Making Carne Asada for Cinco De Mayo

Carne asada is a great dish to cook for Cinco de Mayo. It's one of the tastiest ways I've ever had steak prepared and I think it's very flavorable. I think it's best cooked on the grill rather than the pan because the grill gives it that extra boost of flavor. Basically, carne asada means roasted meat. It is usually made with thin flank steak pieces. You would purchase these steaks from any grocery store. They usually come in packages of about 8 or 10 so you want to get about 3 packages or more if you're cooking for a group of people. This is because not only are the steaks very thin; after cooking the steaks may become a little smaller.

Some carne asada recipes call for you to rub the steak with spices and then grill it. Other recipes call for marinating. If you're definitely going to cook it on the grill. I think the best way to create moist flavorful carne asada would be to marinate it in spices. It's best to marinate it for at least an hour. If you want the steak to be really flavorful; you can marinate it overnight. When you are finished marinating it, just take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes. This is one of the key things to remember in cooking a moist flavorable meat. You don't want to take it right out of the refrigerator and put it right on the grill.

A good marinade for carne asada would consist of apple cider vinegar and different juices that you would want to use. Some people use lemon juice; some use lime; some use orange; and some use a combination. Add a little olive oil or whatever oil you like use. Extra virgin olive oil adds it's own little kick of flavor. Liquid smoke is going to add some flavor along with oregano and garlic. After you've chosen your marinade ingredients, go ahead and put them together with the juice and vinegar and marinate your steaks for an hour or overnight. When you take it out of the fridge; remember to let it come to room temperature before you put it on the grill.

When you're ready to cook; the grill should already be very hot. You want to cook your steaks at about medium to high heat. If they're really thin you want to keep an eye on them because you don't want to cook them too much. 6 minutes or much less should be sufficient for most steaks. Even if you're timing them, keep and eye on all of your steaks so that they are cooked to your preference and your guests liking. You can also pan fry your carne asada but, for the best flavor I would recommend the grill. The grill adds a great flavor if you're cooking it for Cinco de Mayo. You want your steak to have a memorable flavor so your guests will feel and say that it was so amazing and delicious.

Carne Asada can be used for tacos; served with rice, beans and vegetables; or served in a sandwich. It is traditionally served with salsa and guacamole.