Carne asada has become a quintessential part of Mexican cuisine, utilizing quick-cooking cuts of steak like flank or skirt, and then grilling it to both soften the meat and give it a delectable charred flavor. Marinating the steak ahead of time will ensure maximum flavor and tenderness, leaving you with carne asada that’s smoky, slightly spicy, and full of depth.

This iconic steak dish traces back to the 16th century in Northern Mexico when Spanish colonizers brought cattle to the Americas. As the cattle industry flourished, so did enjoying carne asada. Nowadays, lauded both for its versatility, deliciousness, and ease of preparation, carne asada is typically enjoyed over tacos with cilantro, onion, spicy salsa, and a squeeze of lime or stuffed in burritos with cheese, rice, and beans. It is also considered to be a social food that is a staple of large celebrations.