39 Delectable Side Dishes to Serve with Carne Asada

You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re wondering what to serve with your carne asada.

In this post, I present 39 of the most popular carne asada side dishes.

In a rush? Heres the short answer.

Classic Mexican foods like Mexican rice, esquites, and guacamole are the ideal side dishes to offer with carne asada. Grilled kabobs, pineapple salsa, potato salad, or a chopped wedge salad are less traditional possibilities. Try queso funido or Cuban black beans for something different.

Ready? Lets jump right in.

Mexican rice

Mexican rice is a must-have carb while eating Mexican food.

The rice is seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and garlic, as well as tomato.

It’s very simple to prepare in volume, so you can put a big bowl of it in the center of the table and let your visitors help themselves.

Or you can use it to make burrito bowls (yum!).

Why we like this recipe: You can never go wrong with classics.

Recipe FeaturedRice from MexicoAdd black beans and rice.Make it energizing.Rice with cilantro and lime

Guacamole

If you have some avocados laying around the house, it’s time to prepare some guacamole!

You may serve the guacamole as a dip with your steak or as a refreshing topping for some carne asada tacos.

Serve tortilla chips on the side to add crunch to the dish.

Why we love this recipe: the jalapenos in the guac give your meal a spicy kick.

Recipe FeaturedGuacamoleTropical guacamolePineapple guacamoleMake it unique.Salsa de maz

Cactus salad

Most of you have probably never had cactus salad, although it is a mainstay in Mexican families.

The texture of cactus is crisp-tender, and the taste is spicy and zesty. A jar of chopped nopales should be available at your local Mexican grocery shop.

If you can’t find any cactus, substitute green beans. It won’t be the same, but it’ll still be delicious.

Why we like this recipe: it’s unique, low carb, and simple to prepare.

Recipe FeaturedSalad with cactusMix in the cornSalad with grilled cactus and cornKeep things simple.Salad with tossed greens

Mexican cornbread

Cornbread is a popular Southern dish that may be given a Mexican flavor by using (you guessed it) jalapenos.

This recipe also includes honey to balance out the heat of the jalapenos.

The finished product is a delectable dessert with just the perfect balance of sweet and savory undertones.

Why we like it: it can be used to wipe up any sauce from your meal.

Recipe FeaturedCornbread with Mexican flavorsMexican cornmeal muffins are a typical choice.Keep things simple.Bread with garlic

Pineapple mango salsa

A tropical chunky salsa will brighten up your carne asada.

The pineapple adds a mild tanginess, the mango adds sweetness, and the jalapenos and lime provide a spicy citrus burst.

Psst its a great topping for steak tacos!

Why we love this recipe: it screams of summer.

Recipe FeaturedSalsa de Pineapple y MangoChoose a traditionalPico de galloMake it one-of-a-kind.Salsa de strawberries

Cuban black beans

These black beans may not seem to be much, yet they are bursting with flavor.

I prefer to serve them with steak and rice so that the grains can absorb up all the juices.

The nicest part about this recipe is that it improves overnight, so you can cook it ahead of time and save time.

Why we like this recipe: it can be frozen, so you can prepare a large batch and store the leftovers.

Recipe FeaturedBlack beans from CubaMake it filling.Cowboy legumesMaintain simplicity.Beans enchiladas

Queso fundido

Make your carne asada dish stand out by serving it with a Spanish-inspired dip.

Queso fundido is a cheesy dip studded with pieces of Mexican chorizo and topped with juicy tomatoes and fresh cilantro.

Dip your carne asada in for a memorable mouthful.

Why we adore this recipe: it’s very decadent and one-of-a-kind.

Recipe FeaturedFundido quesoMaintain simplicity.Dip in Mojo PicanteKeep it up to date.Chimichurri dressing

Grilled vegetable kabobs

Grilling your carne asada?

Stick some fun vegetable kabobs on the side.

You may use any veggies you wish, but don’t forget about the irresistible fajita butter in this recipe. Your visitors will be licking their fingers clean!

Psst, for a surf-and-turf touch, add some shrimp to the kabobs.

Why we like this recipe: it’s a flexible meal that you can change up to ensure everyone has a favorite version.

Recipe FeaturedKabobs of grilled vegetablesMake a salad out of it.Salad of chopped grilled vegetablesMaintain simplicity.Tomatoes that have blistered

Red potato salad

Red potato salad is a creamy side dish that is ideal for summer barbecues.

It’s simple to create and will give a refreshing counterpoint to your flavorful meat.

Pro tip: Make this at least 30 minutes before serving to let all of the flavors to properly emerge.

Why we like this recipe: it incorporates three distinct herbs for a zesty taste combination.

Recipe FeaturedSalad with creamy red potatoesMake it a loaded one.Salad with loaded baked potatoesRemove the mayonnaise.Salad with Greek potatoes

Chopped wedge salad

A chopped wedge salad is a great light side dish to go with your carne asada.

The blue cheese dressing adds a classy touch to your steak and takes just 5 minutes to prepare.

Why we like it: it looks as nice as it tastes.

Recipe FeaturedSalad with chopped wedgesMake it seem nice.Salad with walnuts and blue cheeseMaintain simplicity.Iceberg salad with green goddess dressing

Corn tortillas

This isn’t a side, but I couldn’t leave it out.

Making tacos using carne asada is one of my favorite ways to use it.

And did you know you could make your own tortillas?

All you need are three basic materials and a little patience.

Once you’ve got the tortillas, all you need is your meat and some salsas to get started.

Why we like it: it’s a lot of fun to produce.

Recipe FeaturedCorn tortillas prepared from scratchMake it crispy.Nachos (baked tortilla chips)Make it unique.Enchiladas with carne asada

Esquites

If you’ve never had esquites before, you’re in for a treat.

The creamy cheese, acidic cilantro, and fiery jalapenos complement the sweetness of the fresh corn.

You may serve it as a dip with corn tortillas, as a side salad, or even as a steak topping.

Why we like this dish: You can never go wrong with a tried-and-true recipe.

Recipe FeaturedEsquitesMaintain simplicity.Corn on the cob grilledMake it comfortable.Corn in a honey butter skillet

Fried plantains

This simple and light fried plantains are another typical side that will bring some sweetness to your dinner.

Pro tip: chop the plantain at an angle to maximize surface area for caramelization.

Why we like this recipe: it comes with a delicious hot-pepper dipping sauce.

Recipe FeaturedPlantains fried with spicy pepper sauceMaintain simplicity.Chips made with sweet potatoesMake it filling.Bowls of spicy plantain

What sauce goes well with carne asada?

A classic salsa, such as tomatillo salsa, goes well with carne asada. A zesty sauce, like as chimichurri sauce, might also go nicely. If you like something creamier, a basic guacamole or lime creama might suffice.

The best sauce to serve with carne asada:

• Chimichurri sauce
• Lime crema
• Tomatillo salsa
• Guacamole
• Cheese sauce
• Salsa verde