If youre looking for a simple, portable, exceptionally flavorful Mexican dish, chances are youll be ordering a street taco. While there are plenty of fillings to choose from, its hard to go wrong with delicious carne asada. Seriously though — could a bite be any more perfect? Grilled steak topped with chopped cilantro, white onions, and a dribble of salsa to taste, all riding atop a fresh flour or corn tortilla? Already that sounds like edible heaven, but theres more to this Mexican culinary treat than meets the eye.
From understanding its roots in Northern Mexico and role as a social fixture within the community to tips on preparing the dish at home including marinades, which charcoal is best, and choosing the right cut of beef, were here to unveil the untold truth of carne asada. Fire up the grill or have your delivery app open and ready, because if youre anything like us, reading all about it will have you craving carne asada stat!
Carne asada is grilled and sliced beef, usually skirt steak, flap steak, or flank steak though chuck steak (known as diezmillo in Spanish) can also be used. It is usually marinated then grilled or seared to impart a charred flavor.
Why does it taste so good even if you skimp on seasoning?
You instantly know the difference between boiled and grilled meat. We dont know whos still out there boiling their proteins, but if thats you, please stop. Skipping the process of grilling, baking, or pan-frying your meat cancels out any opportunity for that delicious charred or caramelized taste you know and love. We might consider this transformation from raw steak to carne asada simply a matter of “cooking,” but you owe that instantly recognizable flavor to the Maillard reaction.
For anyone who geeks out on chemistry, this ones for you! Whats happening here? According to Science of Cooking, “the Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction between an amino acid and a reducing sugar, usually requiring the addition of heat.” This chemical reaction creates new flavors and aromas within the food while cooking. Not only does the Maillard reaction change the taste of your meat, but it also produces the browning that we usually see as a sign that your food is cooked and ready to plate.
Mouth-watering additions to your carne asada
Technically, while carne asada tastes amazing all on its own, the meat is simply the main protein. Once youve finished grilling your carne asada, what you decide to do with your marinated, charred steak is up to you! Most people opt for carne asada tacos, and what is a taco without toppings? Cilantro and chopped green onions are typical additions, though you are more than welcome to branch out by including a scoop of homemade guacamole or a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
If youre a fan of spice, dont forget the salsa! Mixing up a mild pico de gallo or spicy salsa roja at home and pairing it with your carne asada is a game changer. You can even just add a few dashes of grocery store hot sauce — were big fans of Valentina Salsa Picante from Guadalajara, Jalisco for its balanced flavor profile and a simple list of ingredients you can understand without breaking out a dictionary.
Carne Asada Preparation
FAQ
Is carne asada a cow or pig?
What meat is carne asada made from?
Is carne asada goat meat?
How did carne asada originate?
What is carne asada?
There are many varieties of carne asada throughout Latin America, and in some places, the whole process of grilling meat over open flames is referred to simply as an asado. Because beef is the primary type of protein used in making carne asada, this type of preparation is common in countries with significant cattle ranching cultures.
What meat is used in carne asada?
The phrase translates to “grilled meat,” which is the dish’s critical element. The meat used for carne asada is typically a cut of beef such as flank steak, skirt steak, or chuck. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD: Elevate Your Meat Game with 3 Exclusive Guides → The meat is marinated before grilling.
What does carne asada taste like?
Carne asada is typically made with lean cuts of beef, such as skirt steak or flank steak, which are best for getting a thin slice. If you’re wondering how carne asada tastes, it has a citrusy flavor from the marinade, but gets a smoky char from the grill. It also features Mexican flavors from ingredients like lime juice, garlic, onion, and peppers.
Is carne asada the same as steak?
Carne asada is often confused with steak, but they are not the same thing. Regular steak tends to be thicker, while carne asada is thinner and oftentimes more flavorful since it’s marinated for a longer period of time. Making carne asada takes some time and preparation, but it’s worth it for the myriad of ways you can eat it.