Last Updated on May 11, 2022 by
Carne asada tacos are delicious and a favorite, which is why I am excited to bring you this carne asada with gravy recipe. It is perfect for beginners that are not familiar with cooking and grilling steak meat. Although it does scare some people away because of the texture, it is fairly easy!
Carne asada is a staple food in many Mexican American households and restaurants. The thing that can be tricky about cooking this dish is the gravy. If you do not make this recipe right, it can easily turn into a dry steak or carne guisada, which is very different!
Table of Contents
What Is Carne Asada?
Not everyone who eats or makes carne asada uses the same recipe or techniques. That being said, carne asada is easy to describe because it very rarely changes. Carne asada is a meat dish that uses skirt or flank steak meat.
The meat though is grilled or cooked on a skillet on low. The meat is usually marinated for a minimum of 2 hours before you cook the meat. The marinade is what really gets everyone’s attention though as the meat soaks in the flavors.
The History Of Carne Asada In Mexico
Contrary to what you might think, the history of Carne Asada in Mexico is really short! Actually, before the Spanish came, there were limited dishes that used meat, especially meat that came from cattle like pigs, chickens, and cows.
Instead, the Aztecs used to prepare dishes made with beans, hot peppers, fish found in rivers, and deer or turkey meat. By the 1500s though, when the Spanish had conquest many parts of Mexico and Mesoamerica, beef was very popular!
Now, over four centuries later and these meats are especially common and popular. Funny though as the animals the meat comes from are not native to the land but thrive in the Americas.
What You Will Need For This Carne Asada With Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 Squeezed Limes or Lemons. If you only have the juice that is okay, use about 4-8 oz in your cooking!
- 1 Cup of Orange Juice
- 2 Pounds of Skirt Steak. Although I like to use Skirt steak because it is easier to cut, this does not mean you have to use this cut. You can also substitute for flank steak meat if you want a leaner style of meat.
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 jalapenos
- 1 tbsp. of apple cider white vinegar
- 1 tbsp. of red hot chili pepper powder
- 1 tsp. of Sea salt
- 1 tsp of black pepper
- 1/2 White Onion Diced
Equipment
- Gallon size Ziplock bag
- Large Pan
- Stove Top
- Kitchen Tongs
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Step By Step Instructions For Making This Carne Asada With Gravy Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marinade
The first step is the easiest and the quickest! You will need to make the marinade. Take the orange juice, freshly squeezed limes, salt, pepper, vinegar, and red hot chili seasoning and place directly into the gallon sized sealable Ziplock bag.
Step 2: Prepare the Meat
Once the marinade is prepared for this carne asada with gravy recipe, then you will need to prepare the meat. On the cutting board, make small fine cuts side ways or vertically on the meat. Don’t slice it into cubes though. After the meat is cut and prepared, place the meat into the bag.
Before you refrigerate the marinade and meat, close the bag carefully and with your hands massage the marinade and seasonings into the meat. Add this bag to your fridge for it to sit for a minimum of two hours.
Step 3: Chop the Rest of the Ingredients
Once the meat is in the fridge and there is only ten minutes left before you start cooking, chop the rest of the ingredients (onions, garlic, etc.). This will be the topping on top of the meat.
Step 4: Cook for 5-10 Minutes
Take the meat out of the bag and on the stove top in a large plan, brown the onions and garlic with a small amount of oil. During step 4 of making this carne asada with gravy recipe, you will be cooking or searing the steak meat onto the pan.
Cook the meat for five to ten minutes before flipping. Using a spatula or the tongs, press down the meat so it cooks more. To make a thicker gravy from the marinade, add cornstarch or white flour and cook with the carne asada.
Step 5: Style, Serve and Enjoy
The best step is the last step while making this carne asada with gravy recipe. You will need to style and serve. Sprinkle the onions and garlic on top and enjoy! Some people also squeeze lime or add cilantro, it is up to your own preference!
Tips and Tricks on Making This Carne Asada with Gravy Recipe
I have a few tips and tricks to share with you that will make this carne asada with gravy recipe even easier! Those of us who are lucky enough to own an outdoor grill can use it for this recipe! When you use an outdoor grill, the meat gets a smoky unique flavor it won’t get from pan searing.
I also recommend during this carne asada with gravy recipe to freeze leftovers and unused meat with the marinade after you have made cuts into the meat. This makes it easier to take out, thaw, and cook at a later date. You can also leave the meat to marinade overnight!
Serving and Preparation Time
|
Cook Time |
Preparation Time |
Serving Size |
|
25 Minutes |
2 Hours 10 Minutes |
4 People |
All in all, making this delicious carne asada with gravy recipe is a favorite. Although I have written a simplified version perfect for beginners, you can always add your own twists, seasonings and toppings to the dish! Remember though, it is important to marinade the meat for as long as possible before cooking.
Did you learn anything new while following along with this carne asada with gravy recipe? If yes, let us know in the comment section below. Don’t forget to also share this recipe with friends and family interested in making authentic Mexican dishes.
FAQs
What is the difference between carne asada and carne guisada?
Carne asada is meat that is cooked through a skillet or grill. When it comes to this style of meat, rarely do you use a thick sauce. However, carne guisada is a steak meat stew.
What cut of meat is used in carne asada?
The meat cut used to make carne asada is skirt steak or flank steak.
What is carne asada marinade made of?
The marinade is made of cut vegetables like onions and garlic, some kind of acidic liquid like lemon, lime or orange juice and various seasonings.
How do you keep carne asada juicy?
Keeping carne asada juicy is easy! There are many ways, although usually I make small cuts to this meat so that the marinade soaks well.
Carne Asada With Gravy Recipe
Equipment
- Gallon size Ziplock bag
- Large Pan
- Stove Top
- Kitchen Tongs
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 3 Squeezed Limes or Lemons. If you only have the juice that is okay use about 4-8 oz in your cooking!
- 1 Cup of Orange Juice
- 2 Pounds of Skirt Steak. Although I like to use Skirt steak because it is easier to cut this does not mean you have to use this cut. You can also substitute for flank steak meat if you want a leaner style of meat.
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 jalapenos
- 1 tbsp. of apple cider white vinegar
- 1 tbsp. of red hot chili pepper powder
- 1 tsp. of Sea salt
- 1 tsp of black pepper
- 1/2 White Onion Diced
Instructions
- The first step is the easiest and the quickest! You will need to make the marinade. Take the orange juice, freshly squeezed limes, salt, pepper, vinegar, and red hot chili seasoning and place directly into the gallon sized sealable Ziplock bag.
- Once the marinade is prepared for this carne asada with gravy recipe, then you will need to prepare the meat. On the cutting board, make small fine cuts side ways or vertically on the meat. Don't slice it into cubes though. After the meat is cut and prepared, place the meat into the bag.
- Before you refrigerate the marinade and meat, close the bag carefully and with your hands massage the marinade and seasonings into the meat. Add this bag to your fridge for it to sit for a minimum of two hours.
- Once the meat is in the fridge and there is only ten minutes left before you start cooking, chop the rest of the ingredients (onions, garlic, etc.). This will be the topping on top of the meat.
- Take the meat out of the bag and on the stove top in a large plan, brown the onions and garlic with a small amount of oil. During step 4 of making this carne asada with gravy recipe, you will be cooking or searing the steak meat onto the pan.
- Cook the meat for five to ten minutes before flipping. Using a spatula or the tongs, press down the meat so it cooks more. To make a thicker gravy from the marinade, add cornstarch or white flour and cook with the carne asada.
- The best step is the last step while making this carne asada with gravy recipe. You will need to style and serve. Sprinkle the onions and garlic on top and enjoy! Some people also squeeze lime or add cilantro, it is up to your own preference!
Notes
- I have a few tips and tricks to share with you that will make this carne asada with gravy recipe even easier! Those of us who are lucky enough to own an outdoor grill can use it for this recipe! When you use an outdoor grill, the meat gets a smoky unique flavor it won't get from pan searing.
- I also recommend during this carne asada with gravy recipe to freeze leftovers and unused meat with the marinade after you have made cuts into the meat. This makes it easier to take out, thaw, and cook at a later date. You can also leave the meat to marinade overnight!
Casia is a passionate home cook who loves to share her love of Mexican food with the world. She has been cooking since she was a child, helping her grandmother in the kitchen and learning the traditional techniques used to create delicious Mexican dishes. Casia loves to experiment with new ingredients and flavors, always looking for ways to make her dishes even more flavorful. She is also passionate about teaching others about Mexican cuisine and its rich history. When she is not in the kitchen, Casia enjoys exploring new cultures, traveling, and spending time with her family.