Fire up the grill—Memorial Day deserves a recipe that brings people together, and this Carne Asada does exactly that. Bursting with citrus, garlic, jalapeño, and classic Mexican spices, this dish delivers bold, smoky, crowd-pleasing flavor in every bite. Whether you serve it sliced on its own or build a taco bar for guests, this Carne Asada is the kind of backyard favorite that turns a holiday into a tradition. Simple to prep, quick to grill, and perfect for feeding a group, it’s an ideal recipe for warm-weather celebrations.

Duration / Prep Time

  • Prep Time: 15 mins (plus 2–6 hours marinating)
  • Cook Time: 10–14 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: About 1½ pounds cooked steak

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds of flank steak or skirt steak
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar (helps caramelization)
  • Optional: 1/4 cup Mexican lager (adds depth and tenderness)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Marinade
    In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, jalapeños, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Add optional brown sugar or beer if using.
  2. Marinate the Steak
    Place the steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s fully coated.
    Tip: For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate for at least 2 hours and up to 6 hours. Avoid marinating overnight, which can break down the texture too much.
  3. Preheat the Grill
    Heat your grill to high (around 450–500°F). Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the Carne Asada
    Remove steak from marinade and shake off excess.
    Grill 4–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
    Warning: Carne Asada cooks fast—overcooking can make it tough. Aim for medium-rare to medium.
  5. Rest and Slice
    Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
    Slice against the grain as thinly as possible to ensure maximum tenderness.
  6. Serve
    Enjoy with warm tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, lime wedges, or your favorite Memorial Day sides.

Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values

Calories: 320 | Protein: 34g | Fat: 17g | Carbohydrates: 6g | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 2g | Sodium: 580mg

Conclusion

This Memorial Day, Carne Asada brings the perfect mix of smoky, citrusy, and savory flavors that define a great holiday cookout. It’s easy enough for beginners yet impressive enough for seasoned grill lovers. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or creating a festive taco bar, this recipe delivers consistent results that guests will remember long after the grill cools down. Make it once, and it may just become your new yearly Memorial Day tradition.

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