Description

This is a real flavorful Carne Asada marinade recipe that brings together great ingredients to make the perfect marinade for carne asada. Originating in Mexican cuisine, it features flank steak or skirt steak marinated in a mix of citrus juices, garlic, and spices, making this one of the best Mexican-style grilled steak recipes. Whether as a component of tacos, burritos, or served with rice and beans, this grilled carne asada recipe delivers flavors that are savory, zesty, and smoky. It’s perfect for taco nights or summer barbecues.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Marinating Time: 2-8 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (minimum)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs flank or skirt steak (best cut for an authentic carne asada taco marinade)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (about 3 limes)
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for added umami flavor)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar (optional, for extra tenderizing)

How to Make Carne Asada Marinade

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, soy sauce, and vinegar. This combination creates the best marinade for carne asada.

How Long to Marinate Carne Asada

• Minimum Time: 2 hours – If you’re in a hurry, marinating for at least 2 hours will impart a decent amount of flavor.
• Best Time: 8 hours – For optimal flavors, marinate the steak for at least 8 hours. This allows the citrus juices and spices enough time to tenderize the steak and infuse it with rich flavors.
• Maximum Time: 24 hours – You can marinate it overnight, up to 24 hours, to achieve the best flavor and tenderness. Do not exceed 24 hours, as the acidity from the citrus can break down the meat fibers too much, leading to a mushy texture.

• Place steak between two sheets of heavy plastic (resealable freezer bags work well) on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound steak with the smooth side of a meat mallet to a thickness of 1/4 inch.

  

How to Make Carne Asada

1. Marinate the Steak:
   • Place your flank steak or skirt steak in a large zip-lock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the carne asada marinade over the meat, ensuring it is completely covered. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for the desired marinating time.

1. Preheat the Grill:
   • Set your grill to high heat. If using charcoal, spread the coals evenly for consistent heat.
2. Remove Steak from Marinade:
   • Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. You can blot it with paper towels to remove extra moisture that might cause flare-ups on the grill.
3. Grill the Steak:
   • Place the steak on the grill over direct heat. Grill according to your preferred level of doneness:
     • Rare: 2-3 minutes per side
     • Medium-rare: 3-5 minutes per side
     • Medium: 6-7 minutes per side
     • Well-done: 7-10 minutes per side
   • For a medium-rare finish, grill for about 3-5 minutes on each side. Avoid overcooking to keep the meat tender.

1. • Indoor Option: If you prefer, you can use a grill pan over the stove to make this easy carne asada marinade recipe indoors.
2. Rest the Steak:
   • After grilling, remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.
3. Slice the Steak:
   • Slice the meat thinly against the grain for optimal texture. This makes it easier to chew and enhances tenderness.

1. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Your grilled carne asada is ready to serve. Pair it with warm tortillas for tacos, rice and beans, or toppings like guacamole and salsa.It’s a versatile dish perfect for any meal.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 480mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.

Additional Tips

• Marinating Time: For the best results, marinate the steak for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.
• Added Smokiness: Include a dash of liquid smoke in the authentic carne asada marinade for extra smokiness.
• Serving Suggestions: This carne asada taco marinade is perfect for any grilled meal and pairs well with grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, or Mexican rice for a complete meal.

Enjoy your flavorful and juicy carne asada at your next gathering! If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.