Chipotle Carne Asada Recipe

This Chipotle Carne Asada recipe is one of my favorite Mexican recipes! Marinated in guajillo pepper, chipotle chile powder, garlic, orange, lime, beer and much more!

This carne asada recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners. It only takes me about 15 minutes to get the marinade ready.

I do it before work, let it marinate for about 10 hours, then cook it for about 3 minutes per side. Chipotle carne asada goes really well with Summer Fruit Salad, Mango Chamoy Margarita Recipe, rice, beans or you could even substitute it for the ground beef in my Dorito Taco Salad Recipe!

The skirt steak takes on a smoky flavor from the chipotle chile powder then has really nice depth of flavor from the guajillo, cinnamon, cloves and Chef Merito’s Carne Asada seasoning.

This is one of my favorite easy dinners because it is so versatile too. There are so many great ways to use this Chipotle Carne Asada recipe.

It makes the best carne asada tacos. Just use some corn tortillas and your favorite taco toppings.

Try it with my Summer Fruit Salad as a side. Serve it on top of a green salad. Use rice and beans as side dishes.

Sometimes I even make a steak bowl with it. I am obsessed with bowls! You could use rice or quinoa, your favorite taco toppings then either a hot sauce or chipotle sour cream. So delicious!

It’s also versatile in the methods of cooking. You can make it in the house in a large skillet or cast iron grill pan.

You can also grill it on your outdoor grill. This makes it a summer time favorite for us! This recipe is popular starting around Cinco de Mayo and all through the end of summer.

What is carne asada?

Carne asada is a marinated steak, usually skirt steak. It is most often grilled then thinly sliced.

Carne asada marinade typically includes fresh juices from oranges and limes. Garlic and beer are often added along with various seasonings.

It can be served on its own or as an ingredient in another dish, such as tacos.

Which cut of meat should I use for carne asada?

You have a couple different options here. My favorite cut of beef to use for carne asada is skirt steak. Here are a few options and why they are good:

• Skirt Steak – Skirt steak is definitely my favorite type of meat to use in this Chipotle Carne Asada recipe or any carne asada for that matter. I like the flavor and texture. Skirt steak also cooks quickly because it’s thin. Lastly, its got a higher fat content which equals more flavor.
• Flank Steak – Flank steak is also an option. Flank steak is good for grilling and again, cooks fairly quickly. It’s a little bit leaner, so depending what you’re looking for, that can help you make a decision.
• Flat Iron Steak – Flat iron steak can also be used in this Chipotle Carne Asada recipe. It’s not a well known cut of beef but it is delicious. Flat iron steaks are full of marbling which makes them very tender and flavorful.

Whatever cut of beef you decide to use, there are a couple VERY IMPORTANT things to keep in mind. Let your steak rest and then cut it against the grain.

The steak should rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This helps keep the juices inside to keep your meat flavorful and juicy.

When cutting against the grain you need to determine which way the fibers are running through the meat. Then you’ll want to slice in the opposite direction.

This shortens the fibers and makes the meat so much more tender to eat and less chewy. Definitely not a step you want to skip.

Ingredients for Chipotle Carne Asada

• Skirt Steak – You should be able to find this at your local grocery store or butcher
• Guajillo Pepper – A dried pepper that is found at most local grocery stores. You can also check a Hispanic grocery store or Amazon
• Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves are best for this
• Orange Juice – Use fresh squeezed orange juice. Store bought doesn’t work well here
• Lime Juice – Use fresh lime juice. Store bought from concentrate is not good for this recipe
• Olive Oil – A small amount of olive oil is used for the marinade. You could also use avocado oil or vegetable oil
• Kosher Salt – Salt brings out the flavors in the meat and other ingredients
• Chef Merito’s Carne Asada Seasoning – I love this seasoning and use it frequently when making Mexican inspired dishes. I’ve recently been seeing it in local grocery stores but if you can’t find it then you can order it on Amazon here
• Cumin – Cumin adds smokiness to the chipotle carne asada
• Clove – Clove adds a really nice depth of flavor the the steak without being able to pinpoint exactly what it is
• Cinnamon – Yes, cinnamon is good on your meat! It’s a very small amount
• Chipotle Chile Powder – This adds smokiness and a tiny bit of spice
• Oregano – I love using oregano in my Mexican dishes
• Coriander – Coriander blends really well with the other ingredients in this recipe
• Worcestershire – A little Worcestershire goes a long way
• Honey – Honey adds a little sweetness to balance everything out
• Beer- A traditional ingredient in carne asada marinades. I typically use Corona or Modelo
• Cilantro – I love to add a little cilantro on my chipotle carne asada right before eating. Whether I eat it by itself or as tacos
• Queso Fresco – Queso fresco makes a nice addition to the top of this steak
• Lime Wedges – I like squeezing a little extra fresh lime on my chipotle carne asada

Equipment for Chipotle Carne Asada

• Meat Thermometer – Using a digital meat thermometer can help you cook your chipotle carne asada to the correct temperature. Here is what I use
• Grill or Grill Pan – There are a couple different options for cooking carne asada. You can use your outdoor grill, cast iron griddle, cast iron pan or large skillet
• Ziploc Bag – I use a gallon Ziploc bag to marinate my skirt steak in
• Food Processor – You’ll need a food processor or some sort of blender to puree the guajillo and garlic

Tips for Chipotle Carne Asada

• Let the steak marinate for at least 10 hours. You won’t get as much flavor if you don’t
• Let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This helps the carne asada stay juicy
• Cut against the grain when slicing. You’ll end up with tough meat if you’re slicing with the grain
• For the best results cut the meat into thin strips or small chunks
• Use a meat thermometer. Cook the chipotle carne asada to an internal temperature of 125°F for medium rare
• The chipotle carne asada will rise an additional 5° after taking it off the heat and letting it rest
• If you can’t find queso fresco then cotija cheese is a great option
• I use a gallon Ziploc bag and set it inside of a pitcher when making the marinade. This helps the bag not fall over and makes adding the ingredients and steak to the bag very easy
• Marinate it in the morning then it’s ready to be grilled at night!

Sides to serve with Chipotle Carne Asada

• Summer Fruit Salad
• Mango Chamoy Margarita Recipe
• Rice – White rice or Mexican rice
• Beans

Storage

If you end up with leftover Chipotle Carne Asada you can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.

Use the leftovers to make tacos, a breakfast skillet, potato skins or soup!

How to make Chipotle Carne Asada

Making this Chipotle Carne Asada recipe is super easy. First you’ll boil the guajillo peppers for 10 minutes.

Then transfer the guajillo peppers, water, garlic and salt to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth then add that mix to a large Ziploc bag.

Add the remaining marinade ingredients then mix around. Add the skirt steak then let out as much air as possible before sealing the bag.

Move the bag around to ensure the marinate gets all over the skirt steak then store it in the fridge for 10 hours.

Using your outdoor grill or cast iron griddle pan, cook the skirt steak for about 3 minutes per side on medium-high heat. You’ll want to create a bit of char for extra flavor.

Cook the skirt steak to desired doneness, checking the temperature with a digital meat thermometer. Remove the chipotle carne asada from the heat then let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

Cut the carne asada against the grain in thin strips then top with cilantro and queso fresco. Serve with lime wedges.

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