Grilled Guatemalan Carne Asada with Cilantro-Lime Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled flank steak marinated in a bright, tangy blend of lime juice, garlic, and fresh herbs, topped with a zesty cilantro-lime dressing. This Latin American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 27 minutes, pairs flank steak, fresh lime juice, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup fresh lime juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 pounds flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag and pour marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 6 hours to tenderize and flavor the meat.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard marinade.
  4. Step 4: Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness, turning once. Remove from grill and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
  5. Step 5: While the steak rests, combine 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 thinly sliced green onions, and 1 tbsp honey in a small bowl. Stir well to create a bright cilantro-lime dressing.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle the cilantro-lime dressing over sliced steak and serve with warm tortillas or rice and beans for a complete Guatemalan-inspired meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Guatemalan Carne Asada with Cilantro-Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Guatemalan Carne Asada with Cilantro-Lime Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Guatemalan Carne Asada with Cilantro-Lime Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Guatemalan Carne Asada with Cilantro-Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Guatemalan Carne Asada with Cilantro-Lime Dressing?

Latin American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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