How To Cook Tender Carne Asada On Stove

How To Cook Tender Carne Asada On Stove

Carne asada, a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish, is traditionally made using thinly sliced beef that is marinated and then grilled. However, if you don’t have access to a grill or simply prefer to cook indoors, you can still achieve tender and juicy carne asada using a stove. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to cook tender carne asada on the stove.

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s quickly cover the basic ingredients you will need:

• 1.5 to 2 pounds of flank or skirt steak
• 1/4 cup of orange juice
• 1/4 cup of lime juice
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of cumin
• 1 tablespoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, let’s move on to the step-by-step process of cooking tender carne asada on the stove:

Step 1: Marinating the steak

1. In a bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.

2. Place the steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Ensure that the steak is fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful carne asada.

Step 2: Preparing the stove

1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. You can also use a cast-iron skillet for optimal heat distribution.

2. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet to prevent the meat from sticking. Make sure the skillet is well-oiled, but not overly greased.

Step 3: Cooking the carne asada

1. Take the steak out of the marinade, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.

2. Place the steak onto the hot skillet and let it cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare results, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature if needed.

3. While cooking, avoid pressing down on the steak with a spatula, as this will cause the juices to escape, resulting in a less tender carne asada.

4. Once cooked to your liking, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and tender texture.

5. Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips. Slicing against the grain will further enhance the tenderness of the carne asada.

And there you have it! A deliciously tender carne asada cooked on the stove. Serve it with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, avocado, and lime wedges for a complete and satisfying meal.

Remember, while the stove-cooked carne asada may differ slightly from the traditional grilled version, it still delivers mouthwatering flavors and succulent meat. So, don’t hesitate to try this stove method whenever you crave some tender carne asada but don’t have access to a grill. Enjoy!