The Best Carne Asada | SAM THE COOKING GUY

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of making delicious carne asada, a classic dish beloved in Southern California. This guide will cover everything from preparing a flavorful marinade to grilling the meat to perfection.

Chapter 1: Making the Marinade

To create a mouthwatering marinade, gather the following ingredients:

• Fresh cilantro
• 3 large cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon of cumin
• 1 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
• Zest and juice of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce

Steps:

1. Chop the Cilantro: Remove the tops from the cilantro and chop finely for about one minute. A food processor can be used if preferred.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add:
   • Chopped cilantro
   • Minced garlic
   • Cumin
   • Fresh ground pepper
   • Kosher salt
   • Olive oil
   • Brown sugar
   • Lime zest and juice
   • Soy sauce
3. Mix Well: Stir the mixture until well combined and fragrant.

Tip:

• Fresh ground pepper and kosher salt significantly enhance the flavor compared to pre-ground options.

Chapter 2: Marinating the Meat

For this recipe, we will use sirloin flap, which is similar to skirt steak. The fibrous nature of this meat requires careful cutting for tenderness.

Steps:

1. Prepare the Meat: Place the sirloin flap in a shallow dish.
2. Add Marinade: Pour the prepared marinade over the meat, ensuring it is fully coated.
3. Refrigerate: Cover the dish and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours for best results.

Practical Advice:

• Marinating overnight can enhance the flavors even more. Plan your cooking accordingly for maximum flavor.

Chapter 3: Grilling the Meat

Once the meat has marinated, it’s time to grill.

Steps:

1. Preheat Grill: Get your grill hot and ready for cooking.
2. Grill the Meat:
   • Add the marinated meat to the grill.
   • For thicker pieces, grill for about 3 minutes on each side. Thin pieces will cook faster.
3. Watch for Charring: Look for beautiful char marks indicating doneness.

Important Note:

• Always cut against the grain after grilling to shorten the fibers for a more tender bite.

Chapter 4: Enjoying the Dish

After grilling, it’s time to enjoy your carne asada.

Suggestions:

• Serve with tortillas for tacos, over a salad, or as a filling for quesadillas.
• The combination of brown sugar, soy, garlic, and lime results in an unforgettable flavor.

Conclusion

You’ve now mastered the art of making carne asada! Remember to let the meat marinate for optimal flavor, grill it to perfection, and always cut against the grain for tenderness. Enjoy your delicious creation with friends and family or savor it all on your own! Happy cooking!