With its smokey, citrusy, and slightly spicy notes, this bold and flavourful homemade carne asana seasoning is a mix of delicious spices that can be used as a marinade or a dry-rub on your favourite cuts of beef. 

Carne Asada Seasoning

Carne Asada is a Mexican dish that features steak which is marinaded in seasonings and lime juice. This steak is then usually grilled to create the perfect piece of meat.

This seasoning is easy to make and have on hand ready to use for the perfect grilled meal. The longer that the steak is marinaded, the more flavourful the results. 24 hours is the best, though overnight or even a few hours is still better than not marinading it at all.

Recipe Notes

• The ratios in this seasoning recipe can be adjusted to your taste. For example, for a spicy version add the cayenne pepper.
• Using as a marinade – other liquids that could be used are lemon or orange juice, chilli oil, apple cider vinegar, or soy sauce.
• Fresh herbs could also be chopped and added when using. Try chopped chillies, coriander or minced garlic.
• For a low sodium version of this seasoning, the salt may be omitted 
• White pepper can be used instead of black pepper.
• Add some diced onion to the marinade.
• This seasoning could also double as a taco seasoning substitute or sprinkle on roast vegetables for a lovely kick.
• To make bulk seasoning, double or triple this recipe.

Ingredients for Making Carne Asada Seasoning

To make around ½ cup of seasoning, you will need:

• 1 TBSP Chilli Powder
• 1 TBSP Smoked Paprika
• 1 TBSP Ground Cumin
• 2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 2 tsp Onion Powder
• 2 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp Ground Coriander
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• ½ tsp Cayenne Pepper – Optional, for extra heat

Making Carne Asada Seasoning

Add the spices to a small mixing bowl.

Mix until well combined.

Store in an airtight glass container for up to 6 months. The spices will lose their potency and flavour the longer they sit.

To use, rub generously onto meat, or mix with lime juice and oil for a delicious marinade.

Using as a Dry Rub

To use as a dry rub, pat dry your meat with paper towel.

Coat the meat with a little olive oil and then generously rub the seasoning onto steak.

For the best results, allow to sit for a couple of hours in the fridge, then cook as desired.

Using as a Marinade

To use as a marinade, mix the spice blend with ¼ cup of olive oil and ¼ cup of lime juice.

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