“Discover the irresistible flavors of Smoked Carne Asada – a tantalizing blend of smoky, grilled goodness and juicy, marinated beef. Elevate your culinary experience with this mouthwatering dish that combines traditional Mexican flavors with the unique touch of smokiness. Get ready to savor every bite of this delicious and tender smoked carne asada!”
The Best Smoker Carne Asada
This smoker carne asada recipe takes traditional Mexican flavors and elevates them with the rich smoky taste of the Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker. The flank steak is marinated in a mix of traditional Mexican spices and olive oil, then coated with a flavorful carne asada rub. After marinating for 2-4 hours, the steak is cooked on the smoker grill at 225°F for 45 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F for medium rare.
The result is a wonderfully tender and flavorful cut of meat that is perfect on its own or in a corn tortilla topped with fresh Pico de gallo. If you want those nice grill marks, you can also sear the meat on the stovetop or on a regular BBQ grill after smoking it. The Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker ensures even temperatures and consistent results, making it the perfect tool for achieving wood-fired taste.
Ingredients You Need
To make this smoker carne asada, you will need the following ingredients:
- Flank steak
- Carne asada rub (made from chili powder, ground cumin, ground celery seed, ground Mexican oregano, etc.)
- Olive oil
Equipment Information
To make this smoker carne asada recipe, you will need the following equipment:
- A smoker grill: The Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker is a great option for this recipe. It provides consistent temperatures and excellent flavor.
- A digital PID control board: This advanced technology helps maintain even temperatures throughout the cooking process.
- Dual temperature probes: These built-in probes allow you to monitor the internal temperature of the meat while it cooks.
- A pellet hopper: The large hopper on the Traeger 7002C2E can hold plenty of pellets, ensuring a long cook time without needing to refill.
- A pellet cleanout system: This feature makes it easy to clean out any leftover pellets after cooking.
- A pellet view window: With this window, you can easily see how many pellets are left in the hopper without opening the lid.
Additionally, you will need a shallow bowl for marinating the flank steak, aluminum foil to line the grill racks for easy cleanup, and a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat.
How to Make Smoked Carne Asada
To make smoked carne asada, start by marinating the flank steak in a mixture of traditional Mexican spices and olive oil. Sprinkle the carne asada rub generously on both sides of the steak and ensure that it is coated well. Cover the steak and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.
After marinating, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come up to room temperature for 15 minutes. Preheat your smoker to 225°F and place the steak on the smoker grill. Cook it for approximately 45 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.
Once cooked, transfer the steak to a plate and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. If desired, you can also sear the meat on a grill or stovetop at a higher temperature to achieve nice grill marks before reaching the desired internal temperature.
To Sear the Meat
To sear the meat, you have two options. The first is to sear it on the stovetop. Remove the meat from the smoker when it reaches 125°F and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, heat a skillet over high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Place the steak in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F.
Alternatively, you can sear the meat on a regular BBQ grill. Remove the meat from the smoker when it reaches 125°F and let it rest for a few minutes. Preheat your grill to 425°F and place the steak directly on the grates. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F.
Searing the meat will give it those nice grill marks and add an extra layer of flavor to your carne asada. However, this step is optional and not necessary for a delicious smoked carne asada experience.
What Smoker to Use
When making smoker carne asada, it’s important to use a smoker that can maintain consistent temperatures and infuse the meat with smoky flavor. Two recommended options are the Z Grills and Traeger electric smokers.
Z Grills is known for its advanced technology and digital PID control board, which ensures even temperatures and consistent cooking results. It also features built-in dual temperature probes, a large pellet hopper for longer smoking sessions, a pellet cleanout system for easy maintenance, and a pellet view window for monitoring pellet levels. The Z Grills 7002C2E model is particularly popular among grill enthusiasts.
Traeger is the original wood-pellet grill brand that offers an authentic wood-fired taste. The Traeger Pro Series 22 is a compact yet spacious option that many people choose. It allows you to use any type of wood pellets you prefer, with Hickory being a great choice for enhancing the flavor of beef, chicken, pork, and veggies.
Z Grills 7002C2E Pellet Grill & Smoker
The Z Grills 7002C2E Pellet Grill & Smoker is a new model that offers advanced technology and features for an enhanced grilling experience. It is equipped with a digital PID control board and advanced temperature sensors, ensuring even temperatures and consistent results. The built-in dual temperature probes allow you to monitor the internal temperature of your meat without opening the grill, while the huge pellet hopper provides ample space for fuel. Additionally, the pellet cleanout system makes it easy to remove any ash or debris, and the pellet view window allows you to check on your fuel levels without opening the grill.
The Z Grills 7002C2E Pellet Grill & Smoker is perfect for smoking carne asada and other delicious meats. Its precise temperature control ensures that your meat is cooked to perfection every time. Whether you prefer a medium-rare or well-done steak, this grill will deliver consistent results. The spacious cooking area provides plenty of room for multiple cuts of meat, allowing you to feed a crowd. With its durable construction and reliable performance, the Z Grills 7002C2E Pellet Grill & Smoker is a great investment for any grilling enthusiast.
Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker
The Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker is a versatile and high-quality grill that allows you to achieve wood-fired taste in your cooking. With its compact size and ample cooking space, it is a popular choice among grill enthusiasts. The grill features a digital PID control board and advanced technology for even temperatures and consistent results. It also comes with built-in dual temperature probes, a huge pellet hopper, pellet cleanout system, and pellet view window, enhancing your grilling experience like never before.
Whether you’re smoking meat or grilling vegetables, the Traeger Grills Pro Series 22 Pellet Grill & Smoker ensures that your food is cooked to perfection every time. You can use any type of wood pellets you prefer, such as Hickory for beef, chicken, pork, and veggies with bold flavor. The grill’s versatility makes it suitable for various cooking methods, whether you want to smoke meat low and slow or sear it at higher temperatures for those nice grill marks.
Questions About the Recipe
1. What cut of meat is best for making carne asada?
Flank steak is the preferred cut of meat for making carne asada. It is lean and becomes tender when smoked. Skirt steak or Flat Iron steak can also be used as alternatives.
2. Can I use a different type of oil instead of olive oil in the marinade?
While olive oil provides more flavor to the meat, you can use a neutral oil if desired. However, keep in mind that it may not enhance the flavor as much as olive oil would.
3. What kind of smoker pellets should I use for smoking the carne asada?
You can use any type of smoker pellets you prefer. Hickory or apple wood pellets are commonly recommended for carne asada, but feel free to experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.
4. Can I make this recipe without a smoker?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a smoker, you can still make this carne asada recipe on a stove top or regular BBQ grill. Simply heat the grill and cook the meat for 3-4 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F.
5. How long should I marinate the meat?
The flank steak should be marinated in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours to allow the rub to infuse into the meat and develop a nice crust when smoked.
6. Should I sear the meat after smoking it?
Searing the meat after smoking is optional but recommended if you want those nice grill marks. If you choose to sear, remove the meat from the smoker at 125°F and sear it on a hot grill or stove top until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F.
In conclusion, smoked carne asada offers a delicious and unique twist to the traditional grilled version. The smoky flavor adds depth to the rich marinated meat, resulting in a mouthwatering culinary experience. Whether enjoyed on its own or in tacos, this flavorful dish is sure to impress any food lover.
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