Oh, let me tell you about the magic of carne asada with avocado salsa verde! This dish is the ultimate flavor explosion, combining tender, juicy grilled steak with the freshness of zesty avocado salsa. Just imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly charred flank steak, bursting with spices, topped with a vibrant, creamy salsa verde that’s so good, you might just want to eat it by the spoonful! It’s a celebration of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to a sunny backyard fiesta. Trust me, once you try this mouthwatering combo, it’ll become a staple on your dinner table!
Ingredients for Carne Asada with Avocado Salsa Verde
- 2 lbs flank steak, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- 1 cup tomatillos, husked and chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
How to Prepare Carne Asada with Avocado Salsa Verde
Preparing the Marinade
Let’s kick things off with the marinade—it’s where the real magic happens! In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix it up until it’s all blended together. Now, grab your flank steak and toss it into the bowl, making sure to coat every inch of that beautiful meat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Trust me, this step is crucial! The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes, soaking up all those delicious spices.
Grilling the Flank Steak
Alright, it’s grilling time! Preheat your grill to high heat—this is key for achieving that perfect sear. Once it’s nice and hot, place the marinated steak on the grill. You’ll want to cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side for a medium-rare finish. But how do you know it’s done? Use a meat thermometer! Aim for an internal temperature of about 135°F (57°C). Once it’s off the grill, resist the urge to dive right in! Let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes so it can reabsorb those juices. This is where the magic of tenderness happens!
Making the Avocado Salsa Verde
While the steak is resting, let’s whip up that fresh avocado salsa verde! In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and pitted avocados, chopped tomatillos, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño. Gently mash and mix everything together until it’s well combined but still a bit chunky. This salsa is all about that fresh flavor, so make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe—think creamy and smooth. Taste it and adjust the lime or jalapeño to get that perfect balance of zest and heat!
Serving Suggestions
Now for the fun part—serving it up! Slice the rested steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. Arrange the slices beautifully on a platter and generously top with that vibrant avocado salsa verde. You can also serve it with warm tortillas for wrapping, or alongside a fresh salad or rice for a complete meal. And don’t forget to garnish with extra cilantro or lime wedges for that pop of color and flavor! This dish is sure to impress your family and friends, making every bite a fiesta of flavors!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying carne asada with avocado salsa verde, it’s nice to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 35g
Remember, these values can vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but they give you a good idea of the deliciousness you’re indulging in. Enjoy every bite guilt-free, knowing you’re treating yourself to a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time: With just 30 minutes of marinating and 15 minutes on the grill, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
- Fresh and vibrant flavors: The combination of juicy carne asada and zesty avocado salsa verde creates a mouthwatering taste explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with lean protein from the steak and healthy fats from the avocados, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
- Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a lively backyard barbecue, carne asada with avocado salsa verde is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more!
Tips for Success
To make your carne asada with avocado salsa verde a total hit, here are some golden tips! First, don’t rush the marinating process—aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, let it marinate longer for maximum flavor. When grilling, keep an eye on the temperature; a hot grill gets that beautiful char while keeping the inside juicy. And for the salsa, always choose ripe avocados—they should feel slightly soft but not mushy. If you want a bit more heat, don’t hesitate to adjust the jalapeño to your taste. Lastly, serve everything fresh and enjoy the flavor fiesta!
FAQ About Carne Asada with Avocado Salsa Verde
Can I use other cuts of beef for carne asada?
Absolutely! While flank steak is a classic choice for carne asada, you can also use cuts like skirt steak or sirloin. Skirt steak has a similar flavor and cooks quickly, while sirloin is a bit leaner but still delicious. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary—skirt steak cooks really fast, so keep an eye on it! The key is to choose a cut that’s tender and flavorful, and don’t forget to slice it against the grain for the best texture!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any carne asada leftovers (though I doubt it!), let the steak cool completely before storing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to warm it up gently, which helps retain that juicy goodness. You can even toss it on the grill for a minute to revive that delicious char flavor!
Can I make the salsa verde ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Making the avocado salsa verde ahead of time is a great way to save time on busy days. Just prepare it as directed, but keep in mind that avocados can brown quickly. To store it, transfer the salsa to an airtight container and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure. It should last for about 1-2 days in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving!
What can I serve with carne asada?
The possibilities are endless! For a classic pairing, serve your carne asada with warm tortillas, so everyone can make their own tacos. I also love it with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a hearty meal. For something fresh, a simple salad with lime vinaigrette complements the flavors beautifully. And don’t forget some grilled veggies or corn on the cob—perfect for soaking up all that salsa verde goodness!
Equipment List
- Grill: A good-quality grill is essential for achieving that perfect char on your carne asada.
- Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a large bowl for marinating the steak and mixing the salsa.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board is a must for slicing your steak and prepping ingredients.
- Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will make slicing the steak against the grain a breeze.
- Meat Thermometer: This handy tool ensures your steak is cooked to the perfect doneness without guesswork.
- Spatula or Tongs: Grab a good spatula or tongs for flipping the steak on the grill safely.
- Masher or Fork: Use this to mash the avocados for your salsa verde, making it just the right consistency.
- Serving Platter: A beautiful platter to present your carne asada topped with that vibrant salsa verde.
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Air Fryer Chicken Quesadilla Bites.
Print
Carne Asada with Avocado Salsa Verde: A Flavor Fiesta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful carne asada served with fresh avocado salsa verde.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs flank steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup tomatillos, husked and chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
Instructions
- Preheat grill to high heat.
- Marinate flank steak with olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
- Grill steak for 6-8 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Remove steak from grill and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine avocados, tomatillos, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño to make the salsa verde.
- Slice the steak against the grain.
- Serve steak topped with avocado salsa verde.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more jalapeño.
- Let the steak rest for better juiciness.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: carne asada, avocado salsa verde, grilled steak
