Are you a fan of Chipotle’s famous steak bowls? Craving that tender, smoky, and flavorful steak without leaving your kitchen? You’re in luck! This copycat Chipotle steak recipe lets you enjoy restaurant-quality carne asada at home with minimal effort.
With simple ingredients, a quick marinade, and easy cooking instructions, you’ll get juicy, perfectly seasoned steak every time. Plus, you can customize it for tacos, burritos, salads, or rice bowls—making it a versatile go-to for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Table of Contents
- What is Carne Asada?
- Best Steak Cuts for This Recipe
- Why Everyone Loves This Copycat Chipotle Steak
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- FAQs
- Serving Suggestions
What is Carne Asada?
Carne asada, Spanish for “grilled meat,” is a classic Mexican dish featuring marinated and grilled steak. Traditionally made with flank or skirt steak, it’s sliced thin and used in tacos, burritos, or served as a main dish with rice and beans. The hallmark of carne asada is its smoky, juicy flavor and tender texture.
Best Steak Cuts for This Recipe
You can use any of the following cuts for this copycat Chipotle steak:
- Sirloin: Tender and flavorful, a great choice for home cooking.
- Flank Steak: Known for its rich, beefy taste—perfect for slicing thin.
- Skirt Steak: Lean, flavorful, and quick to cook, making it ideal for fast weeknight meals.
Tip: Always slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Chipotle Steak
- Juicy & Flavorful: The marinade locks in moisture and layers on smoky, spicy, and sweet flavors, creating steak that rivals the restaurant version.
- Versatile: Use it in tacos, burritos, bowls, salads, or as a main course with rice and beans—the options are endless.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this a perfect recipe for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Ingredients
For the Steak & Marinade:
- 1 (7 oz) can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- 8 cloves garlic
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- Juice of ½ lime
Spices:
- 2 tsp chipotle powder
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Marinade:
In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, and all spices. Blend until smooth. - Marinate the Steak:
Place your steak in a large bowl and pour the marinade over it. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade for later use. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor). - Cook the Steak:
- Remove steak from the marinade, shaking off excess.
- Heat a large skillet over high heat with a little oil.
- Sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice & Cube:
Slice the steak thinly against the grain, then cut into bite-sized cubes. - Finish in the Skillet:
Add cubed steak to the same skillet with 1 tablespoon of reserved marinade. Sauté for 20–30 seconds on high heat for extra flavor. - Serve:
Serve your steak with rice, beans, roasted vegetables, or in tacos, burritos, or salad bowls. Add your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream.
FAQs
What steak is best for this recipe?
Sirloin, flank, or skirt steak all work beautifully. Just slice against the grain for tenderness.
What is chipotle in adobo sauce?
It’s smoky, spicy peppers in a tangy, slightly sweet tomato-vinegar sauce. Perfect for adding depth and heat to marinades.
How long can I store this steak?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Freeze tightly wrapped for 2–3 months.
What sides go well with this steak?
Rice, beans, roasted vegetables, salad, or inside tacos and burritos.
How long do I cook the steak?
Medium-rare: 3–4 minutes per side. Well-done: 6–7 minutes per side. Always rest the steak before slicing.
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