Carne asada means “grilled meat” in Spanish. This term may sound simple, but this dish is more than food: it’s an important social event in the everyday life of Mexicans, particularly in northern states like Nuevo León, Coahuila and Sonora.
Where Carne Asada Begins
According to some, José Vasconcelos once said about northern Mexico: “Culture ends where carne asada begins.” Vasconcelos was a famous intellectual and secretary of education who shaped Mexico’s cultural life after the Mexican Revolution, so his opinion carried great weight.
However, it doesn’t matter whether Vasconcelos really said that or not, what matters is that the phrase gives us a hint about the history of carne asada.
An Expression of Northern Mexican Culture
In fact, carne asada (or “asada”, for short) is not your typical Mexican dish. While complexity seems to be the word of order when you think of dishes like mole or birria, carne asada is more straightforward: set up your grill, grill your meat, and enjoy it with family and friends. Maybe this apparent simplicity is what the people who use the Vasconcelos quote mistake for lack of culture.
Actually, asada is a faithful expression of the culture in northern Mexico: open, tough, and a bit more raucous than in other parts of the country. Even the weather may play a part. The northern part of Mexico is notoriously hot, so it makes sense to gather frequently in the open, where temperatures are more tolerable.
Carne Asada Is a Social Event
As is the case in the United States or Argentina, asada is a way to bond with family and friends. Around the “asador”, or grill, friendships are strengthened, peace is made when necessary, and business deals are closed.
Asada is so important in northern Mexico that every state has its own way to prepare it. The differences between styles lie in the marinades (that may include soy sauce, beer, and sea salt) or in specific details in the grilling method. Northern Mexicans pride themselves in their grilling skills and are always happy to share their best tips if you ask them.
There are some secrets to a great Mexican carne asada. It’s important to make sure to always have fresh salsas and to use real Mesquite charcoal, just like we do at el Pollo Norteño!
Try Our Carne Asada!
At El Pollo Norteño we love carne asada. You can order it in a combination plate, by the pound, in tacos, burritos, tortas or as part of a family pack
We have locations in Anaheim, Santa Ana and Garden Grove. Don’t hesitate to call 866-MI-POLLO to place a catering or delivery order! And don’t forget that you can order online, too! Enjoy our delicious asada or chicken grilled to perfection over real Mesquite Charcoal, our amazing tortas, enticing tacos, or any other among the many tasty options included in our menu!
FAQs
But in recent years the dish has evolved to mean something deeper in Latine pop culture. Being invited to the carne asada is an invitation into the comunidad. The carne asada is the imaginary gathering of our people; the ultimate pachanga where we bridge our cultural differences.
What is the meaning of carne asada in Mexican food? ›
The term carne asada in Spanish translates to roasted or grilled meat in English. That's why it's important to recognize that, in Mexico, carne asada refers to how the beef is cooked rather than a specific recipe. Think of it as like how Americans refer to chicken cooked on the grill as grilled or barbecued chicken.
What is pollo asado vs carne asada? ›
Carne asada is a spicy, marinated grilled steak that's cut into strips. This is the meat that goes into burritos and tacos. Pollo Asado – Pollo means “chicken” in Spanish, which means that pollo asado is grilled, marinated chicken. It's a delicious alternative to beef in burritos and tacos.
Why are carnes asadas important? ›
As is the case in the United States or Argentina, asada is a way to bond with family and friends. Around the “asador”, or grill, friendships are strengthened, peace is made when necessary, and business deals are closed. Asada is so important in northern Mexico that every state has its own way to prepare it.
What is a fun fact about carne asada? ›
Carne asada is a Mexican delicacy from Sonora
Carne Asada is rooted in the centuries old practice of raising herds of cattle in Northern Mexico. The ranching tradition in Sonora dates back to the 1500s when Spanish colonizers first arrived in North America (via the Los Angeles Times).
What is the most important part of Mexican culture? ›
Family remains the most-important element of Mexican society, both in private and in public life.
Is carne asada healthy? ›
Key Takeaway: While there are risks to eating grilled red meat like carne asada, it can still be part of a healthy meal in the context of your overall balanced diet. Carne asada is a good source of iron, and zinc. Pair with corn tortillas, plenty of veggies, and beans for a balanced meal.
What is carne asada in Spanish slang? ›
In Mexico and other countries in Central America, the phrase carne asada can also be used to describe a social event, the equivalent of a social barbecue, where family and close friends gather.
What is the history of asada? ›
We can trace the roots of carne asada back to the expansive ranches of northern Mexico, where cattle farming was a way of life. Beef was a big part of the ranchers' diets, and they developed various methods of preparing and cooking it. One of these was the practice of marinating and grilling beef over an open flame.
Do Mexicans eat a lot of meat? ›
Meat is an essential element of contemporary Mexican culture. Its consumption is linked to ancestral elements as well as to agri-food globalization. Currently, the three types of meat most consumed by Mexicans are chicken (35 kg/person/year), pork (20 kg/person/year) and beef (15 kg/person/year).
Traditional cuts for carne asada
- Flap meat- I'm not sure if this is just my Mexican family or Mexicans as a whole, but I think the concept of seeing carne asada cooked to anything other than well done is an American thing. ...
- Skirt steak- this is the clear winner in my book, specifically outside skirt steak.
Skirt steak is the cut of choice for carne asada throughout Southern California and it's my favorite too. But if you can't find it, you can substitute flap, flank, hanger, or top round (London broil). Skirt is the flattest of the cuts, so it doesn't take long to marinate or cook.
What to eat with carne asada? ›
We love serving these carne asada tacos with cilantro lime rice, Mexican rice, or avocado rice. You can also serve with quinoa, or low carb cauliflower rice. Salads: salad is always a win and a great way to stretch your street tacos if you're serving a crowd.
What animal is carne asada? ›
Carne asada, which in English means "grilled meat," is beef. For this Mexican dish, one-inch-thick steaks are marinated in lime juice and seasonings, grilled, and then cut into thin strips.
What does it mean to be invited to the carne asada? ›
carne asada is kind of a generic term. that's used very often for barbecue generally. it's the backyard barbecue along with other meats, not just beef. growing up, carne asada always meant a party. it meant a backyard barbecue.
Why is Mexican food important in the Mexican culture? ›
Mexican culture comes alive through food, such as a meal not being complete unless tortillas are on the table or the use of moles or salsas made with indigenous ingredients like chile peppers, tomatoes, onion, garlic and avocado.
What is the cultural significance of tacos in Mexico? ›
Tacos are a symbol of the rich and diverse Hispanic culinary heritage. They represent the fusion of Indigenous traditions with Spanish and other global influences, resulting in a versatile and beloved food loved by people of all backgrounds.
What is the carne asada capital of the world? ›
That distinction was previously held by a city in Canada. “It internationally certifies that Hermosillo is the carne asada capital of the world,” Sonoran Gov.
