Mix up this easy and authentic Carne Asada Seasoning in just minutes to use as a dry rub or to build a flavorful marinade for grilled steak. Perfect for carne asada tacos, burritos, nachos, fries, or bowls—this spice blend brings a bright, savory taste of Mexico to your backyard grill or kitchen.
Bring the flavor to your next Mexican BBQ
Carne asada literally means “grilled meat” and most often refers to beef prepared simply and boldly for tacos, burritos, or plates straight from the grill. Living in San Diego means we enjoy carne asada regularly, and over the years I’ve refined a seasoning mix and basic marinade that consistently delivers bright, smoky, and savory flavor.
The blend combines chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried cilantro, garlic and onion powders, and salt. Use it dry as a quick rub just before grilling, or combine it with olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, and orange juice to make a marinade that tenderizes and infuses the steak. If time is tight, the dry rub gives you excellent flavor in minutes; if you have time, marinating enhances tenderness and depth.
For a smoky profile, substitute chipotle pepper powder for the chili powder and use smoked paprika. To turn up the heat, add a little cayenne pepper to taste. This seasoning is naturally gluten-free and contains no added sugar, so it fits well into low-carb or Whole30-style eating.
Ingredients
For best results, use fresh spices that haven’t been in your pantry for years. This recipe yields about 12 tablespoons of seasoning—enough for multiple steaks. See the recipe card below for exact amounts.
- Chili powder – make sure this is chili powder (a blend of ground dried chiles with spices), not straight chile powder. For a smoky variation, use chipotle pepper powder instead of chili powder.
- Ground cumin – adds warmth and earthiness that complements the chiles.
- Dried cilantro – for a bright herb note; substitute dried Mexican oregano or omit if you prefer.
- Paprika – regular paprika works well; use smoked paprika for extra smokiness.
- Garlic powder – or granulated garlic for texture.
- Onion powder – adds savory balance.
- Sea salt or kosher salt – coarse salt brings better texture and flavor than table salt.
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl or mason jar and mix thoroughly until uniform.
- Store the seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dark pantry for up to six months. Shake or stir before using if ingredients settle.
How to use it as a dry rub
If you need a fast, flavorful finish, use the seasoning as a dry rub before grilling.
Rub 2 pounds of skirt or flank steak lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil so the seasoning adheres. Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of the carne asada seasoning evenly over the steak and press it in. Preheat your grill to high and cook the steak 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F. Remove the steak and rest it for 10 minutes—this allows the temperature to rise slightly and the juices to redistribute. Slice against the grain and serve in tacos, burritos, bowls, or over nachos.
How to make carne asada marinade
If you can spare at least 30 minutes, marinating the steak will add extra tenderness and flavor. Use this simple marinade to complement the seasoning.
Combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, and 3 tablespoons carne asada seasoning. Place up to 2 pounds of flank or skirt steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat, turning to coat. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 8 hours. Remove the steak from the marinade (discard any leftover marinade), grill over high heat for 4–5 minutes per side, and rest 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve as desired.
Ways to use carne asada
Carne asada is versatile—use it to create many meals across the week. After grilling and slicing, try these serving ideas:
- Carne asada bowls with rice, beans, salsa, and avocado.
- Carne asada tacos with fresh cilantro, onion, and lime.
- Steak quesadillas with melted cheese and peppers.
- Carne asada fries topped with cheese, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
- Steak nachos: layer chips, diced carne asada, and shredded cheese; broil until melted and top with your favorite condiments.
Carne Asada Seasoning
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons chili powder (or chipotle pepper powder for a smoky variation)
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons dried cilantro (or Mexican oregano)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl or jar and mix until even.
- Store in an airtight container in the pantry for up to six months.
Notes
- This recipe makes 12 tablespoons of seasoning. Use roughly 1½ tablespoons of seasoning per pound of steak for either a dry rub or to mix into a marinade.
- Dry rub method: rub a 2-pound skirt or flank steak with 1 tablespoon olive oil, then season with 3 tablespoons of this mix and grill over high heat 4–5 minutes per side.
- Marinade method: combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup fresh orange juice, and 3 tablespoons seasoning. Marinate up to 8 hours, then grill and rest as directed.
- Smoky version: replace chili powder with chipotle pepper powder and paprika with smoked paprika.
- Spicy version: add 1–3 teaspoons cayenne pepper to taste.
- Gluten-free and contains no added sugar.
Nutrition Facts (per 1 tablespoon)
Calories: 18 kcal | Carbohydrates: 3 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 1 g | Sodium: 629 mg
Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 0.4 g | Vitamin A: 1110 mg | Vitamin C: 2 mg | Calcium: 27 mg | Iron: 1 mg
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More homemade seasonings
Keep your pantry stocked with a few homemade seasoning blends to elevate every meal. A few complementary mixes to try alongside this carne asada seasoning include Montreal steak seasoning, fajita seasoning, homemade taco seasoning, and chili seasoning. These blends make it easy to build bold, homemade flavor without relying on pre-mixed packets.
Montreal Steak Seasoning
Fajita Seasoning
Homemade Taco Seasoning
