Carne Asada Secret Mexicans Don't Want You to Know
About this recipe
Carne Asada is a beloved Mexican dish, typically featuring grilled beef marinated in a flavorful blend of spices. In this video, the creator shares a unique twist on the traditional marinade, using flap steak and a combination of smoky chipotle peppers, garlic, and fresh herbs to create a vibrant flavor profile that really stands out.
This version of Carne Asada is not just about the cut of meat; it's about the marinade that infuses the steak with bold flavors. The creator emphasizes the importance of toasting and grinding spices to unlock their full potential, making this marinade a true game-changer for your grilling adventures.
Ingredient notes
- If you don't have shallots, you can absolutely use onions.
Tips from ThatDudeCanCook’s video
- Toast the coriander and cumin in a dry pan over low to medium heat for about 5 minutes to unlock their flavor before grinding them.
- Grinding the marinade ingredients by hand in a mortar and pestle adds a special touch to the flavor compared to using a blender or food processor.
- Butterflying the flap steak helps create a flatter piece for grilling, ensuring even cooking.
Good to know
- How long should I marinate the flap steak?
- Marinate the flap steak for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 hours maximum.
- What is the best cut of meat for Carne Asada?
- The creator recommends flap steak as the best cut for Carne Asada.
No life story here — the video and the recipe are the whole point. All credit to ThatDudeCanCook: watch the original on YouTube.
The recipe
Ingredients
Steps
- 1
Toast the coriander and cumin in a dry pan over low to medium heat for about 5 minutes, then let them cool for 10 minutes.
- 2
Grind the toasted spices in a mortar and pestle until roughly ground.
- 3
Add chopped shallots and garlic to the ground spices, along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and grind into a rough paste.
- 4
Add cilantro stalks to the paste and continue grinding for about 30 seconds.
- 5
Incorporate the chipotle peppers into the mixture, grinding until well combined.
- 6
Add soy sauce to the mixture and stir to combine.
- 7
Mix in lime juice and avocado oil until the marinade is semi-homogeneous.
- 8
Set aside half of the marinade for later use as a sauce.
- 9
Butterfly the flap steak by slicing it down the middle without cutting all the way through, then open it up to create a flatter piece for grilling.
- 10
Marinate the flap steak in the remaining marinade for at least 2 hours, or up to 12 hours maximum.
- 11
Preheat the grill and clean it with half an onion dipped in oil.
- 12
Grill the marinated flap steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked to your liking.
- 13
Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Heads up — we had to guess a little:
- Estimated weight for flap steak based on typical serving sizes.
Credit where it’s due: this recipe was transcribed from ThatDudeCanCook’s original video on YouTube. Follow them there — it’s their dish.
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