The Story & Intro
A Family Favorite in Sunny Orlando
Hi there! I’m Emma — the busy mom behind Recipes Emma — and nothing makes me smile faster than a sizzling steak seasoned with my Mexican carne asada seasoning. My love for carne asada started on lazy Sunday afternoons here in sunny Orlando. Back then, I’d watch my husband crave the charred, juicy steak tacos he missed from his childhood on the West Coast.
I didn’t have time for store-bought packets full of salt and fillers. So, one hectic afternoon, between soccer practice and laundry, I grabbed my spice rack and mixed my first homemade carne asada rub. The result? A steak so flavorful, we haven’t ordered takeout carne asada since!
Today, this quick spice blend turns our ordinary backyard grill into a street taco stand — no plane ticket needed.
Why You’ll Love This Spice Blend
My Mexican carne asada seasoning isn’t just about bold flavor. It’s a time-saver and a family pleaser. Here’s why it lives on my counter year-round:
- Fast & Easy: Mix once, use often. It’s my secret for stress-free dinners.
- Authentic Taste: Real Mexican spices, not bland store mixes.
- Versatile: Rub it dry or mix with citrus for a quick marinade.
- Family Approved: Even my picky kids ask for seconds!
Table of Contents
Mexican Carne Asada Seasoning
Traditional Mexican Carne Asada Seasoning Ingredients
Core Ingredients You Need
When I say Mexican carne asada seasoning is simple, I mean it. It’s all pantry basics — no weird packets, no mystery fillers. Here’s what you need for true, mouthwatering flavor:
Print
Mexican Carne Asada Seasoning
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 3 tablespoons
Description
Easy, authentic Mexican carne asada seasoning blend — bold, zesty, and perfect for grilling steak, chicken, or veggies.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (or ancho + guajillo blend)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried lime zest or Tajin (optional)
Instructions
1. Add all ingredients to a small mixing bowl.
2. Whisk together until evenly blended.
3. Taste a pinch and adjust salt or heat if needed.
4. Store in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dark place.
5. Use as a dry rub or mix with oil and citrus for marinade.
6. Grill meat and enjoy with fresh tortillas!
Notes
Double the recipe and keep extra in your pantry for easy taco nights. Adjust cayenne to match your family’s spice level.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Seasoning
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Chili Powder: An American chili blend works great. For extra depth, use a combo of ancho and guajillo powders if you can find them.
- Garlic Powder: Essential for that savory base.
- Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness that balances the spice.
- Mexican Oregano: Different from regular oregano — more citrusy and robust.
- Cumin: Warm, earthy notes that tie it all together.
- Salt: I use kosher salt for clean taste.
- Black Pepper: Fresh cracked pepper brings a gentle kick.
For spice lovers, a pinch of cayenne or ground chile de arbol takes this blend up a notch.
One more twist — I love adding crystalized lime powder (or dried lime zest) for that zingy brightness authentic carne asada is famous for. If you’ve ever tasted a street taco in Mexico, you know that citrus spark is the secret!
Optional Add-Ins for a Signature Twist
This blend is your canvas. Want it hotter? Add more cayenne. Want a pop of citrus? Try Tajin instead of lime powder — it has chili, lime, and salt all in one.
How to Make and Use Mexican Carne Asada Seasoning
How to Mix Your Spice Blend
Good news: homemade Mexican carne asada seasoning takes less than 5 minutes. Just grab a small bowl, measure your spices, and stir! Here’s my go-to ratio for about 3 tablespoons — enough for a big 2–3 pound skirt steak:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (or ancho + guajillo blend)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon crystalized lime powder or dried lime zest (optional but amazing)
Step 1: Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Step 2: Mix well with a spoon or whisk until evenly blended.
Step 3: Taste a pinch — adjust salt or heat if you like.
Step 4: Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dark pantry. Use within 6 months for best flavor.
Want a print-friendly version? Check out my Homemade Seasoning Recipes hub for all my family favorites!
How to Use It: Dry Rub or Quick Marinade
Dry Rub:
Pat your steak dry, then sprinkle the entire spice blend over both sides. Rub it in with your hands. Let it rest for 15–30 minutes to soak in. Then grill, broil, or pan-sear to your liking.
Marinade:
Turn the seasoning into a zesty marinade by mixing it with:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
- Juice from 2 large oranges (about ¾ cup)
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 3 tablespoons vinegar
- Optional: splash of soy sauce for umami
Add fresh chopped cilantro, minced garlic, or sliced jalapeños for even bigger flavor. Marinate your steak at least 1 hour — overnight is magic!
Creative Tips, Variations & Extra Uses
Tips to Customize Your Blend
One of the best parts about homemade Mexican carne asada seasoning? You can tweak it to fit your family’s taste buds exactly. Here’s how I switch it up when I feel adventurous:
Make It Smokier: Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or chipotle powder. This works wonders for indoor grilling when you crave that charred taste.
Add a Citrus Burst: Mix in extra dried lime zest or even a sprinkle of grated dried orange peel. That tiny twist lifts the whole blend.
Lower the Salt: If you’re watching sodium, cut the salt by half and sprinkle more fresh herbs after grilling for big flavor without extra salt.
These tiny adjustments turn one spice mix into three or four variations — so your carne asada never tastes the same twice!
For even more homemade spice ideas, visit my Homemade Fajita Seasoning and All-Purpose Mexican Spice Blend — both perfect pantry staples.
Unexpected Ways to Use Carne Asada Seasoning
You don’t have to stop at steak. This blend makes any meal shine! Here are my family’s favorite unexpected ways to use leftover Mexican carne asada seasoning:
1. Roasted Veggies: Toss potato wedges or zucchini slices with olive oil and a spoonful of the spice mix before roasting. Boom — side dish done.
2. Breakfast Scramble: Sprinkle a pinch over scrambled eggs or omelets for a zesty wake-up call.
3. Rice & Beans: Stir some into cooked rice or black beans to instantly infuse them with Mexican flair.
4. Soup Booster: Add a teaspoon to a pot of tortilla soup or chili. The spices deepen the broth’s richness fast.
Next time you crave that smoky, citrusy kick, think beyond the grill. This blend is your shortcut to real flavor, no matter what’s on the menu tonight.
How to Serve This Carne Asada Seasoning Tonight
This spice mix isn’t just for steak! Sprinkle it on chicken thighs, toss shrimp before grilling, or dust it over vegetables for a smoky side dish. I love to keep extra on hand for surprise taco nights with my Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning and always pair it with warm tortillas and my quick Fresh Tomato Salsa.
Store your jar sealed tight in a cool, dry spot — it keeps bold and fresh for up to 6 months. Label it with today’s date so you remember when to whip up a new batch!
FAQs & Delicious Serving Ideas
What is carne asada seasoning made of?
Authentic Mexican carne asada seasoning blends chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, Mexican oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and sometimes cayenne or dried lime zest for a citrus kick. It’s the magic that turns a plain steak into a fiesta on your plate!
What are the ingredients in El Mexicano carne asada seasoning?
El Mexicano’s version sticks close to tradition: chili powder, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and often MSG or extra lime flavoring to boost the taste. Homemade means you skip the preservatives and adjust heat exactly how you like it.
What do Mexicans season their steak with?
Many Mexican cooks keep it classic: chili powder, garlic, cumin, fresh lime juice, and a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro. For an extra tender bite, they often add orange juice, beer, or a splash of soy sauce to the marinade. Simple, fresh, and mouthwatering.
What is asado spice?
“Asado spice” covers a range of Latin grill seasonings. It usually shares the same backbone as carne asada rub: chili, garlic, cumin, pepper, oregano, plus local twists depending on the region. It’s your all-access pass to deep, smoky flavor on any cut of meat.
Conclusion
There you have it — my trusted Mexican carne asada seasoning, straight from my Orlando kitchen to yours. Now you’re ready to fire up the grill, gather your crew, and serve up steak packed with flavor and love.
Keep it simple, keep it tasty, and keep cooking with heart!