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Authentic Carne Asada Marinade for Tender, Flavorful Steak

Close-up of a perfectly grilled steak, likely prepared with carne asada marinade, topped with fresh cilantro and flaky salt.
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Learn how to make the best carne asada marinade using fresh lime juice, cilantro, and spices for incredibly tender and flavorful grilled skirt or flank steak.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds skirt steak or flank steak
  • 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 6-8 limes)
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 large bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 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 your skirt steak or flank steak. If the steak is very thick, you can slice it in half horizontally to create thinner, more even pieces for better marinating.
  2. Combine marinade ingredients: In a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and orange juice (if using). This makes an easy carne asada marinade.
  3. Marinate the meat: Place the steak into the marinade, ensuring all surfaces are coated. For the best carne asada marinade for grilling, press out as much air as possible if using a bag.
  4. Refrigerate: Marinate the steak in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, but aim for 8 to 12 hours for the most tender results. Do not marinate for more than 24 hours, as the acid in the lime juice can start to break down the meat too much.
  5. Grill: Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the used marinade. Grill over medium-high heat for 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of your steak.
  6. Rest and slice: Let the grilled carne asada rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve immediately for tacos, burritos, or as a main dish.

Notes

  • For an authentic carne asada marinade, you can substitute some of the lime juice with fresh orange juice.
  • If you are using flank steak, slicing it against the grain after grilling is crucial for tenderness.
  • This marinade works well for both skirt steak carne asada marinade and flank steak carne asada marinade applications.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/carne-asada-marinade-recipe-for-grilling-steak/