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Using seasonings in Preparing Carne Asada

by Wayne Wargo (PenWay.org)

Carne asada means “grilled or roasted meat” in Spanish and basically refers to a Mexican dish of grilled or broiled spicy marinated steak. Generally, the meat is cut in thin strips on a sharp diagonal to the grain of the meat. Most often it is served wrapped in a tortilla and served as a burrito or a taco.

The basic preparation of carne asada involves rubbing the meat with a spicy dry seasoning, after first marinating the meat in a mixture containing spicy ingredients such as chilies, garlic, onion, and black pepper, plus a citrus juice such as lime, lemon or vinegar to tenderize the meat. Lime juice is most commonly used, but orange juice or lemon juice are acceptable substitutes when fresh limes aren't available. Papaya juice can also be added, as it is a natural source of tenderizers. The meat should be allowed to sit for a few hours or overnight (refrigerated) in this citrus blend prior to cooking so that the marinade has time to penetrate and flavor it. The meat can then be removed from the marinade and seasoned with Carne asada seasoning mix before cooking. (Note that the marination process prior to adding the seasoning is strictly optional; see details in the following paragraph.)

Carne asada does not necessarily have to be marinated or seasoned before cooking; the meat can be simply grilled over a hot fire, sliced, and served with tortillas and assorted condiments. Marinating and/or seasoning, however, adds flavor and also helps to tenderize the meat. An easy way to simplify the preparation process is just to rub the seasoning mix onto the meat, and then squeeze lime juice over it before (and also after, depending upon your taste) grilling.

Particularly in the U.S., most Mexican-American (meaning, the food is not strictly authentic Mexican food but has been adapted to the tastes that Americans have come to know and enjoy) restaurants offer Carne asada on their menus. The cut of meat used is generally skirt steak or flank steak, and the seasoned, grilled, sliced steak is served on a sizzling hot plate, accompanied by Mexican-style rice, beans, and also shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and flour tortillas.

Carne asada seasoning mixtures are available in many supermarkets, especially those that have an ethnic foods and/or Mexican foods section. The ingredients vary by brand but are basically similar. If you're unable to purchase this seasoning, you can prepare your own at home by following this simple recipe: Combine 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons chili powder, two tablespoons ground cumin, two tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon ground oregano (preferably Mexican oregano), 1 teaspoon MSG (optional), 2 teaspoons salt, and 2 teaspoons purchased lemon pepper seasoning (or substitute 1 teaspoon black pepper). Be sure to adjust the amount of salt you add to suit your own taste and dietary requirements.

Marinating a relatively tough cut of meat and then slicing the cooked meat thinly across the grain acts as a tenderizer, while the Carne asada seasoning mix adds spice to enhance the flavor. When served with a variety of side dishes and condiments, you have an inexpensive feast.

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