How To Make Perfect Weight Watchers Carne Asada

Carne asada is the perfect dish for any meat lover! Follow our simple tips for mixing a rich marinade and the proper cooking techniques to achieve the perfect carne asada steak. 

The perfect carne asada marinade is fresh, well-seasoned, tangy, and infused with herbs. This is a spicy and flavorful Mexican classic, so get ready to learn all my tricks! Never waste another good cut of meat again.

Why should you try this recipe?

I have mixed feelings because I personally prefer chicken, but if you want to impress, a well-made carne asada will win anyone over. With a lean cut, a good marinade, and perfect cooking, even I can’t stop eating it. This dish is high in protein, making it great for building muscle if you’re working out. It’s also a fantastic Sunday meal. If you love barbecues, this recipe is for you. Enjoy it with family and savor a good steak. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Marinating Time: 2 hours

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Portion Size: Approximately 200 g. per serving

7 WW Points Per Serving. You can view the recipe on the WW App here. (WW login required.)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900 g) top round steak
• Juice and zest of 2 limes
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 head of garlic, minced
• 1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 g) smoked paprika
• 1 tsp (5 g) ground cumin
• 1 tsp (5 g) red chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

For a perfect carne asada, there are two essential steps you cannot skip. The first is a robust marinade for at least two hours. The second is using a grill pan at the highest possible temperature, preheated until it’s smoking hot, so the meat sizzles the moment it touches the surface.

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the juice and zest of 2 limes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and red chili flakes if using. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
2. Marinate the Meat: Place the top round steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, turning the meat occasionally to ensure even marination.
3. Preheat the Grill Pan: Before cooking, remove the meat from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes. Preheat a grill pan on high heat for at least 7 minutes until it is smoking hot.
4. Cook the Meat: Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off. Place the steak on the preheated grill pan. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the time to your preferred level of doneness. Flip the steak every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a nice char on both sides.
5. Rest and Serve: Once cooked to your desired doneness, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
6. Serve Hot: Serve the carne asada hot, garnished with extra cilantro if desired. Pair it with your favorite sides such as rice, beans, tortillas, or a fresh salad.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Right cut of meat: I used top round, which is tender, but you can use sirloin, tenderloin, or flank steak. Choose what you like and what fits your budget.
2. Balanced marinade: The marinade is crucial. Don’t skip the lime juice, salt, and pepper. The rest can be adapted to your taste: try taco seasoning, coriander seeds, onion powder, oregano, or your favorite spices.
3. A touch of wine: Sometimes, I add half a cup of red wine to the marinade. It makes the meat even more tender and gives it a fantastic flavor.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Carne Asada

1. Thaw Completely: Ensure the meat is completely thawed before marinating.
2. Marinate Thoroughly: Turn the meat every half hour and rub it with the marinade to fully infuse the flavors.
3. Preheat the Grill Pan: Heat the grill pan on high for at least 7 minutes before placing the meat on it. Flip the meat every five minutes to cook evenly on all sides.
4. Serve Hot: Slice and serve the meat hot. If your family likes it medium-well, you may need to drain some of the juices as the meat will still release a lot of liquid.

By following these steps, you’ll master the art of carne asada, creating a dish that’s flavorful, tender, and satisfying for any meat lover.