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Easy Qdoba Carne Asada Recipe

Qdoba Carne Asada Recipe

Joe Williams
I still remember the first time I tried Qdoba carne asada. It jumped off the menu at me, and with one bite, I was hooked.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 200 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak trimmed of excess fat
  • cup extra virgin olive oil plus extra for grilling
  • ¼ cup tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 teaspoons ground chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked ancho chili powder
  • 4 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 small jalapeño seeds removed and finely chopped
  • ½ cup freshly chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for grilling
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus more for grilling

Instructions
 

  • Let’s break this down into manageable steps so you can achieve perfection!

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

  • To kick things off, grab a mixing bowl and combine the olive oil, tamari, orange juice, lime juice, orange zest, honey, and spices. That’s right: chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked ancho chili powder, minced garlic, and jalapeño. Whisk it all together until it forms a delicious mixture.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

  • Take your flank or skirt steak and place it in a large resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s completely covered. Squeeze out as much air as possible and seal the bag. Toss it in the fridge and let it marinate for at least 2 hours, but for a fuller flavor, let it sit overnight.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

  • When you’re ready to cook, fire up your grill. Aim for medium-high heat. While your grill heats up, remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.

Step 4: Grill the Steak

  • Place the steak on the grill, season it with kosher salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side for medium-rare. The key is not to overcook it!

Step 5: Rest and Slice

  • Once grilled to your liking, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute. After resting, slice it against the grain into thin strips.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Now for the fun part! Serve your carne asada hot with your choice of sides. Be sure to have your tortillas, guacamole, and salsa at the ready!

Notes

Here are some insider tips to elevate your carne asada game:
  • Choose the Right Cut: Flank and skirt steak are fabulous, but don’t hesitate to try sirloin for richness.
  • Slice Against the Grain: This ensures each bite is tender. A sharp knife is your best friend here!
  • Don’t Rush the Marinade: Aim for a longer marinating time. Overnight is ideal for flavor penetration.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure about doneness, a quick peek can guide you. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare.
  • Experiment with Marinades: Feel free to adjust ingredients to suit your taste. Try adding chipotle for extra heat or citrus for brightness!

Nutrition

Serving: 99gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 13gFat: 14gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 642mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3g
Keyword Qdoba Carne Asada Recipe
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