Copycat Chipotle Carne Asada
Carne asada is one of those recipes that always delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Juicy flank steak is marinated in a blend of citrus, garlic, herbs, and spices, then grilled or seared to perfection. Whether you’re using it for tacos, salads, burrito bowls, or just slicing it up for a protein-packed dinner, this recipe gives you that classic smoky, bold flavor you expect from good carne asada.
This version pairs perfectly with a Chipotle-style salad build and is especially delicious drizzled with green goddess dressing. It’s fresh, hearty, and perfect for meal prep or family-style dinners.
Before you get started
Use a good quality flank steak or skirt steak for the best texture and flavor. Let it marinate for at least a few hours—overnight if possible—for the most flavorful result. Citrus juice helps tenderize the meat while the garlic, soy sauce, and cumin add deep, rich flavor.
Get your grill or cast iron skillet nice and hot before the steak goes on. Let the meat rest after cooking to lock in those juices, and always slice against the grain for the most tender bite.
What You Need To Make Carne Asada
You can find all the exact ingredient amounts in the recipe card, but here’s what you’ll need to bring it together:
- Flank steak
- Olive oil
- Orange juice
- Soy sauce
- Fresh lime juice
- Minced garlic
- Fresh cilantro
- Ground cumin
- Black pepper
How To Make Carne Asada
1
Start by preparing the marinade. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, orange juice, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, and black pepper. Place the flank steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat. Seal or cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
2
When ready to cook, preheat your grill or skillet to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry. Cook the steak for a few minutes on each side until it reaches your preferred doneness.
3
Let the meat rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain. Serve over salads, in tacos, or alongside rice and beans.
4
If building a salad bowl, layer lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado, pickled onions, fire-roasted corn, sliced carne asada, and drizzle with green goddess dressing.
Carne Asada (Chipotle Style)
Ingredients
- Flank steak
- Olive oil
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 lime juiced
- 2 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ cup cilantro
- 1 tbsp cumin
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Combine olive oil, orange juice, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the flank steak and marinate for at least a few hours or overnight in the fridge.
- Grill or sear the steak over high heat until desired doneness is reached. Let rest before slicing against the grain.
