Though the phrase literally translates to “roasted meat,” carne asada is much more than a charred hunk of flesh. An asada is the Latin American equivalent of a barbecue, a gathering of hungry folks around an open flame. More than a meal, it’s a communal carnivorous feast. A fitting companion for this outdoor fete, this recipe for carne asada skewers pulls together a simple marinade of traditional ingredients to prep the beef overnight before searing it over a roaring grill.
A 2-pound flank steak will furnish about 14 ¾-inch thick strips hearty enough for a main course. Still, I prefer to tear into these savory skewers as a meaty appetizer with a bowl of avocado crema for dipping. Because they’re quick to make and best served immediately, these skewers are ideal starters handed to guests straight off the grill.
Carne Asada Skewers
4 to 6 servings
Juice of ½ orange
Juice of 1½ limes, divided
6 cloves garlic, divided
3 Tbsp. chopped cilantro
1 serrano pepper, chopped
2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. plus 1 dash kosher salt, divided
½ tsp. plus 1 dash freshly ground black pepper, divided
2 lb. flank steak
1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
2 Tbsp. sour cream
1 dash onion powder
• In a large zip-top bag, combine the orange juice, juice of 1 lime, 4 cloves garlic, cilantro, serrano, vinegar, oil, soy sauce, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper and mix to combine. Add the flank steak, seal the bag, coat the meat and refrigerate overnight.
• Soak 15 to 20 bamboo skewers in water at least 1 hour. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill for medium-high direct heat.
• Remove the steak from marinade and cut against the grain to make ¾-inch thick strips. Thread the strips onto the skewers in an S-shape.
• Meanwhile, make an avocado crema. Mince the remaining 2 garlic cloves, then combine them in a medium bowl with the avocado, sour cream, the remaining juice of half a lime, the onion powder and a dash of salt and pepper. Mash with a fork until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Lightly grease the grill grate. Grill the skewers 7 minutes, then flip and grill another 7 minutes for medium-rare. Remove and serve immediately with avocado crema.
Matt Berkley is a longtime contributor to Sauce Magazine.
This article appears in August 2017.
