Authentic Carne Asada Marinade for Grilling
Make tender, flavorful carne asada using this authentic Mexican marinade recipe. Perfect for skirt steak or flank steak tacos and grilling.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 4 hr 27 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs skirt steak or flank steak
- 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8 limes)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon 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)
Instructions
- Prepare the meat: Trim any excess fat from your skirt steak or flank steak. Place the meat in a large, resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive dish.
- Combine marinade ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, soy sauce, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, chili powder, and cayenne pepper if you are using it.
- Marinate the meat: Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring all surfaces are coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish.
- Refrigerate: Place the meat in the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best flavor penetration.
- Grill: Remove the steak from the marinade, discard the excess liquid. 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.
Notes
- For the best results with your skirt steak carne asada marinade, use fresh lime juice, not bottled.
- If you are short on time, a minimum of 2 hours of marinating will still provide good flavor.
- This marinade works well for both flank steak and skirt steak.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz cooked meat
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 100