If you’re looking for a bold, flavorful meal that combines smoky, juicy steak with the convenience of a versatile grill, you’ve found it: Woodfire Carne Asada.
This recipe takes classic carne asada to the next level by incorporating the powerful heat of the Ninja Woodfire Grill and a unique, flavor-packed marinade that will have you and your guests craving seconds.
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Whether you're grilling for family taco night or impressing friends at a backyard BBQ, this Woodfire Carne Asada will be the star of the show.
What is Woodfire Carne Asada?
Carne asada, which translates to "grilled meat," is a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine. Traditionally made with skirt steak or flank steak, the meat is marinated in a blend of citrus, spices, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. However, in this version, we’re taking that time-honored recipe and firing it up with the Ninja Woodfire Grill. This grill gives you the ability to control heat with precision, allowing you to sear the steak on a griddle while preserving all the tender, juicy goodness that carne asada is known for.
The secret to this Woodfire Carne Asada is the perfect marinade—one that adds layers of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. While many recipes call for orange juice, we’re doing things a little differently by using mango juice for a touch of tropical sweetness. This twist, combined with a few simple grilling techniques, will make your carne asada the talk of the town.
The Perfect Woodfire Carne Asada Marinade
The marinade is the foundation of this recipe. By allowing your skirt steak to sit in a blend of soy sauce, mango juice, lime juice, avocado oil, cilantro, and spices, you ensure that every bite is packed with flavor. Soy sauce adds that umami depth, while mango juice brings in a subtle sweetness. The lime juice and white vinegar provide the necessary acidity to balance everything out. Cumin, smoked paprika, and Mexican oregano round out the flavor profile, giving it a warm, earthy kick. Don't forget the garlic—eight cloves may seem like a lot, but it's essential for that signature bold taste!
Allow your steak to marinate for at least two hours, though overnight is ideal. The longer the meat sits, the more it absorbs all the incredible flavors. Trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Why the Ninja Woodfire Grill?
The Ninja Woodfire Grill is a game-changer for grilling enthusiasts. Its ability to heat up quickly and deliver direct, intense heat makes it the perfect tool for creating a beautiful crust on your steak. When it comes to cooking thin cuts like skirt steak, you want to grill hot and fast, and the Ninja Woodfire does just that.
Instead of using the ribbed grill grates, which can sometimes leave parts of the steak without contact, we’re using a flat griddle. This ensures full contact with the meat, creating a consistently seared crust while locking in the juices.
Another benefit of the Ninja Woodfire Grill is that you don’t need to cook with the lid closed. Since skirt steak is thin, you want direct heat to prevent overcooking and avoid the dreaded gray band around the edges. By keeping the lid open, you’ll maintain high heat and achieve that perfect medium rare finish—without sacrificing flavor.
Tips for Grilling the Perfect Carne Asada
The trick to nailing Woodfire Carne Asada is flipping your steak frequently. Contrary to popular belief, flipping more often actually leads to more even cooking and less risk of overcooking. This method helps maintain a tender texture and a gorgeous crust on the outside. You'll want to pull the steak at about 125°F (52°C) to allow it to rest and come up to a final temperature of 134°F (57°C), which is perfect for medium rare.
Once it’s done, let the steak rest for about 10 minutes. This gives the juices time to redistribute, ensuring that your steak stays moist and flavorful when you cut into it. When slicing, be sure to cut against the grain to achieve the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites. Skirt steak can be a little chewy if sliced the wrong way, so this step is key!
Don’t Forget the Guacamole
What’s carne asada without guacamole? To complement the Woodfire Carne Asada, I’m making a guac with a twist—mango juice! Just like the marinade, the mango juice adds a touch of sweetness to the rich, creamy avocados, creating a fresh, vibrant guacamole that’s anything but ordinary. You’ll also add fresh cilantro, diced tomato, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper for a perfectly balanced guac that pairs beautifully with the steak.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
What makes Woodfire Carne Asada so special? It’s the combination of traditional flavors with modern techniques. The Ninja Woodfire Grill gives you the tools to create a perfectly grilled steak with ease, while the marinade and guacamole bring an unexpected twist to the table. You get all the richness of a classic carne asada, with just the right amount of sweetness and tang to keep things exciting.
This recipe is perfect for taco night, but it’s also versatile enough to serve on its own, over rice, or with your favorite sides. The possibilities are endless when you’ve got perfectly grilled, flavorful steak at your fingertips.
Conclusion
If you're ready to take your carne asada game to the next level, this Woodfire Carne Asada recipe is for you. With a bold marinade, a high-heat sear on the Ninja Woodfire Grill, and a side of fresh mango guacamole, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself to an epic taco night, this recipe has everything you need for a memorable meal.
So fire up the grill, get that marinade going, and prepare to enjoy the best Woodfire Carne Asada you've ever tasted. And don’t forget to check out the links below for all the gear I used to make this delicious dish!
Recipe
Woodfire Carne Asada with Mango Guacamole
Equipment
- Ninja Woodfire
- Ninja Woodfire Flat Top
- Gallon Freezer Bag
- Wood Pellets
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Ingredients
Steak
- 3 lb Skirt Steak
- ½ Cup Chopped Cilantro
- ⅓ Cup Soy Sauce
- ⅓ Cup Avocado Oil
- ½ Cup Mango Juice
- ⅓ Cup Lime Juice
- 3 tablespoon White Vinegar
- 8 Minced Garlic Cloves
- 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Cumin
- 2 tablespoon Mexican Oregano
- 1 teaspoon White Pepper
Guacamole
- 3 avocados large ripe
- ⅓ Cup Mango Juice
- 1 tablespoon Lime Juice
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Ripe Tomato chopped
- 3 tablespoon Diced Onion
- ¼ Cup Fresh cilantro chopped
Taco
- 8 Corn Tortillas
Instructions
Steak
- Marinate: Combine all of the Marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Place your skirt steak in a gallon freezer bag and add in the marinade. Refrigerate for 2 hours, overnight preferably.
- Setup & Preheat: Insert the Flat Top accessory into the Woodfire. Fire up the Woodfire Grill by setting it to the Grill HI setting. No need for the Woodfire to be turned on, we will not be using smoke for this cook.
- Grill: Place the steak on the grill and cook for a few minutes per side. When you flip move the steak to a different part of the grill. This way you are getting the hottest part available. You can use a weight to press the steak down to make sure you are getting good contact with the grill to ensure a great crust. Continue this process until the steak reaches 125-130 internal.
- Rest: Let the steak rest for 10 minutes, this will ensure it stays juicy and it will continue to cook a little more to reach a nice medium rare.
- Silce: Slice across the grain and ENJOY!
Guacamole
- Prepare the Avocados: Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl.
- Mash the Avocados: Using a fork or potato masher, mash the avocados to your desired texture—either chunky or smooth.
- Add Mango & Lime Juice: Pour in the ⅓ cup of mango juice & lime juice, and stir until it is evenly mixed into the mashed avocado. This will add a unique sweetness to your guacamole.
- Season: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of sea salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add Tomato, Onion, and Cilantro: Gently fold in the chopped tomato, diced onion, and chopped cilantro, making sure all ingredients are distributed evenly throughout the guacamole.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your guacamole and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or mango juice depending on your flavor preference.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the guacamole to a serving bowl, and serve with chips, tacos, or your favorite dish!
Taco
- Turn the woodfire to the Grill HI setting and when it is preheated add a tiny amount off oil and then put the corn tortillas on it. Wait until they start to bubble up and then flip them. Cook them for another 1-2 minutes and remove.
- Place a tortilla on a plate and add your steak and top it with some guacamole. Squeeze a little lime over it and enjoy.
Video
Nutrition
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