Description
Make the best carne asada marinade using fresh lime juice, cilantro, and 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 large jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Instructions
- Prepare the steak by trimming any excess fat from the skirt or flank steak.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, minced garlic, jalapeño (if using), cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili powder to create the marinade.
- Place the steak in a large, sealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate. Marinate the steak for at least 4 hours, or up to 12 hours for the best flavor penetration. Do not marinate longer than 12 hours, as the acid can start to break down the meat too much.
- Remove the steak from the marinade about 30 minutes before grilling to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Discard the used marinade.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grates.
- 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.
- Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain for the most tender result. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For an even deeper flavor, you can add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the marinade mixture.
- If you prefer a spicier marinade, leave some seeds in the jalapeño or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- This marinade works well for flank steak or skirt steak, which are the best cuts for carne asada.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz cooked steak
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 26
- Cholesterol: 75