Traeger Carne Asada: A Flavorful and Smoky Mexican Treat
This traditional Mexican recipe traeger carne asada is elevated to a new level of smoky flavor when cooked on a Traeger barbecue. Traditionally, thin slices of beef, such as flank or skirt steak, are marinated in a fragrant mixture of citrus, spices, and herbs to make carne asada, which translates to “grilled meat” in Spanish. This recipe is ideal for game day, family get-togethers, or any special event since cooking it on a wood pellet grill, or Traeger, adds a rich, smoky flavor to the meat.
From selecting the best meat to marinating, grilling, and serving, this guide will teach you how to make Traeger Carne Asada.
Why Make Carne Asada on a Traeger Grill?
Carne Asada is a great fit for the Traeger grill, which is well-known for its adaptability and capacity to give meals a mouthwatering smoky flavor. In contrast to conventional gas or charcoal grills, Traegers employ wood pellets, which give the steak a delicate, smokey flavor while supplying steady heat. The meat can cook evenly with the low-and-slow cooking option, producing a succulent, juicy Carne Asada that smells delicious.
Here’s a recipe card for Traeger Carne Asada in table format:
| Recipe: Traeger Carne Asada |
|---|
| Prep Time: 15 minutes |
| Marinating Time: 2 hours (preferably overnight) |
| Cook Time: 10-12 minutes |
| Servings: 4-6 |
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For the Marinade | |
| Flank steak or skirt steak | 1 lb |
| Lime juice | 1/4 cup |
| Orange juice | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Fresh cilantro (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Ground cumin | 1 tsp |
| Chili powder | 1 tsp |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| For Grilling | |
| Traeger wood pellets (hickory, mesquite, or oak) | As needed |
| Tortillas | 8-10 |
| Optional toppings: guacamole, salsa, onions, cilantro | To taste |
| Step 1: Prepare the Marinade | |
| 1. Combine lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. | |
| 2. Place steak in marinade, ensuring it’s fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best flavor. |
| Step 2: Preheat the Traeger Grill | |
| 1. Set the Traeger grill to 450°F (232°C) and preheat for 15 minutes. |
| Step 3: Grill the Carne Asada | |
| 1. Remove steak from marinade and let excess drip off. |
| 2. Place steak on Traeger grill, close lid, and grill 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp 130-135°F). |
| Step 4: Rest and Slice the Meat | |
| 1. Let steak rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain for tenderness. |
| Step 5: Serve and Enjoy | |
| 1. Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, salsa, onions, and cilantro. |
| 2. Enjoy your Traeger Carne Asada in tacos, fajitas, or burrito bowls! |
Traeger Carne Asada’s Essential Ingredients
To prepare the delectable Traeger Carne Asada, assemble the following components:
For the Marinade
- Skirt or flank steak – Both cuts are ideal for carne asada because they are thin and have lots of taste and texture.
- Lime Juice – The meat is tenderized by the zesty, acidic note of freshly squeezed lime juice.
- Orange Juice – Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the lime.
- Garlic – A deep, savory taste is added by using freshly minced garlic.
- Cilantro – A vital, herbal taste that is crucial to Mexican cooking is added by fresh cilantro.
- Cumin – Warm and earthy, cumin lends a distinctively Mexican flavor to the meat.
- Chili Powder – Provides a hint of smokiness and fire.
- Olive Oil – Provides moisture and helps the marinade coat the meat evenly.
- Salt and Pepper – To enhance the beef’s inherent flavor and add seasoning.
For Grilling
- Wood Pellets for Trainers Strong, smoky taste can be added with oak, mesquite, or hickory.
- Tortillas – For tacos or fajitas, serve the carne asada on heated tortillas.
- Toppers – Traditional garnishes include guacamole, salsa, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro.
Detailed Instructions for Preparing Traeger Carne Asada
1. Get the marinade ready.
The key to a tasty carne asada is the marinade. Add the lime juice, orange juice, cumin, chili powder, chopped cilantro, olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic to a large bowl. Mix everything thoroughly by stirring it all together. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it is completely covered, and place it in a shallow dish or a large resealable bag. To properly infuse the flavors, marinate the meat in the fridge for at least two hours, but preferably overnight.
2. Get the Traeger Grill ready
Preheat your Traeger grill for approximately fifteen minutes at 450°F (232°C). A higher heat for carne asada keeps the interior moist while producing a lovely char on the outside. Put your preferred wood pellets on the grill; hickory, mesquite, or oak are great choices that give the meat a rich, smokey flavor.
3. Cook the Carne Asada on the grill
After the grill has heated up, take the steak out of the marinade and let any extra drop off. Close the cover after placing the steak directly on the Traeger grill grates. Depending on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of your cut, grill the steak for 4–6 minutes on each side. Aim for an interior temperature of roughly 130–135°F (54–57°C) for medium-rare. As the meat cooks, the wood pellet smoke from the Traeger will give it a wonderful flavor and aroma.
4. Take a Break and Cut the Meat
The steak should sit on a chopping board for approximately five minutes after grilling. The meat stays moist and tender while resting because the juices may redistribute. For optimal tenderness, slice the steak thinly against the grain once it has rested.
5. Present and Savour
Warm tortillas are typically served with carne asada. Arrange the steak slices on a dish and serve them with fresh cilantro, chopped onions, salsa, guacamole, and tortillas. Serve lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the meat for an added touch.
Traeger Carne Asada Serving Ideas
Because of its versatility, carne asada can be prepared in a number of ways. Here are some suggestions:
- Carne Asada Tacos: Top corn or flour tortillas with grilled steak slices and garnish with onions, guacamole, and fresh salsa.
- Carne Asada Fajitas – Present the steak beside your preferred toppings, warm tortillas, and sautéed peppers and onions.
Using rice, beans, sliced carne asada, and an abundance of fresh toppings, construct a burrito bowl.
- As a Main Dish – Serve the grilled carne asada with grilled veggies, rice, and beans, which are typical Mexican sides.
[Guidelines for the Ideal Traeger Carne Asada]
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The marinade’s flavor is greatly enhanced by the use of fresh lime juice, orange juice, and cilantro.
The finest results are obtained by marinating overnight, although it is advised to marinate for at least two hours.
- Select the Correct Wood Pellets: Oak, mesquite, or hickory pellets have a strong flavor that goes well with carne asada.
Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak is cooked through. Set the temperature to 130–135°F for medium-rare.
- Slice Against the Grain: This guarantees that the meat is chewable and soft.
carne asada fajitas
One of the most popular Mexican recipes is carne asada fajitas. Whether it’s a weekend BBQ or a family get-together, these fajitas are well-known for their smokey taste, delicate beef, and vibrant presentation. .
Conclusion
A tasty take on a traditional Mexican cuisine is Traeger Carne Asada. In addition to perfectly cooking the meat, the wood pellet grill adds a smoky flavor that enhances each bite. This recipe will be popular whether it is served as a main course with sides, tacos, or fajitas. You can bring the real tastes of Mexican street food into your garden with a Traeger barbecue and a little preparation. Savor the tastes of Traeger-style carne asada at your next get-together with this tasty, smokey delicacy!
