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Dominate your next gathering with this epic carne asada recipe for 20 Persons, perfect for potlucks, BBQs, or fiestas. This flavorful and budget-friendly crowd-pleaser is guaranteed to be the star of the show!
Forget expensive catering and impress your guests with this easy-to-follow guide, taking you from crafting the perfect marinade to achieving those coveted grill marks. No grillmaster experience is necessary!
Ingredient For Carne Asada Recipe For 20 Persons
Spicy Marinade for 10 Pounds of Carne Asada:
- Fresh Squeezed Citrus: 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/2 cup lime juice (bright and tangy flavors)
- Acidity: 1/4 cup white vinegar (tenderizes the meat)
- Herb Powerhouse: 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (freshness and aroma)
- Garlicky Goodness: 10 cloves garlic, minced (bold flavor)
- Customizable Spice Level: 4 jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped (adjust for heat preference)
- Earthy Warmth: 2 tablespoons ground cumin (classic Mexican spice)
- Smoky and Sweet Notes: 2 tablespoons chili powder (adds depth of flavor)
- Classic Mexican Herbs: 1 tablespoon dried oregano (authentic taste)
- A Touch of Smokiness: 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (unique flavor profile)
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper for a Kick: 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Adjustable Saltiness: 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- Olive Oil to Keep Things Moist: 1/2 cup
Carne Asada Plate Extravaganza:
- Tender Steak: 10 pounds skirt steak, trimmed (classic choice) or flank steak substitute
- Warm Tortilla Options: 40 corn tortillas or a mix of corn and flour (base for your tacos)
- Hearty Refried Beans: 2 large cans of refried beans, heated (traditional side dish)
- Flavorful Mexican Rice: 2 large batches of your favorite recipe (complementary side)
- Fresh and Creamy Guacamole: 4 large avocados, mashed (essential topping)
- Vibrant Pico de Gallo: 2 large tomatoes, diced, 1 red onion, diced (fresh and flavorful salsa)
- Fresh Cilantro for Brightness: 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (adds a finishing touch)
- Zesty Lime Wedges: 1 lime, cut into wedges (bright acidity)
- Optional Toppings for Customization: crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, salsa verde (cater to different preferences)
The Marinade Symphony: Where Flavor Takes Center Stage
The key to delicious carne asada lies in the marinade. This fragrant concoction infuses the meat with vibrant flavors, transforming a tough cut into a juicy and tender masterpiece.
Crafting the Flavor Base:
- Gather your fresh ingredients – high quality is key! Combine the orange juice, lime juice, white vinegar, and olive oil in a large bowl. These acidic components will tenderize the meat.
Spice it Up Fiesta Style:
- Add the chopped cilantro, garlic, jalapenos (adjust for spice preference), cumin, chili powder, oregano, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Whisk it all together until a cohesive mixture forms.
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Marinating Magic: From Tough Cut to Tender Delight
Prep the Meat:
- Pat the skirt steaks dry with paper towels to remove moisture and allow the marinade to adhere better.
Slice Strategically:
- Cut the skirt steak against the grain into thin strips (around 1/4-inch thick) for optimal tenderness.
Immerse and Marinate:
- Place the sliced steak in the prepared marinade, ensuring all the pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
Grilling Like a Champion: Searing Perfection Awaits
Now comes the fun part – firing up the grill and transforming the marinated meat into sizzling carne asada goodness!
Heat Things Up!:
- Preheat your grill to high heat (around 450°F). For charcoal grills, wait until the coals are white hot and glowing red.
Grease Up for Battle:
- Lightly brush the hot grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
- Sear and Sizzle: Remove the steak pieces from the marinade, shaking off any excess marinade with a flick of the wrist. Place the steak strips on the hot grill, creating a beautiful sizzle.
Use tongs to turn the steak, not a fork. A fork can pierce the meat, releasing precious juices and leading to dryness.
- The Sear is Key: Don’t overcrowd the grill – this can lead to uneven cooking and less-than-ideal sear marks. Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Aim for a nice char on the outside and a juicy pink center for medium-rare perfection.
- Rest, Glorious Rest: Once cooked, remove the carne asada from the grill and transfer it to a platter. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful experience.
Fiesta Feast for the Eyes and the Belly: The Grand Finale
Now that the star of the show is ready, it’s time to assemble your epic carne asada plate!
- Warm Up the Troops: Heat your refried beans according to the package instructions.
- Prepare the Rice Brigade: Whip up your favorite Mexican rice recipe in two large batches.
- Guacamole Grande: Mash up those avocados for a fresh and creamy guacamole. Store-bought works in a pinch, but homemade is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Chopping Crew: Dice your tomatoes, red onion, and fresh cilantro. These vibrant ingredients add a pop of color, freshness, and flavor to the plate.
- The Grand Assembly: On a large platter, arrange the warm tortillas, followed by the sliced carne asada. Scatter the refried beans, Mexican rice, and guacamole around the platter. Don’t forget the diced tomatoes, red onion, and fresh cilantro for that finishing touch.
- Fiesta Fiesta!: Set out the lime wedges and your optional toppings like queso fresco, sour cream, and salsa verde. Let your guests assemble their perfect carne asada tacos and enjoy the fiesta!
For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some of the leftover marinade over the finished carne asada plate just before serving.
There you have it! With this carne asada recipe for 20 Persons and a little grilling enthusiasm, you’ll be the carne asada champion at your next gathering. So crank up the music, fire up the grill, and get ready to impress your guests with this authentic and flavorful fiesta feast!