Carne Asada Seasoning

Carne Asada Seasoning is a blend of spices that is used to flavor meat and give it a distinctive taste. This quick and easy recipe combines common spices you probably have at home.

While you can purchase pre-made carne asada seasoning at the store, making your own at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. By experimenting with different spice blends you can create a seasoning that is perfectly tailored to your taste preferences.

What is Carne Asada Seasoning?

Carne Asada seasoning is a blend of spices commonly used in Mexican cuisine to flavor grilled or seared beef. The seasoning is typically used as a dry rub or a marinade to add flavor and tenderize the meat.

The exact ingredients in Carne Asada seasoning can vary depending on the recipe and region, but it usually includes a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Some recipes may also include additional spices such as oregano, paprika, or onion powder.

Carne Asada seasoning is often used on flank steak or skirt steak to add flavor and enhance the natural richness of the meat.

Whether you’re grilling up Carne Asada for tacos or simply seasoning a steak for a quick weeknight dinner, Carne Asada seasoning is a versatile and delicious way to add bold, Mexican-inspired flavor to your meat dishes.

» You might also like this Grilled Mexican Street Corn.

What is Carne Asada?

Carne asada is a traditional Mexican dish that consists of marinated and grilled beef. The term “carne asada” literally translates to “grilled meat,” and it is typically made with flank steak or skirt steak.

Carne asada is a popular dish in Mexican cuisine and is often served as a main course, in tacos, or as a filling for burritos. The dish has gained popularity in the United States and can be found in many Mexican restaurants and even fast-food chains.

Ingredients Needed

To create this seasoning mix, you will require several seasonings. I recommend purchasing your spices in bulk from your grocery store’s bulk section. Many stores, including Whole Foods, have a great selection. Buying in bulk allows you to have a ready supply of these spices for making this seasoning but also other mixes like your favorite dry rub.

• Mexican chili powder – I use arbol, ancho, and pasilla chili powder. I buy it in little packets from the grocery store. There’s usually a large selection at Mexican grocery stores, if you have one near you. YOu can also use whole dried chilis and do the grinding yourself.
• Chili & Lime spice blend – There are a lot of brands available like Tajín Clásico Chile Lime Seasoning or Cielito. Trader Joe’s has a version.
• Garlic & onion powder – I usually just use powdered versions, but you can use granulated garlic and onion, if you want a grainier rub.
• Ground cumin – You can also grind your own from cumin seeds, if you like.
• Celery salt – I use celery salt for this rub. You can use celery powder or ground celery seeds, but you’ll need to add additional salt to the rub.
• Mexican oregano – Note that Mexican oregano is different than the typical oregano used in Mediterranean cooking. It has more of a bright floral and citrus flavor with a hint of anise. It’s best to use this type of oregano for the right flavor profile.
• Black pepper – Add a little peppery heat with freshly ground black pepper.
• Ground coriander – Cilantro is a major ingredient in Mexican cooking, so you can’t skip the coriander. You can use ground or grind it yourself from coriander seeds.

How To Make Up A Batch Of Carne Asada Seasoning

To make this spice rub, simply combine all of the ingredients in a glass jar with a lid and shake until well mixed. Store the jar in a cool, dry place, and it will keep for up to 6 months, provided that it remains dry and clean. But, trust me, you will love it so much that it won’t stick around long.

This recipe yields a generous amount of rub that can be used multiple times, except when preparing large quantities of grilled steak. To keep the remaining rub clean, always use a clean, dry spoon to scoop out the required amount.

Ways to Use Carne Asada Seasoning

1. Sprinkle it on meat: Rub the carne asada seasoning onto steak, chicken, pork, or even vegetables before cooking them. This will add a delicious and spicy flavor to your dish.
2. Marinade: Mix the carne asada seasoning with oil, lime juice and garlic to make a marinade for your meat a few hours before cooking. This will help to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
3. Salads: Use the carne asada seasoning to season your salad dressings. You can also sprinkle it on top of your salads for an extra kick of flavor.
4. Salsa: Mix some carne asada seasoning into your favorite salsa recipe for a spicy twist on a classic appetizer.

If you are in the mood to try something different use the carne asada seasoning to coat the outside of this smoked cream cheese. Delicious! Experiment and get creative with it, as it pairs well with a variety of different foods.

How to Store Carne Asada Seasoning

Proper storage of carne asada seasoning is crucial to ensure its freshness and longevity. Here are some tips on how to store your seasoning:

• Store in an airtight container: Air exposure can cause the seasoning to lose its flavor and aroma. Therefore, it is essential to store it in an airtight container to prevent air from getting in.
• Keep in a cool, dry place: Heat and moisture can also affect the quality of the seasoning. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Avoid storing in the fridge: While it may seem like a good idea to store the seasoning in the fridge, it can cause it to clump together and lose its texture. Therefore, it is best to store it at room temperature.

If stored properly, carne asada seasoning can last up to six months. However, it is recommended to use it within three months to ensure its freshness and flavor. It is important to note that homemade seasoning may have a shorter shelf life compared to store-bought ones.

Pro Tip: Label your container with the date you made the seasoning. This way, you can keep track of its freshness and know when it’s time to make a new batch.

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