Recipe

No-Fuss Carne Asada

The easiest way to get amazing carne asada — let your local carniceria do the marinating while you handle the grill. A no-fuss approach perfect for Cinco de Mayo or any weeknight.

By Luis Ramirez(Updated )

Prep

5 min

Cook

15 min

Total

20 min

Difficulty

Beginner

Yield

Method

Direct Grilling

A quick suggestion for Cinco de Mayo, or Mother's Day, if you want to have yourself a little fiesta but not too much fuss. Grill some carne asada — it's quick, painless, and delicious.

Here's what you do to save a lot of time and energy. Find your local Latin or Mexican grocery store (I like Vallarta) or carniceria (Mexican butcher shop) and ask for their carne asada that's already been prepared (also called "carne preparada"). It's usually skirt steak that has been marinated in a special marinade unique to each shop. Sometimes it's in the glass at the meat counter and other times you have to ask for it. Once you get your meat, all you have to do is grill it and you're a star.

While you're at the market, pick up some homemade salsa (again, unique to each store) and a package of tortillas, and you have an instant celebration. You might also want to try your hand at my pico de gallo recipe.

Jump to IngredientsJump to Instructions

What You Need

Ingredients

Carne Asada

  • Carne preparada (pre-marinated skirt steak) from your local carniceria
  • Tortillas (corn or flour)
  • Salsa (homemade or store-bought)
  • Pico de gallo (see recipe)

Step by Step

Instructions

  1. 1

    Source Your Meat

    Find your local Latin grocery store or carniceria (Mexican butcher shop) and ask for their carne asada that has already been prepared — also called 'carne preparada.' It's usually skirt steak marinated in a special marinade unique to each shop. Sometimes it's in the glass at the meat counter; other times you have to ask for it.

    Pro Tip—Vallarta is a great option if you have one nearby.

  2. 2

    Grill

    Preheat your grill to high heat. Grill the carne asada over direct heat until cooked through with a nice char, about 3–4 minutes per side depending on thickness.

  3. 3

    Serve

    Slice the carne asada against the grain and serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and pico de gallo. That's it — you're a star.

Pro Tips

  • Each carniceria has their own unique marinade — try a few and find your favorite
  • Pick up homemade salsa from the market while you're there
  • Perfect for Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, or any excuse to fire up the grill
carne asadagrillingbeefMexicanquickweeknighteasy