My favourite Mexican recipe has to be Marinated Beef with Fresh Guacamole. The bold, smoky flavours of Carne Asada Fiesta, as I like to call it, come from well-seasoned, tender beef, perfectly grilled and sliced, then paired with the creamy richness of guacamole. This combination is a staple of Mexican street food and home cooking alike, offering a satisfying mix of textures and flavours.
The Magic of a Good Marinade
At the heart of Marinated Beef with Fresh Guacamole is the marinade. Traditional Mexican marinades often feature citrus juices like lime and orange, which not only infuse the beef with tangy brightness but also help tenderise it. A blend of spices—often including cumin, chilli powder, and smoky paprika—creates a deep, layered flavour. Garlic and fresh coriander add an extra punch, making every bite of the beef vibrant and mouth-watering.
Once marinated, the beef is typically grilled over an open flame, giving it a lightly charred, smoky crust while keeping the inside juicy and flavourful. This technique is key to achieving that signature carne asada taste—bold, slightly charred on the edges, yet tender and bursting with flavour.
Guacamole: The Perfect Partner
No Marinated Beef with Fresh Guacamole is complete without a generous helping of obviously homemade guacamole. Creamy, fresh, and slightly tangy, guacamole balances the richness of the grilled beef beautifully. At its core, it’s a simple preparation—ripe avocados mashed and mixed with lime juice, salt, and often diced tomatoes, onions, and coriander. The result is a smooth, flavour-packed dip that complements the beef perfectly.
Serving It Up
There are endless ways to enjoy Marinated Beef with Fresh Guacamole. Wrapped in warm corn tortillas with a spoonful of guacamole, it makes for a satisfying taco. Served alongside rice and beans, it becomes a hearty and comforting meal. Even on its own, with a squeeze of lime and a fresh salsa, this dish is a celebration of bold Mexican flavours.
For anyone who loves smoky, marinated meats and creamy, flavourful guacamole, Marinated Beef with Fresh Guacamole is a must-try. It brings the warmth and vibrancy of Mexican cuisine to the table, making every bite a delicious experience.
Marinated Beef with Fresh Guacamole
Ingredients
Carne Asada (Marinated Beef):
- 500 g flank steak (or skirt steak)
- 2 large limes juice only
- 1 large orange juice only
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh coriander chopped
- 1 tsp soy sauce optional
Guacamole:
- 2 large ripe avocados
- 1 large lime juice only
- ½ small red onion finely chopped
- 1 medium red chilli optional for heat
- 1 small tomato diced
- 1 tbsp fresh coriander chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
To Serve:
- corn tortillas or flour tortillas warmed
- Lime wedges
- salsa
- hot sauce
Instructions
Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, chilli powder, salt, pepper, coriander and soy sauce.2 large limes, 1 large orange, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp chilli powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp fresh coriander, 1 tsp soy sauce
- Place the steak in a shallow dish or a zip-lock bag and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the meat is well coated.500 g flank steak
- Cover and refrigerate for at least **2 hours**, or ideally overnight for deeper flavour.
Prepare the Guacamole:
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a bowl.2 large ripe avocados
- Mash the avocados with a fork until smooth but slightly chunky.
- Stir in lime juice, red onion, chilli, tomato, coriander, salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning if needed.1 large lime, ½ small red onion, 1 small tomato, 1 tbsp fresh coriander, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, 1 medium red chilli
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook the Carne Asada:
- Heat a grill or pan over **high heat**. Lightly oil the grill or pan to prevent sticking.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and shake off excess liquid.
- Grill for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust to your preferred doneness.
- Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the sliced beef with guacamole on the side, or assemble in tacos with tortillas, lime wedges, and salsa.corn tortillas, Lime wedges, salsa, hot sauce
Notes
For the Carne Asada/Marinated Beef:
- Marinate for Maximum Flavour – At least 2 hours is essential, but overnight marination will make the beef even more flavourful and tender. The citrus juices help break down the meat fibres.
- Room Temperature Before Cooking – Take the marinated steak out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and better caramelisation.
- High Heat for a Perfect Sear – Whether grilling or pan-searing, make sure your cooking surface is very hot before adding the steak. This creates a delicious char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- Don’t Overcook – Flank and skirt steak are best cooked to medium-rare or medium (about 4-6 minutes per side). Overcooking can make them tough.
- Rest Before Slicing – Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it tender and moist.
- Slice Against the Grain – Cutting against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibres) ensures each bite is tender and easy to chew.
For the Guacamole:
- Use Ripe Avocados – They should yield slightly when pressed but not be mushy. Overripe avocados can taste bitter, while underripe ones are too firm and bland.
- Mash to Your Liking – If you like a chunkier guacamole, mash it lightly with a fork. For a smoother texture, use a spoon and mix well.
- Balance the Flavours – Lime juice adds freshness, onions add a little bite, and tomatoes add sweetness. Adjust the salt and lime juice to taste.
- Keep It Fresh – Guacamole can brown quickly. To keep it green, store it with a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent oxidation.
Bonus Tips:
- For an extra smoky flavour, grill the steak over charcoal or use smoked paprika in the marinade.
- For a spicy kick, add finely chopped jalapeños to the guacamole or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade.
- For ultimate tacos, warm the tortillas on the grill or in a dry pan for a few seconds to make them soft and pliable.
15 comments
If your looking for a sharing dish then you must try this. The mari ated beef is so soft and full of flavour.
A fantastic dish.
Made this for super bowl and it lasted 10 minutes!!!! Need to make it in bulk next time.
I served it with corn tortillas, salsa, and a squeeze of lime, and it was better than anything I’ve had at a restaurant.
This is now my go-to for taco nights.
The beef was tender, flavourful, and paired beautifully with the guacamole.
The marinade was spot on, and slicing the beef against the grain made it so tender. Served in warm tortillas with extra guacamole—perfection.
This dish is aexcellent! I usually order carne asada at restaurants, but making it at home was even better.
The guacamole was fresh and creamy, making every bite even better.
I was surprised at how easy this dish was to prepare! The marinade took just a few minutes to mix, and the steak grilled beautifully.
I made doble the guacamole and it was perfect.
I like my food with a bit more heat, so next time I’ll add some chopped jalapeños to the guacamole or extra chilli powder to the marinade.
Totally love this and highly recommend.
The balance of citrus and spice in the marinade was fantastic, and the steak turned out juicy.
I made this for a small get-together, and everyone raved about it! The beef was juicy and flavourful, and the guacamole was so fresh.