While carne asada is Spanish for "roasted meat," the phrase is almost always used to refer to a grilled cut of beef.

Usually, a thin cut like skirt steak is used, and it may or may not be marinated first. Thinly sliced, carne asada can be eaten on its own or used in burritos, tacos and other wraps. Typical garnishes are guacamole, salsa and grilled vegetables.

Popular both in northern Mexico and the American Southwest (where the term is also used as a catchall phrase to refer to a barbecue), carne asada is often more of an event than a dish, with people gathering by a fire and making a social occasion out of eating grilled or spit-roasted beef.

Recipe: Skirt Steak With Caramelized Shallots (Washington Post)
Recipe: Skirt Steak Tacos With Radishes, Romaine, Cotija And Lime (Cookthink)
Recipe: Chipotle Skirt Steak Tacos (Steamy Kitchen)