Smoky, Citrus-Kissed Grilled Carne Asada on a Portable Charcoal Grill
Perfect for camping, tailgates, and group grilling over real wood fire with the RexFire Grill Pit Stack.
Nothing beats the smoky, citrusy flavors of authentic grilled carne asada—especially when it’s cooked outdoors over glowing charcoal or wood embers. This tender, marinated steak is not just a crowd-pleaser for backyard cookouts; it’s the ultimate camping grill recipe, ideal for tailgates, road trips, and group grilling on the RexFire Grill Pit Stack. Whether you’re firing it up at the campsite or before kickoff, the aroma alone will have everyone gathered around in anticipation.
Why Carne Asada Belongs in Your Outdoor Grilling Rotation
When you’re cooking away from home—be it tailgating before the big game, camping in the mountains, or having a spontaneous beach BBQ—you need recipes that are both flavorful and travel-friendly. Carne asada hits all the marks:
- Quick to cook – Thin cuts like flank or skirt steak grill in minutes.
- Marinade magic – The citrus and spices tenderize the meat, making it juicy and packed with flavor.
- Versatile serving – Perfect in tacos, burrito bowls, or simply sliced with grilled vegetables.
- Portable gear friendly – Cooks beautifully on the RexFire Grill Pit Stack, a collapsible outdoor grill built for charcoal or wood fire cooking.
Ingredients for Authentic Grilled Carne Asada
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs flank or skirt steak
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
For Serving:
- Warm corn or flour tortillas
- Chopped white onion
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Salsa or guacamole
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and all spices. Stir in the chopped cilantro. The citrus juices help tenderize the steak while infusing it with bright, tangy flavor—a must for cooking over real fire grills for backyard cooking or at the campsite.
2. Marinate the Steak
Place the steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over it, ensuring it’s fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better for deeper flavor.
Camping tip: Marinate the steak at home, pack it in a leakproof bag, and store it in your cooler. This way, it’s ready to grill as soon as you set up your RexFire Grill Pit Stack.
3. Preheat Your Grill
Assemble your RexFire Grill Pit Stack in minutes. This flat pack fire pit grill is portable yet sturdy, making it perfect for charcoal grilling with no propane or wood fire cooking. Heat it up until your coals are glowing hot.
Cooking Over Charcoal vs. Wood Fire While Camping
If you’re wondering how to cook over wood fire while camping, here’s the quick breakdown:
- Charcoal : Offers consistent heat, easier for beginners, perfect for a tailgate charcoal grill like the RexFire.
- Wood Fire : Brings deep smoky flavor and a rustic feel, ideal for open-flame carne asada.
- Pro Tip : Combine both for steady heat from charcoal and extra smokiness from wood chunks.
4. Grill the Steak
Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place it directly over the hot grill grates.
- Grill 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Adjust time for your preferred doneness.
With the RexFire Grill Pit Stack’s wide grilling surface, you can cook multiple steaks at once—ideal for group grilling.
5. Rest and Slice
Let the steak rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Always cut against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Serving Suggestions for Any Outdoor Occasion
- Tacos – Fill warm tortillas with steak strips, onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Burrito Bowls – Pair with rice, beans, grilled veggies, and salsa.
- Tailgate Platters – Serve sliced steak alongside chips, guac, and cold drinks from your cooler.
- Camping Feast – Plate with grilled corn on the cob (Grilled Elote), roasted peppers, and campfire potatoes.
Why the RexFire Grill Pit Stack Is Perfect for Carne Asada
The RexFire Grill Pit Stack is a collapsible outdoor grill that’s travel-friendly yet strong enough for real fire cooking. Here’s why it’s perfect for carne asada and more:
- Portability – Packs flat for easy transport in your camping gear.
- Fuel flexibility – Works with both charcoal and wood fire.
- Group size cooking – Ample space for multiple steaks, making it the best grill for group camping.
- Durability – Made from heavy-duty steel, built to last.
- Eco-conscious design – Pairs perfectly with eco-friendly grilling gear for sustainable outdoor cooking.
👉 Shop the RexFire Grill Pit Stack here
Packing Your Grill for Travel
Knowing how to pack your grill for travel keeps it ready for adventure:
- Cool and clean – Never store your grill with hot embers or leftover ash.
- Protective case – Prevent scratches to your car or RV interior.
- Separate fuel storage – Keep charcoal or wood in sealed bags to avoid moisture.
Charcoal vs. Propane for Tailgates
For carne asada, charcoal wins hands-down:
- Flavor – Smokier and more authentic for Mexican-style grilling.
- Versatility – Use hardwood for even deeper flavor.
- Eco-friendly options – Natural lump charcoal burns cleaner, pairing well with your RexFire Grill Pit Stack.
Final Tips for Carne Asada Perfection
- Don’t overcook – This cut tastes best medium-rare to medium.
- Keep it hot – Maintain high heat for a fast sear and juicy center.
- Serve immediately – Carne asada is best enjoyed right off the grill.
Your Next Outdoor Cooking Adventure Starts Here
Whether you’re planning a tailgate charcoal grill party, a weekend in the woods with your camping grill wood fire setup, or just a backyard get-together with friends, this grilled carne asada recipe will win over every guest.
Pack your RexFire Grill Pit Stack, grab fresh ingredients, and let the smoky magic of real fire grilling turn an ordinary meal into an unforgettable outdoor feast.