Carne asada

Carne asada
Alternative names	Asado
Place of origin	Mexico
Region or state	North America
Serving temperature	Typically hot
Main ingredients	Beef
Variations	Seasonings
	Media: Carne asada;

Carne asada is grilled and sliced beef, usually skirt steak, or a flank steak. It is usually marinated then grilled or seared to impart a charred flavor. Carne asada can be served on its own or as an ingredient in other dishes.

The term carne asada translates literally to "grilled meat"; the English-style dish "roast beef" is called by its English name in Spanish, so that each dish has a distinctive name. The term carne asada is used in Mexico and Central America and refers to the style of grilled meat in those countries. In South America, the term used for grilled meat is asado and it has a different style and preparation.

Preparation

Carne asada can be purchased from meat markets either prepared (preparada, i.e., already marinated) or not (no preparada), for marinating at home.^[1] The meat is characteristically marinated in lime juice, salt, and Mexican seasonings, but may also be simply rubbed with salt or spice rubs such as lemon pepper, before grilled.^[1]^[2] After grilling it is typically chopped for filling tacos and burritos, which also minimizes toughness.

As an ingredient

Carne asada can be served as a main dish, but it is also commonly chopped up and used as an ingredient in other dishes.^[1] These popular dishes use carne asada as a main ingredient:

As an event

In Mexico and other countries in Central America, the phrase carne asada can also be used to describe a social event, the equivalent of a social barbecue, where family and close friends gather.^[1]^[2] Carne asada is especially popular in northern Mexico, where it is considered a staple food. It is the most common dish served at parties, celebrations, and other events in northern Mexico.^[3]