FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You Need My Carne Asada Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Carne Asada
• Cook Time Chart
• My Recipe Tips
• Serving Ideas
• Carne Asada Recipe (With Easy Marinade) Recipe card
• More Easy Mexican Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

Mexican food is by far one of my favorite cuisines. (With all the fajitas , guacamole , and salsa I’ve got here on Wholesome Yum, are you surprised?) It’s usually very easy, almost always packed with fresh, simple ingredients, and the flavors are bright with a hint of spice. It’s the kind of food I want to make again and again. My carne asada recipe is no exception — and combines it with one of my other faves, steak in an amazing marinade. The best part is there are endless ways to turn this one dish into so many different meals. Make it with me for your next Mexican night!

Why You Need My Carne Asada Recipe

• Ultra flavorful, easy marinade – Unlike many carne asada recipes I’ve seen, I love that this marinade doesn’t need many ingredients. And it’s still packed with the classic Mexican flavors you expect: lime, jalapeno, garlic, cilantro, cumin. It reminds me a little bit of chimichurri sauce , but with bolder undertones.
• Juicy steak with the perfect crust – I’m passionate about cooking the perfect steak, and possibly nowhere is it more evident than in my carne asada. It’s super juicy and tender inside, with either grill marks or a crust depending on how you cook it. Which brings me to the next reason I love it…
• 2 ways to cook it – Carne asada literally translates to “grilled meat” or “roast meat” in Spanish. I’ve cooked it both inside and outside, so I’ll show you how to do both.
• Perfect for all kinds of Mexican meals – I’ve totally enjoyed this tender steak as a simple main dish, but you can also use the sliced meat as a component in other recipes. I love it in tacos and salads!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my carne asada steak recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

Cut Of Beef To Use:

You have a few choices — here are my tips to help you decide:

• My top recommendation: Flank steak or skirt steak are my favorites, because these cuts are relatively lean but not too lean. And they’re pretty thin, which means the steak absorbs the carne asada marinade well, cooks quickly, and has plenty of surface area to form a crust.
• For wow factor: If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on hanger steak , I used that once for this recipe and it was incredible.
• Decent option: Sirloin steak will work if that’s what you’ve got, but it usually takes longer to cook and I find it takes on less of the marinade flavor.

Carne Asada Marinade:

In my book, any good marinade has oil, something acidic to tenderize, and salt as the bare minimum. This one has just a few extras for that iconic flavor:

• Olive Oil – The base of the marinade. Avocado oil works, too.
• Lime Juice – The acidity not only adds flavor, it also tenderizes the meat and allows the marinade to penetrate deeper. Lemon juice also works. Some people also add orange juice, but personally I didn’t like this when I tried it.
• Jalapeno – You can include the seeds for a little heat, or remove them for milder result. I recommend wearing gloves when you cut the pepper, so none of its oils will burn your hands (or eyes if you touch them — been there)!
• Garlic – I use fresh garlic, but 2 teaspoons of jarred minced garlic works.
• Fresh Cilantro – For bright, fresh flavor. You can use other fresh herbs if you’re not a fan.
• Spices – I keep it simple with just cumin , sea salt, and black pepper, as the ingredients above are already flavorful. You can add chili powder or paprika if you want a bolder punch.

How To Make Carne Asada

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Make my easy carne asada marinade. In a small bowl (I actually used a jar), whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, jalapeno, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the steaks. Place the steak(s) in a glass baking dish . Pour the marinade over them and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

1. Cook. You can cook carne asada on the grill, or use a grill pan or cast iron skillet on the stovetop. I usually grill it when the weather is nice, but used this grill pan for my pictures here. Preheat to medium-high heat first, then see my time chart below for times and temperatures.

1. Rest before slicing. This is important to let the juices settle — and only takes 5 minutes, so don’t skip it!

Cook Time Chart

In my experience, grilling carne asada and cooking it on the stove takes about the same amount of time. My family likes it medium-rare or medium, but you can choose your desired doneness. Here are the times I tested using 1-inch-thick steaks, and don’t miss my notes below the chart:

• For best results, use a meat thermometer. This probe thermometer is my favorite because I don’t have to monitor and it beeps when my steak is ready, but an instant-read thermometer works as well. The cook exact time will depend on the thickness of your steak.
• These temps are when to stop cooking, not the final. The internal temperature will rise 5 more degrees while resting.
• Your grill can also have an impact. The heat from gas grills (which I used to test this recipe) is not as intense as a charcoal grill, so carne asada might cook a bit faster on a charcoal grill.

My Recipe Tips

• Marinate for as long as you can, up to 24 hours. I used to recommend 2 hours, but now think 3 is the bare minimum. It’s even better overnight so I try to do that. Don’t go over 24 hours, though, or the carne asada meat will turn out mushy.
• If you can, bring your steak to room temperature before cooking. This isn’t absolutely required, but it cooks more evenly if I remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
• Preheat well before cooking. This applies whether you’re using a pan or the grill. You want the surface very hot before you add the meat!
• Slice against the grain. That means opposite the direction of the muscle fibers. This makes each bite more tender!

Serving Ideas

Traditionally, carne asada meat is served as a component of a meal. You can go so many directions with it:

• Tacos or burritos – My favorite carne asada tacos have avocado (or guacamole when I have time), shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, thin sliced red onions, and fresh salsa (or try my avocado salsa verde to change it up). You can do the same with burritos as well, using rice or cauliflower rice .
• Lettuce Wraps – When I want something lighter, I make the tacos above wrapped in lettuce leaves instead.
• Greens – Serve the steak over a bed of greens with fresh veggies, like tomatoes and avocado, like I did above. You can also replace the meat in my taco salad recipe with carne asada.
• Fries Or Nachos – Once I loaded up air fryer french fries with the sliced steak and Mexican toppings. So good! The same concept works with tortilla chips , of course.
• Sides – Pair this Mexican dish with a side of my black bean soup , elote , or cilantro lime cauliflower rice .

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 6 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 6 tbsp Lime juice ▢
• 1 medium Jalapeno (minced) ▢
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped finely) ▢
• 1 tsp Cumin ▢
• 1 1/2 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 2 lb Flank steak (or skirt steak) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the marinade: olive oil, lime juice, minced jalapeno, minced garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the steaks in a single layer in a glass baking dish . Pour the marinade over the steaks and turn to coat.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, up to 24 hours. If you have time, remove the steak from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. (This is optional, but will help the meat cook more evenly.)
4. Preheat an outdoor grill over medium-high heat for at least 10 minutes , or a grill pan (or cast iron skillet) on the stovetop for at least 2-3 minutes .
5. Place the steak(s) on the grill over direct heat, or onto the grill pan or skillet on the stove. (You can discard any remaining marinade.) Cook for 2 minutes per side for rare, 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, 5-6 minutes per side for medium, 7-8 minutes per side for medium-well, or 9-10 minutes per side for well done. For best results, use a probe thermometer or meat thermometer to cook to 120 degrees F for rare, 130 degrees F for medium-rare, 140 degrees F for medium, 150 degrees F for medium-well, or 160 degrees F for well done. (I recommend medium-rare or medium.)
6. Remove from heat and let the carne asada rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain. (The internal temperature will rise an additional 5 degrees.)

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 5-6 ounces of steak

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you make your steak tender and juicy.
• Times and temperatures: See my time chart above for an easier visual of cook times, as well as tips on timing. I recommend this probe thermometer for foolproof cooking.
• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Meal prep: Marinate the steak the day before for a super fast dinner the next day! You can also mix up the marinade a few days in advance.
• Reheat: Wrap the meat in aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes, until warm.
• Freeze: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap, place in a zip lock bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Note on nutrition info: I used half of the marinade ingredients in the calculations, because at least half is discarded.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Carne Asada Recipe

More Easy Mexican Recipes

Mexican-inspired meals are my fave because they’re so fast, easy, and fresh! Try these next:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Carne Asada Recipe (With Easy Marinade)

This easy carne asada recipe has the best marinade for juicy meat, with just 7 common ingredients! It’s perfect for tacos, salad, and more.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/easy-carne-asada-recipe/

Ingredients

• 6 tbsp Olive oil
• 6 tbsp Lime juice
• 1 medium Jalapeno (minced)
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped finely)
• 1 tsp Cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 2 lb Flank steak (or skirt steak)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the marinade: olive oil, lime juice, minced jalapeno, minced garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the steaks in a single layer in a glass baking dish . Pour the marinade over the steaks and turn to coat.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, up to 24 hours. If you have time, remove the steak from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. (This is optional, but will help the meat cook more evenly.)
4. Preheat an outdoor grill over medium-high heat for at least 10 minutes , or a grill pan (or cast iron skillet) on the stovetop for at least 2-3 minutes .
5. Place the steak(s) on the grill over direct heat, or onto the grill pan or skillet on the stove. (You can discard any remaining marinade.) Cook for 2 minutes per side for rare, 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, 5-6 minutes per side for medium, 7-8 minutes per side for medium-well, or 9-10 minutes per side for well done. For best results, use a probe thermometer or meat thermometer to cook to 120 degrees F for rare, 130 degrees F for medium-rare, 140 degrees F for medium, 150 degrees F for medium-well, or 160 degrees F for well done. (I recommend medium-rare or medium.)
6. Remove from heat and let the carne asada rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain. (The internal temperature will rise an additional 5 degrees.)

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 5-6 ounces of steak

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you make your steak tender and juicy.
• Times and temperatures: See my time chart above for an easier visual of cook times, as well as tips on timing. I recommend this probe thermometer for foolproof cooking.
• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Meal prep: Marinate the steak the day before for a super fast dinner the next day! You can also mix up the marinade a few days in advance.
• Reheat: Wrap the meat in aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees F for about 15 minutes, until warm.
• Freeze: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap, place in a zip lock bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Note on nutrition info: I used half of the marinade ingredients in the calculations, because at least half is discarded.

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Keto Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)