Carne Asada with Caramelized Onions

Here, beefy flank steak is marinated in a sweet and spicy citrus mixture before being seared on the grill. The citrus in the marinade helps the steak caramelize on the grill, producing a sweet flavor that complements the caramelized onions.

Carne Asada with Caramelized Onions

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 jalapeño chile, seeded and minced

1/2 cup (3/4 oz./20 g) loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

Juice of 2 limes

Juice of 1 orange

5 Tbs. (3 fl. oz./80 ml) olive oil

2 Tbs. distilled white vinegar

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

2 lb. (1 kg) flank steak

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

10 to 12 corn or flour tortillas, warmed

Pico de gallo or salsa for serving

In a bowl, whisk together the garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, orange juice, 3 Tbs. of the olive oil, the vinegar and 1 tsp. salt. Place the flank steak in a large sealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. Let marinate in the refrigerator, turning the bag once or twice, for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.

To make the caramelized onions, in a fry pan over high heat, warm the remaining 2 Tbs. olive oil. Add the onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and season well with salt and pepper. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the onions turn a very deep brown, 35 to 45 minutes. Set aside and cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, prepare a medium-hot fire in a grill.

Coat the grill grate lightly with cooking spray. Remove the steak from the marinade and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. (Discard the marinade.) Arrange the steak on the grate directly over the heat and grill, turning once, until nicely grill-marked and cooked to the desired doneness, about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare. Transfer the steak to a cutting board, cover loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for about 10 minutes. Carve the steak across the grain on the diagonal into 1/4-inch (6-mm) slices.

To assemble, fill the tortillas with the steak and top with the caramelized onions. Serve immediately,
passing the pico de gallo at the table. Serves 4 to 6.

For this and more ideas for tacos you’ll want to serve every night of the week, check out our new Taco Night, by Kate McMillan.

Wine Pairing   This dish pairs well with rich, earthy, medium-full-bodied reds like the 2012 Hall Merlot, Napa Valley from our Wine Club.