.
After the first side is seared, flip the steak. Cook the other side for an additional 5 minutes. If you’d like, pour some of the reserved marinade over the steak as it cooks for extra flavor. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning, especially if the pan gets too hot.
Once the steak is cooked to your preferred doneness (about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare), rest the steak. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for about 10 minutes. Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring it remains tender and juicy.Finally, slice and serve. After resting, slice the carne asada against the grain to ensure it stays tender. Serve immediately, or use it in your favorite recipes like tacos, burritos, or salads. Enjoy!
Necessary Tools
- Large pan or ziplock bag for marinating
- Cast iron skillet (or another heavy-duty skillet)
- Knife and cutting board for chopping veggies
- Tongs for flipping the meat
- Measuring cups and spoons
Perfect Skillet Carne Asada: Tender, Flavorful, and Ready for the Week Ahead
Cuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy8
servings15
minutes10
minutes25
minutesIngredients
For the Carne Asada Marinade:
2 lbs flank steak
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
1 lime, juiced
6 cloves garlic, mashed
2 jalapeños, deseeded and chopped finely
1/2 red onion, finely sliced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp cumin
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
Directions
- Marinate the Steak: Begin by placing the flank steak into a large pan or ziplock bag. In the same pan or bag, add the olive oil, orange juice, soy sauce, lime juice, mashed garlic, jalapeños, red onion, cilantro, cumin, and black pepper. Toss everything together to coat the steak well in the marinade. Cover with foil if using a pan, or seal the bag tightly. Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.
- Prepare to Cook: When you’re ready to cook, take the steak out of the marinade. Set aside about 1/2 cup of the marinade to use later during cooking. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the steak. Let it cook undisturbed for 5 minutes on one side. This helps get that nice sear on the meat.
- Flip the Steak: After 5 minutes, flip the steak to the other side and cook for another 5 minutes. If you like, pour some of the reserved marinade over the steak as it cooks for extra flavor.
- Rest the Steak: Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness (5 minutes per side should get you medium-rare), remove it from the skillet. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the carne asada against the grain to ensure it’s tender. Serve immediately, or use it in your favorite dishes!
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Let the steak rest after cooking to lock in all the delicious juices.
- Watch the Heat: Keep an eye on your skillet while cooking. If it’s too hot, the steak can burn quickly, so adjust the heat if needed.
- Check for Doneness: Depending on the thickness of your steak, the cooking time may vary. A meat thermometer can help, with 130°F being medium-rare.
Serving Suggestions
- Tacos: Serve the carne asada in soft corn or flour tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, and cilantro.
- Burritos or Bowls: Add this carne asada to a burrito or a grain bowl with rice, beans, and veggies for a hearty meal.
- Salads: Slice the steak and add it to a big salad for a fresh, filling meal.
- Sandwiches: Serve the carne asada on a sandwich or wrap for a quick lunch.
Fun Fact
Did you know that carne asada means “grilled meat” in Spanish? It’s a popular dish in many Latin American countries, especially in Mexico, and is often cooked over an open flame for that delicious charred flavor!
Conclusion
This Perfect Skillet Carne Asada is a flavorful, tender, and juicy dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or meal prep. With the tangy marinade and simple cooking method, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Use it in tacos, burritos, salads, or enjoy it on its own—it’s sure to become a favorite! Enjoy every flavorful bite!
