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Authentic Carne Asada Marinade for Tender, Flavorful Grilling

Close-up of medium-rare sliced steak, showing a juicy interior, prepared with carne asada marinade.
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Learn how to make the best carne asada marinade using fresh lime, cilantro, and traditional spices for incredibly tender and flavorful grilled steak perfect for tacos or burritos.

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

  1. Prepare the steak: Trim any excess fat from the skirt steak or flank steak. If the steak is very thick, you can slice it in half horizontally to create thinner, more even pieces.
  2. Combine marinade ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and orange juice (if using). This creates your Mexican carne asada marinade.
  3. Marinate the meat: Place the steak in a large, resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring all surfaces are coated.
  4. Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 12 hours, for the best flavor penetration. Do not marinate for longer than 12 hours, as the acid in the lime juice can start to break down the meat too much.
  5. Grill the steak: Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Cook: Grill the carne asada for 3 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of the cut. You want good char marks.
  7. Rest and slice: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. This keeps the steak juicy.

Notes

  • For the best results, use skirt steak for your carne asada marinade recipe.
  • If you prefer a spicier flavor, add one minced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the marinade mixture.
  • Always slice the meat against the grain after resting to guarantee tenderness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://afripaket.com/carne-asada-marinade-recipe-authentic-best-grilling/