Chipotle Carne Asada Recipe

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Chipotle Carne Asada is a flavorful grilled beef dish marinated in a smoky chipotle sauce.

The tender and juicy slices of meat are infused with a hint of spice, making it a mouthwatering choice for those who enjoy bold and robust flavors.

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Why you’ll love this easy recipe

Bursting with flavor: Chipotle Carne Asada is known for its rich, smoky, and spicy flavors.

Tender and Juicy: Carne asada is typically made from flank or skirt steak, grilled to perfection, and then sliced thin, creating a delicious juicy bite.

Versatile: Chipotle Carne Asada can be enjoyed in various ways. You can savor it as the star ingredient in tacos, burritos, or fajitas, where its robust flavor complements other toppings and fillings. It can also be served alongside rice, beans, or grilled vegetables for a hearty and satisfying meal.

What meat is best for carne asada

Carne Asada is traditionally made with flank steak or skirt steak. These cuts of beef are known for their flavor and texture.

You could also use sirloin steak, hanger steak or flat iron steaks to make carne asada.

Simple Ingredients

• Flank Steak – Skirt steak or flat iron steak will work great.
• Olive Oil
• Fresh Lime Juice and Fresh Orange Juice
• Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce – See notes
• Garlic Cloves
• Soy Sauce
• Jalapeno – Chop and include the whole pepper including the seeds for a spicy flavor.
• Dry Spices: Chili Powder, Black Pepper, Oregano, Cumin, Onion Powder, and Paprika.
• Garnish with Fresh Cilantro Leaves and Green Onions

Blend the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce and store any extra sauce

Place the chipotle peppers along with the adobo sauce in a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve the desired consistency. You can strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining seeds or skin if desired.

Freeze extra sauce in a ice cube tray.

1. Pour the pureed or chopped mixture into an ice cube tray, filling each compartment.
2. Place the ice cube tray in the freezer and allow the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to freeze completely. This usually takes a few hours.
3. Once the cubes are fully frozen, remove the tray from the freezer. Pop out the chipotle pepper and adobo sauce cubes from the tray and transfer them into a labeled resealable plastic bag or an airtight container.
4. Return the bag or container to the freezer for long-term storage.

How to make Chipotle Carne Asada

Step 1: In a shallow dish or large ziplock bag, add the carne asada marinade ingredients. Mix the ingredients and add the flank steak. Ensure the steak is covered in the marinade and stored in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.

See notes in the recipe card on processing Chipolte Peppers in Adobo Sauce.

Step 2: Preheat your outdoor grill or grill pan to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Grill for 4 – 6 minutes per side or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of around 135°F. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak.

Step 3: Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 – 10 minutes.

Step 4: To ensure the steak is tender, cut the steak against the grain and into thin strips or small chunks.

Step 5: Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, guacamole, cilantro, red onion, and lime wedges.

What to serve with Carne Asada

• Black Beans – Add beans to a small saucepan, break them up with a potato masher, add lime juice, and warm over medium-low heat. Add shredded cheese before serving.
• Pico de Gallo – You can pick this up at your local grocery store or try this homemade recipe.
• Make steak bowls with cilantro rice, pico de gallo, avocado, grilled corn, and a sour cream lime dressing.
• Create the best steak tacos with flour tortillas and your favorite toppings, including homemade salsa.
• Make a steak salad by adding the meat to your favorite salad ingredients.

Tips for making carne asada steak

• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the meat does not become overcooked.
• Add a spicy flavor using Chipotle Chili Powder or an extra smoky flavor by adding an extra tablespoon of Chipotle in adobo sauce.
• Refrain from overcooking the meat. It will be at most 5 minutes per side. Watch it closely.
• Add oil to your cast iron grill pan before adding the steak.
• Slice against the grain and into thin slices.

Storage

Let the leftover carne asada cool to room temperature before storing.

Fridge: It’s best to slice the meat before storing it in an airtight container so that it will be easier to reheat later. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezer: Buy extra meat, add the marinade, and throw it in the freezer for a quick and easy meal to have later. It will last up to three months in the freezer. I especially like to do this when I find steak on sale.

Reheat: When ready to enjoy the leftover carne asada, reheat it gently to avoid overcooking. You can use methods like stovetop heating in a skillet with a bit of oil or microwaving in short intervals with a splash of water to keep the meat moist. Avoid excessive reheating, as it can lead to dryness.

More Cinco de Mayo recipe ideas

• Avocado Cream Sauce
• Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos
• Taco Soup with Ground Beef
• Cream Cheese Enchilada Casserole
• Mexican Chicken Breast

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