San Diego Style Carne Asada

San Diego Style Carne Asada

1 servings
San Diego Style Authentic Carne Asada Recipe loaded with Mexican flavors and taste. Perfect for carne asada tacos or burritos.

Ingredients

  • 2.5 lb Flank Steak or Flap Meat
  • 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Water
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • 2 tbsp Lime Juice
  • 2 tbsp Orange Juice
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Cilantro
  • 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
  • 3/4 tbsp Garlic Salt
  • 1/2 tbsp White Pepper
  • 1/2 tbsp Cumin
  • 1/2 tbsp Chili Powder
  • 1/2 tbsp Mexican Oregano
  • 1/8 tsp Ground Cloves
  • 1 Orange

    Sliced

Directions

  1. 1

    Add all the ingredients (except the meat and orange slices) to a medium size bowl and stir until blended. Transfer to a large Ziploc Bag.

  2. 2

    Add the steak and shake to coat the entire piece of meat evenly.

  3. 3

    Lay the bag flat and add the orange slice directly to the meat - half on top and half on bottom.

  4. 4

    Refrigerate overnight or at least 2 hours. (*Note 1)

  5. 5

    Before grilling, remove from the refrigerator up to an hour in advance. (*Note 2)

  6. 6

    Ten minutes before grilling, add meat tenderizer (optional)

  7. 7

    Pre-heat grill to medium high.

  8. 8

    Place meat directly on greased grate for 6-8 minutes. (*Note 3)

  9. 9

    Flip and grill for an additional 6-8 minutes, until your desired doneness is reached.

  10. 10

    Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing against the grain and serving.

San Diego Style Carne Asada

San Diego Style Carne Asada

1470 min1 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving authentic, juicy carne asada that brings the vibrant flavors of Southern California right to your kitchen? This San Diego Style Carne Asada recipe delivers that unmistakable taste, perfect for your next taco night or a hearty burrito.

What makes this recipe truly special is its thoughtfully crafted marinade. A robust blend of red wine vinegar, fresh citrus juices, and a medley of classic Mexican spices like cumin, chili powder, and Mexican oregano, deeply infuses the meat. This ensures every bite is bursting with the savory, tangy, and aromatic essence characteristic of beloved San Diego carne asada.

When you prepare this carne asada, you can expect a truly satisfying experience. The careful selection of flank steak or flap meat, paired with the powerful marinade, yields a tender and flavorful result. The citrus brightens the rich, earthy spices, while the garlic and cilantro add a fresh, herbaceous counterpoint. You'll enjoy a succulent, well-seasoned cut of beef that’s incredibly versatile and satisfying.

While perfect as described, this San Diego Style Carne Asada is also wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different cuts of beef if you prefer, though flank or flap meat are highly recommended for their texture and ability to absorb the marinade. The cooked carne asada is truly the star when tucked into warm corn tortillas for carne asada tacos or layered into flour tortillas for burritos.

Serve this flavor-packed carne asada with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and a squeeze of fresh lime to enhance its bright, savory notes. It’s ideal for casual weeknight dinners or lively weekend gatherings.

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