Carne Asada

Carne Asada tacos with onions, cilantro, guacamole, and Cotija cheese

 Carne Asada is a delicious Mexican staple that Nick and I really enjoy. Carne Asada literally means "grilled meat" and in Southern California it is always referring to beef, even though it can be used for other types of meat. We love Carne Asada beef in our household because of the citrus and flame grilled flavor, especially when served as Carne Asada fries. In fact, I think Carne Asada fries are one of the best food creations ever made, but sadly they only exist in Southern California and so when we want them we have to create them at home from scratch, it is a lot of work but it is so worth it.

Carne Asada fries with homemade Idaho french fries, Mexican cheese mix, onions, cilantro, tomatoes, salsa verde, cabbage, sour cream, and guacamole

Ingredients:
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white vinegar
1/3 cup lime juice (fresh squeezed)
1/3 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed)
1 cup water
2 Tbsp fresh garlic, minced
1 1/2 Tbsp salt
1 Tbsp ground pepper
1 Tbsp ground cumin
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 Tbsp oregano
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
2 pounds beef, your choice of cut (skirt steak or flank steak recommended)
1 orange, sliced

Directions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk all ingredients together except beef and orange slices. This is the marinade.
2. Place your meat in a gallon-sized zip-lock bag, a shallow baking dish or a non-reactive (plastic or glass) container with a lid.  If using a thick cut of meat, score meat but making small cuts about 1/4 inch deep. Pour marinade sauce over beef. Lay orange slices across the meat. Marinate for a minimum of 4 hours to 24 hours (overnight) before grilling.

3.  Prepare grill for cooking. Keep in mind that the thinner the meat the quicker it cooks, therefore make sure the grill is hot and ready to cook before removing meat from the marinade to grill. We don't have a grill at our current home and so we opt for our grill pan to grill meats. This meat definitely tastes better with a flame kiss, therefore do your best to grill on an open flame. Grill until thoroughly cooked, about 4 minutes each side.

4. Remove meat from grill and let it sit for a couple minutes so that juices rest before slicing for your meal. Carne Asada meat is great as the main component for tacos or burritos or you could opt for our favorite Californian Mexican treat, Carne Asada Fries! Enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Secrets From the Cookie Princess