Carne Asada Burrito
Carne Asada Burrito is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 4. 650 calories per serving. Recipe by The Golden Balance on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr 20 min | Total: 2 hrs 5 min
Cost: $36.86 total, $9.22 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb Skirt Steak (cut into 1‑inch strips)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lime Juice (about 2 limes, freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Orange Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano (prefer Mexican oregano if available)
- 1 tsp Salt (hefty pinch for marinating and seasoning vegetables)
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (for tossing vegetables)
- 1 medium Onion (sliced for roasting and diced for rice)
- 1 whole Jalapeño (sliced, seeds removed for less heat if desired)
- 2 medium Tomato (diced for roasting)
- 1 cup Short‑Grain Rice (uncooked, rinsed)
- 1/2 cup Tomato Sauce (plain or seasoned)
- 1 piece Chicken Bouillon Cube (crumbled into rice water)
- 1.5 cup Water (for cooking rice)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (chopped, divided (some for salsa, some for garnish))
- 4 pieces Large Flour Tortillas (10‑inch, warmed before filling)
- 1 cup Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or similar; grated)
- 1 cup Cooked Pinto Beans (drained and rinsed if canned)
- 1 tbsp Oil for Searing Beef (high‑smoke‑point oil such as canola or grapeseed)
Instructions
Marinate the Steak
In a mixing bowl combine the skirt steak strips with lime juice, orange juice, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat evenly and let sit for 15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Prepare the Roasting Vegetables
Slice the onion, jalapeño, and dice the tomatoes. Place them in a large baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and toss to coat.
Time: PT10M
Roast the Vegetables
Roast the seasoned vegetables in a pre‑heated oven at 400°F until softened and lightly charred, about 20 minutes.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 400°F
Cook the Cilantro Lime Rice
In a small saucepan heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat, sauté a portion of the diced onion for 2 minutes. Add the short‑grain rice and toast for 1 minute. Stir in tomato sauce, water, crumbled chicken bouillon, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until the rice is tender.
Time: PT45M
Blend Roasted Veggies into Salsa
Transfer the roasted vegetables (including any juices) to a blender, add half of the chopped cilantro, and blend until smooth. Adjust salt to taste.
Time: PT5M
Sear the Steak
Heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat, add oil, and sear the marinated steak strips for about 3‑4 minutes per side until nicely browned but still pink inside. Remove from heat and chop into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: high
Warm the Tortillas
Place each flour tortilla in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20‑30 seconds per side until pliable.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Assemble the Burritos
Lay a warm tortilla flat, sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese, add a scoop of cilantro lime rice, a spoonful of pinto beans, chopped steak, roasted‑veg salsa, fresh cilantro, and a few extra onion slices. Fold the sides and roll tightly.
Time: PT5M
Toast the Burrito Seam Side Down
Return the rolled burrito to the skillet, seam side down, and press lightly. Toast for 1‑2 minutes until the seam is sealed and the exterior is golden.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 650
- Protein
- 35g
- Carbohydrates
- 80g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 8g
Dietary info: Contains meat, High protein, Can be made gluten‑free with corn tortillas, Can be made dairy‑free with vegan cheese
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Skirt Steak: Flank Steak, Tri‑Tip
- Instead of Fresh Lime Juice: Lime zest + a splash of water
- Instead of Fresh Orange Juice: Store‑bought 100% orange juice
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian oregano
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Onion: shallot
- Instead of Jalapeño: serrano pepper, green chili
- Instead of Tomato: canned diced tomatoes (drained)
- Instead of Short‑Grain Rice: Arborio rice, medium grain rice
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Chicken Bouillon Cube: vegetable bouillon, stock powder
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: culantro
- Instead of Large Flour Tortillas: corn tortillas (gluten‑free)
- Instead of Shredded Mexican Blend Cheese: cheddar cheese, vegan cheese
- Instead of Cooked Pinto Beans: black beans, refried beans
- Instead of Oil for Searing Beef: vegetable oil, avocado oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Baking Dish
- Oven
- Skillet or Grill Pan
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Small Saucepan with Lid
- Blender or Food Processor
- Tongs
- Spatula
- Plate for Assembling
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Marinate the steak properly to infuse flavor
- Roast vegetables until slightly charred for smoky salsa
- Cook the rice with bouillon for depth and keep it covered
- Sear the steak on high heat for a crust without overcooking
- Blend roasted vegetables to the right consistency
- Seal the burrito by toasting the seam side down
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a cast‑iron skillet for the best sear on the steak
- Add a squeeze of fresh lime to the salsa for extra brightness
- Let the cooked steak rest 2 minutes before chopping to retain juices
- Toast the burrito on medium heat; too high will burn the tortilla before the seam seals
Troubleshooting
Rice turns out mushy or sticks to the pot
Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking and use the exact water‑to‑rice ratio; keep the lid on and avoid stirring while simmering.
Salsa is too watery
Blend the roasted vegetables less, or strain excess liquid before adding cilantro; you can also simmer the salsa briefly to reduce.
Burrito falls apart when rolling
Warm the tortilla longer so it’s more pliable, and press the cheese onto the tortilla first to act as a glue.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store assembled burritos in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Freezer: Wrap each burrito tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Marinate the steak up to 12 hours ahead and refrigerate
- Roast the vegetables and blend the salsa a day before; store salsa in the fridge
- Cook the rice and beans ahead; reheat gently before assembling
- Tortillas can be warmed just before serving to retain softness
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of carne asada burritos in Mexican cuisine?
Carne asada burritos blend the traditional Mexican grilled beef (carne asada) with the convenient handheld format of a burrito, a staple that originated in northern Mexico and later popularized in the United States. They are often enjoyed as a quick, satisfying street‑food meal and reflect the fusion of grilling traditions with Tex‑Mex comfort food culture.
What are the traditional regional variations of carne asada burritos in Mexican and Tex‑Mex cuisine?
In northern Mexico, carne asada is usually served simply with salsa and tortillas, while in Tex‑Mex style the burrito often includes rice, beans, cheese, and sometimes sour cream. Some regions add pickled carrots or guacamole, but the core elements remain grilled beef and a soft flour tortilla.
How is carne asada traditionally served in Mexico during celebrations or everyday meals?
Carne asada is traditionally grilled over charcoal and served on warm corn tortillas with fresh cilantro, onions, and lime. For celebrations, it may be accompanied by grilled vegetables, salsa verde, and a side of Mexican rice, allowing diners to assemble their own tacos or burritos at the table.
What occasions or celebrations is carne asada burritos traditionally associated with in Mexican and Tex‑Mex culture?
Carne asada gatherings are popular for weekend barbecues, family picnics, and festive holidays such as Cinco de Mayo. The burrito format makes it easy to serve large groups, so it’s often featured at parties, sports events, and casual get‑togethers.
How does carne asada burrito fit into the broader Mexican cuisine tradition?
The burrito showcases Mexican cuisine’s emphasis on fresh herbs, citrus, and grilled proteins, while also illustrating the adaptability of Mexican dishes to portable, handheld formats that suit modern lifestyles. It embodies the balance of bold flavors, textures, and communal sharing that defines Mexican food.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for carne asada burritos versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include skirt or flank steak, fresh lime juice, Mexican oregano, corn or flour tortillas, and a simple salsa made from roasted tomatoes, onions, and chilies. Acceptable substitutes are tri‑tip for the steak, orange juice for a hint of sweetness, and pinto or black beans instead of traditional refried beans.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with carne asada burritos?
Serve the burritos alongside Mexican street corn (elote), a crisp cabbage slaw, guacamole, or a side of black bean soup. A light cucumber‑lime salad or a chilled agua fresca also complements the rich, smoky flavors of the burrito.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making carne asada burritos at home?
Common errors include over‑marinating the steak, which can make it mushy; overcrowding the pan when searing, leading to steaming instead of a crust; and using cold tortillas that tear when rolled. Follow the high‑heat sear and warm‑tortilla steps to ensure a perfect bite.
Why does this carne asada burrito recipe use short‑grain rice with tomato sauce instead of plain white rice?
Short‑grain rice absorbs more flavor and creates a slightly sticky texture that holds the burrito together. The tomato sauce and bouillon add depth, mirroring the smoky notes of the steak and balancing the acidity of the lime‑marinated meat.
What does the YouTube channel The Golden Balance specialize in?
The Golden Balance focuses on balanced, wholesome meals that blend global flavors with nutrition‑focused tips. The channel emphasizes practical home‑cooking techniques, ingredient sourcing, and mindful portion control for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel The Golden Balance's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
The Golden Balance integrates health‑conscious adjustments—like using fresh citrus marinades and lean cuts of meat—while still honoring authentic flavors. Unlike some channels that prioritize indulgence, The Golden Balance highlights nutrient balance, step‑by‑step clarity, and adaptable ingredient swaps.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
