Description
Make tender, flavorful carne asada every time with this authentic Mexican marinade recipe. It uses simple ingredients like lime and cilantro for the best grilling results.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds skirt steak or flank steak
- 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 6-8 limes)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spicy carne asada marinade)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (optional, for citrus carne asada marinade)
Instructions
- Prepare the steak: If using flank steak, lightly pound it to an even thickness. Place the steak in a large, resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
- Mix the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). If you want a sweeter flavor, add the orange juice now.
- Marinate the meat: Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure the meat is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish.
- Refrigerate: Let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but preferably 8 to 12 hours for the best flavor penetration. Do not marinate for more than 24 hours, as the acid can start to break down the meat too much.
- Grill: Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Grill over medium-high heat for 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness.
- Rest and slice: Let the grilled carne asada rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve immediately for tacos or burritos.
Notes
- For an authentic carne asada marinade, you can substitute some of the lime juice with fresh orange juice.
- If you are using skirt steak, trim off any thick, hard fat before marinating.
- This marinade works well for both flank steak carne asada marinade and skirt steak carne asada marinade.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz cooked meat
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 90