Alright amigos, let's talk about carne asada! That smoky, savory goodness that makes your taste buds sing. But what if I told you that you could enjoy that same delicious flavor without all the heavy stuff? It's true! We're taking this classic and giving it a little healthy twist, because who says you can’t have your steak and eat it too?
The Secret's in the Prep (and the Marinate!)
First things first, we're grabbing a nice flank steak. Now, don't be shy with the marinade! We're not just throwing some stuff together; we're creating a flavor explosion! Think tangy lime, zesty garlic, a splash of vinegar, and a touch of soy sauce. We're also using a good quality olive oil because that's how we roll. And just because we want to keep it light doesn't mean we skimp on flavor! We're going all in with fresh cilantro, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, and paprika!
Now the most important part, let it sit! Eight hours is ideal, but if you're short on time, even a few hours will do the trick. This is where the magic happens. The marinade infuses the steak, making it incredibly tender and flavorful. This makes it perfect for tacos, salads, or just by itself if you're feeling it. And you can track all the marinating time and ingredients in your Menuistia app!
Grill It Like You Mean It!
When it’s time to grill, get that baby nice and hot. Sear the steak for about four minutes per side, and then check the temperature, aiming for a medium-rare of 135°F (57°C). Let it rest for five minutes so all the juices stay in before slicing it against the grain to serve!
Customize to Your Hearts Content!
Looking for a little more inspiration? Why not try it in a vibrant salad, loaded with fresh greens, avocado, and a squeeze of lime? Or how about some healthy tacos with whole wheat tortillas and a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of sour cream? The options are endless and all can be personalized on Menuistia.
Recipe
Yields: 6 Servings Prep Time: 10 minutes Marinating Time: 8 hours Cook Time: 8 minutes Total Time: 8 hours 18 minutes
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs flank steak
- ⅓ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 limes, juiced
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, and olive oil.
- Season with salt, black pepper, white pepper, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, and paprika. Mix well.
- Place flank steak in a large bowl and pour marinade over it.
- Cover, place in the refrigerator, and marinate for at least 8 hours.
- Remove steak from fridge an hour before grilling.
- Heat grill to medium-high heat.
- Grill steak for four minutes per side, then check internal temp, remove when it hits 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.
- Let it rest for five minutes, then slice and serve!
Notes:
- For stovetop cooking, heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak and cook for 4 minutes per side for medium doneness.
- You can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have at home and what you like using the Menuistia app.
So there you have it – a lighter, brighter way to enjoy the incredible flavors of carne asada. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it! Don't forget to check out the Menuistia app to create even more healthy, delicious, and easy to prepare meals! Happy cooking!