Copycat Chipotle Carne Asada Recipe

This tender, charred Copycat Chipotle Carne Asada Recipe is made with flank steak, fresh lime juice, and earthy spices and ready in 45 minutes. Pulling the sizzling, spice-crusted beef right off the hot grill makes my kitchen smell exactly like the restaurant line. I love slicing this thinly for epic weekend taco nights.

Better Than Takeaway

I used to wait in long lines just to get a scoop of this specific steak, but making it at home is surprisingly simple. The secret is letting the citrus and spices break down the meat before hitting a screaming hot pan or grill.

My biggest mistake early on was slicing the beef with the grain, which made it incredibly chewy. Now I always cut across the grain, resulting in tender pieces that rival the real thing.

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Copycat Chipotle Carne Asada Recipe Ingredients

• 2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
• 1/4 cup avocado oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

How To Make Copycat Chipotle Carne Asada Recipe

1. Mix the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the avocado oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat the steak: Add the flank steak to the bowl, turning it to ensure it is completely coated in the marinade.
3. Marinate the beef: Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
4. Sear the meat: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat until very hot, then cook the steak for 4 to 5 minutes per side.
5. Rest and slice: Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

Recipe Tips

• Use high heat: A screaming hot skillet or grill creates that signature crust without overcooking the inside.
• Do not over-marinate: Leaving the beef in the lime juice for more than 4 hours can turn the meat mushy.
• Let it rest: Resting the beef allows the juices to redistribute so they do not leak out when slicing.

What To Serve With Carne Asada

Pile this flavorful steak into warm flour tortillas or over a bed of cilantro lime rice. It pairs beautifully with freshly mashed guacamole, roasted chili corn salsa, and a side of black beans.

How To Store

Keep any leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the cooked meat for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in a skillet.

FAQs

• Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, skirt steak or sirloin work great if you cannot find flank steak. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on thickness.
• Is this recipe spicy? The chili powder adds a mild warmth rather than intense heat. You can add chopped jalapenos if you prefer a spicier kick.
• Can I bake the steak instead? Searing or grilling is best for the texture, but you can broil it in the oven for about 5 minutes per side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Total Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 3g
• Protein: 28g