This homemade carne asada seasoning can be used as a flavorful rub, or you can add liquid to make a quick and easy marinade for carne asada or other meats. You'll love my Carne Asada recipe, too!
Carne Asada Seasoning Recipe
Do you love carne asada? I sure do! Nothing beats authentic carne asada served hot, right off the grill, with all the beautiful char and amazing flavor.
If you enjoy making it at home, this Carne Asada Seasoning is a great time saver and flavor builder.
It's the perfect mix of spices to fully compliment your carne asada, something you can make ahead of time for quick and easy cooking. I usually make a quadruple batch and store it.
Why You'll Love This Spice Blend
- This spice mix brings just the right amount of heat and flavor to your carne asada, and makes cooking a snap to prep.
- It's versatile, as you can use it as either a dry rub mix, or as as a delicious marinade.
- You can use it with other recipes as a general spice blend, not just for carne asada.
Let's talk about how to make carne asada seasoning, shall we?
Homemade Carne Asada Seasoning Ingredients
The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Chili Powder. Use an American blend, or use a combination of ancho powder and guajillo powder.
- Garlic Powder.
- Onion Powder.
- Mexican Oregano.
- Cumin.
- Salt.
- Black Pepper.
- OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS
- Cayenne. Or use ground chile de arbol - optional, for spicy.
- Crystalized Lime Powder. I ordered this online for lime flavor, which I personally love with carne asada. You can also use dried lime zest (which you can make yourself) or a Tajin Seasoning, which contains lime and similar ingredients.
How to Make Carne Asada Seasoning - the Recipe Method
Mix together all of the spices - chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, Mexican oregano, cumin, cayenne, and salt and pepper - until well combined.
Use and enjoy! It makes 3+ tablespoons, enough for a 2 pound skirt steak.
Boom! Done! Your carne asada seasoning is ready to use. Fire up the grills, my friends! It's time to make carne asada!
Recipe Tips & Notes
- You can easily adjust the ratios to your personal preference. I often like to add a bit more cayenne for a spicier version.
Using Carne Asada Seasoning
There are two ways to use carne asada seasoning - as a Dry Rub or as part of a Marinade.
Dry Rub. Rub the entire spice blend into a 2-3 pound skirt steak or flank steak, then cook as desired.
Marinade. Mix the entire spice blend with ¼ cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons chili oil, Juice from 2 large oranges about a ¾ cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, and 3 tablespoons vinegar. Soy sauce is popular as well.
I like to include fresh chopped chilies, garlic, and cilantro as well.
Then, marinate your flank or skirt steak, or other cut of meat, then cook as desired.
See my Carne Asada Marinade Recipe for further discussion.
Storage
Store carne asada seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It is best to use within 6 months, as it begins to lose it's potency and flavor.
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy this carne asada seasoning recipe. Let me know if you make it. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you, and if you decided to spice it up!
Cookbook Recommendation
If you enjoy spicy cooking, I hope you'll check out my cookbook! 75 easy recipes with big, bold flavor.
- The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook, by Mike Hultquist (affiliate link, my friends!)
Amazon Affiliate links, my friends! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes
Try Some of My Other Popular Spice Blends
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Carne Asada Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder use an American blend, or use a combination of ancho powder and guajillo powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cayenne or use ground chile de arbol - optional, for spicy
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
OPTIONAL
- 1 teaspoon crystalized lime powder or use dried lime zest or a Tajin Mix
Instructions
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Use within 6 months.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Paula says
We added this to hamburger with habanero cheddar! Ooooohhhh! So very delicious, left us wanting more! Thank y’all for the great recipes! My Honeybuns wants me to put this on everything (even a glass of water!), just kidding ! We love ❤️ y’all’s recipes! We thank y’all and God Bless!!
Mike H. says
God bless, Paula. So happy that you are happy! =)
Lee says
What would you use this for? Dry rub for ribs? Wings?
Mike Hultquist says
Lee, it's great as a steak rub or for making quick marinades, but yes, works with wings and ribs perfectly. It's a great all-purpose rub.
Ramya says
Cant wait to make this soon for me i never had carne asada seasoning before perfect for snacks love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Mike Hultquist says
Let me know if you make it, Ramya. I'd love to hear other comments from you. Cheer.