Carne Asada al Cilantro is a celebration of bold Mexican flavors, where tender cuts of steak soak in a vibrant marinade of fresh cilantro, garlic, cumin, and vinegar. Grilled to perfection, the steak develops a smoky char that balances beautifully with the herbaceous citrus notes of the marinade. Sliced thin and served with tortillas, this dish is both comforting and festive, making it perfect for family gatherings or summer cookouts.
What makes this dish shine is its versatility. You can enjoy it straight off the grill with a squeeze of lime, tucked into tacos, or paired with rice and beans for a hearty meal. With minimal prep and a short marinating time, this steak brings authentic flavors to your table without complicated steps. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this carne asada guarantees to impress.
Full Recipe:
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1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
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1/2 cup olive oil
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1/3 cup white vinegar
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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2 pounds flank or skirt steak
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine cilantro, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well blended.
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Place steak into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight for maximum flavor).
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Preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
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Remove steak from the marinade and let excess drip off. Discard leftover marinade.
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Grill steak for 5–7 minutes per side, or until desired doneness is reached. For medium-rare, internal temperature should be about 135°F (57°C).
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Transfer steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
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Slice thinly across the grain and serve with warm tortillas, salsa, or your favorite toppings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Marinate Time: 1 hour | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Story Behind Carne Asada al Cilantro
Carne Asada is one of the most beloved dishes in Mexican and Latin American cuisine, a meal that brings people together around the grill with the irresistible aroma of sizzling beef. Traditionally, “carne asada” translates to “grilled meat,” but it’s more than just food—it’s a culinary ritual, a centerpiece for family gatherings, fiestas, and Sunday cookouts. The special touch of cilantro in the marinade adds a vibrant, herbaceous flavor that elevates the dish from simple grilled steak to something unforgettable.
Carne Asada al Cilantro, as its name suggests, highlights cilantro as the star ingredient. This bright green herb, often considered polarizing, finds its perfect partner in beef. Combined with garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and spices, cilantro transforms the marinade into a bold yet refreshing balance of flavors. Grilled until smoky and sliced thin against the grain, the steak carries both tenderness and depth, making it perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or as the main feature of a feast.
Cultural Roots of Carne Asada
In Mexico and across Latin America, carne asada is more than a meal—it’s an event. Families and friends gather around the grill (la parrilla), sharing laughter, music, and stories while the meat cooks over open flames. The dish has deep regional variations: in Northern Mexico, you’ll often find it served with flour tortillas, while in the southern regions corn tortillas dominate. Salsas, guacamole, roasted peppers, and beans are common accompaniments, reflecting local traditions and agricultural bounty.
Carne Asada al Cilantro draws from these traditions but gives cilantro a starring role, offering a fresher, greener twist on the classic preparation. This makes it appealing not only to traditionalists but also to modern food lovers seeking lighter, brighter flavor profiles.
The Magic of Cilantro in Marinades
Cilantro is often described as fresh, citrusy, and slightly peppery, with some even detecting hints of lemon. In a marinade, cilantro works in two ways: flavor and tenderization. The herb’s natural oils penetrate the beef fibers, infusing them with brightness that balances the richness of red meat. Paired with vinegar, the marinade gently tenderizes the steak, ensuring that when it hits the grill, it cooks up both flavorful and juicy.
Unlike marinades that rely solely on heavy spices or sugar, cilantro provides a cleaner, garden-fresh taste. This makes Carne Asada al Cilantro particularly refreshing, even when paired with hearty sides like beans and rice. It’s also an excellent choice for summer barbecues, as the flavors feel light and zesty while still deeply satisfying.
Choosing the Best Cut of Meat
A key element in preparing carne asada is choosing the right cut of beef. While flank steak and skirt steak are traditional, other cuts like sirloin or flat iron steak can work beautifully with this cilantro-based marinade. Flank and skirt steaks are particularly prized because they are thin, cook quickly, and absorb marinades well. Their texture, when sliced properly against the grain, is tender and perfect for tacos or fajitas.
When buying beef, look for cuts with good marbling—thin streaks of fat throughout the meat—as this enhances flavor during grilling. The cilantro marinade complements the meat’s natural richness without overpowering it, striking the perfect balance between freshness and smokiness.
Tips for Grilling Success
Grilling carne asada might seem straightforward, but a few expert tips can take it from good to exceptional:
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High heat is essential. Cooking the steak over medium-high to high heat creates that irresistible char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
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Don’t over-marinate. While it’s tempting to marinate overnight, too much acid from vinegar can begin breaking down the meat excessively, altering its texture. One to eight hours is ideal.
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Rest before slicing. Allowing the steak to rest for at least five minutes after grilling lets the juices redistribute, ensuring tender, flavorful bites.
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Slice against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers and prevents chewiness, a must for skirt and flank steaks.
These small adjustments can make a big difference in how Carne Asada al Cilantro turns out, whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
Carne Asada al Cilantro shines when paired with classic Mexican sides and toppings. Warm tortillas are the most traditional choice, letting you build tacos filled with tender steak, salsa fresca, avocado, and a squeeze of lime. Beyond tacos, there are endless ways to serve it:
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Over Mexican rice with black beans and roasted vegetables
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Inside a burrito with grilled peppers and onions
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As a carne asada bowl with lettuce, corn, pico de gallo, and queso fresco
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Alongside a fresh salad for a lighter option
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With chimichurri sauce for an extra herbaceous punch
This versatility is part of what makes carne asada so beloved—it’s adaptable to different occasions and preferences, while always delivering bold flavor.
Nutritional Highlights
Beyond taste, Carne Asada al Cilantro offers nutritional benefits. Beef is a strong source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, making it ideal for supporting energy levels and muscle recovery. The cilantro marinade, rich in antioxidants, adds nutritional value while reducing the need for heavier, calorie-dense sauces. Olive oil provides healthy fats, and garlic contributes anti-inflammatory properties.
Of course, portion control is key, especially when pairing the steak with carb-heavy sides. Balanced with vegetables and fresh toppings, carne asada can be part of a wholesome, nourishing meal.
Variations to Try
While the classic cilantro marinade is delightful, there are several creative variations you can experiment with:
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Cilantro and Lime: Add fresh lime juice for even more citrus zing.
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Spicy Twist: Blend in jalapeños or chili flakes for a fiery kick.
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Smoky Flavor: Add smoked paprika or chipotle for depth.
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Herb Blend: Combine cilantro with parsley and oregano for a layered flavor.
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Citrus Fusion: Mix orange juice with cilantro for a sweeter, tropical note.
These variations ensure that Carne Asada al Cilantro never feels repetitive—you can adjust it to the season, your guests’ preferences, or even your mood.
Why This Dish Stands Out
Carne Asada al Cilantro is unique because it bridges tradition and modern freshness. While many carne asada recipes emphasize bold, heavy spices, this version leans on the brightness of cilantro to create something lighter, more versatile, and refreshing. It still delivers the smoky, meaty satisfaction you expect from grilled steak, but with a herbal twist that feels perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Conclusion
Carne Asada al Cilantro is more than just grilled beef—it’s a dish rooted in tradition, enriched by cultural gatherings, and elevated by the simple power of fresh herbs. Its cilantro marinade infuses the meat with brightness and tenderness, ensuring every slice bursts with flavor. Easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining, this dish deserves a permanent place in your cooking repertoire.
Whether tucked into tacos, served over rice, or enjoyed on its own with a squeeze of lime, Carne Asada al Cilantro embodies the essence of Mexican cuisine: bold, vibrant, and meant to be shared. For anyone seeking a recipe that is both authentic and adaptable, this dish offers the perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and tradition.
