Carne asada is a beloved Mexican dish known for its tender, flavorful grilled steak. But what if you don’t have access to a grill? No problem! You can easily cook mouthwatering carne asada right in your oven. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to make perfect carne asada in the oven, from marinating to cooking and serving. Let’s get started!
What Is Carne Asada?
Carne asada means “grilled meat” in Spanish, typically referring to skirt or flank steak marinated in a citrusy, garlicky blend and cooked quickly over high heat to achieve a charred exterior and juicy interior. While grilling is traditional, the oven method is a great alternative that still delivers fantastic flavor and tenderness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make delicious carne asada in the oven, gather these ingredients:
– 2 pounds skirt or flank steak, trimmed
– ⅓ cup olive oil
– Juice of 1 orange, 1 lime, and 1 lemon
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
– ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon kosher salt
– ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– Additional spices like chili powder or oregano (optional)
This marinade combines citrus, garlic, and spices to tenderize and flavor the meat deeply.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Carne Asada in the Oven
1. Marinate the Meat
Mix all marinade ingredients in a large glass or ceramic dish. Add the steak in a single layer, turning to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 to 8 hours, but no longer than overnight to avoid over-tenderizing.
2. Preheat Your Oven
There are two popular oven cooking methods: broiling and using a cast iron grill pan. Both work well.
– Broiling: Place an oven rack about 2 to 3 inches from the broiler element and preheat the broiler on high.
– Grill Pan: Place a cast iron grill pan in a cold oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C).
3. Prepare for Cooking
– For broiling, line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
– For the grill pan, carefully remove the hot pan from the oven with oven mitts and brush lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Steak
– Broiler method: Place the marinated steak on the foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 4 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness and desired doneness.
– Grill pan method: Lay the steak in a single layer on the hot pan; it should sizzle. Cook for about 4 to 7 minutes per side for medium-rare.
5. Check Doneness
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfect results:
– Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
– Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
– Well done: 160°F (71°C) and above.
6. Rest the Meat
Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender.
7. Slice and Serve
Slice the carne asada thinly against the grain. This makes the meat easier to chew and more tender. Serve it as tacos, burrito filling, on salads, or simply with rice and beans.
Tips for Perfect Oven Carne Asada
– Marinate well: The longer you marinate (up to 8 hours), the more flavorful and tender the meat will be.
– Use a thermometer: It takes the guesswork out of cooking and prevents overcooking.
– Don’t overcrowd: Cook the steak in a single layer for even heat exposure.
– Rest the meat: Always let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
– Customize your marinade: Add spices like chili powder, oregano, or hot sauce for extra kick.
Variations for Thin-Sliced Carne Asada
If you have thinly sliced carne asada, you can marinate it similarly and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, turning once halfway through. This method is quick and perfect for tacos or salads.
Cooking carne asada in the oven is an easy way to enjoy this flavorful dish year-round without a grill. With a simple marinade, high heat, and careful attention to cooking times, you’ll have tender, juicy steak ready to impress. Fire up your oven and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade carne asada!