Carne Asada, a delicious grilled beef dish, is a staple in Mexican cuisine known for its flavorful and juicy taste. The secret to its mouth-watering flavor lies in the marinade. This blog post will walk you through the steps to create an authentic Mexican Carne Asada Marinade, ensuring your meat is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Introduction
Carne Asada translates to “grilled meat,” typically referring to a marinated and grilled steak. This dish is often served as a main course or sliced thinly and used in tacos, burritos, or salads. The key to a perfect Carne Asada is in the marinade, which infuses the meat with a robust blend of flavors, ensuring it remains juicy and tender during grilling.
Ingredients
For the Dumplings:
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- ½ cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup finely chopped chives
- 1 large egg
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 chopped stalks celery
- 4 sprigs thyme
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large diced yellow onion
- 2 thinly sliced large leeks
- 6 peeled and sliced medium carrots
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Marinade
- Mix the Marinade Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ¾ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¾ cup of buttermilk, 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground pepper, ½ cup of finely chopped parsley, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ cup of finely chopped chives, and 1 large egg. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Marinate the Meat: Place your choice of meat (typically flank steak or skirt steak) in a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible. Massage the marinade into the meat through the bag to ensure even coverage.
- Refrigerate: Let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
Step 2: Preparing the Chicken (Optional)
- Heat Oil and Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped celery, diced yellow onion, and thinly sliced leeks. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the onions are translucent.
- Add Carrots and Thyme: Add the peeled and sliced carrots and sprigs of thyme to the skillet. Cook for another 5 minutes until the carrots begin to soften.
- Add Flour and Butter: Sprinkle ¼ cup of all-purpose flour over the vegetable mixture and stir to combine. Add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, allowing it to melt and coat the vegetables. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Grilling the Meat
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Meat: Remove the meat from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the meat on the preheated grill. Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the meat and your desired level of doneness.
- Rest the Meat: Once cooked, remove the meat from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it remains juicy and flavorful.
Step 4: Serving Suggestions
- Slice the Meat: Thinly slice the grilled meat against the grain. This helps break down the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender.
- Serve: Serve the Carne Asada with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, guacamole, and lime wedges. You can also use the meat to make delicious tacos, burritos, or salads.
Cooking Notes
- Marinating Time: For the best flavor, marinate the meat for at least 4 hours. Overnight is ideal.
- Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is very hot before adding the meat. A high temperature sears the meat, locking in the juices.
- Resting Time: Always let the meat rest after grilling. This step is crucial for maintaining juiciness and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, while flank steak and skirt steak are traditional, you can use other cuts like sirloin or ribeye. Adjust the grilling time accordingly.
Can I cook Carne Asada indoors? Absolutely. Use a grill pan or a heavy skillet. Ensure it is very hot before adding the meat to achieve a good sear.
How do I store leftovers? Store leftover Carne Asada in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.
Keto/Low Carb Version
To make this recipe keto-friendly, you can replace the flour in the dumplings with almond flour or coconut flour. Ensure the buttermilk is low-carb or replace it with a keto-friendly dairy option.
This Mexican Carne Asada Marinade is the key to unlocking incredibly flavorful and tender grilled meat. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it out and let us know how it turned out for you!
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