Bright and Tangy Carne Asada Marinade Recipe
This vibrant Carne Asada Marinade infuses flank steak with a zesty blend of citrus juices, fresh cilantro, and robust spices, creating a flavorful and tender grilled meat perfect for tacos, burritos, or a stand-alone main dish. The marinade balances acidity with savory elements and subtle heat from chipotle pepper, highlighting the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Meat
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- ¾ cup orange juice
- ½ cup lemon juice
- ⅓ cup lime juice
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped canned chipotle pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup olive oil
Carne Asada
- 3 pounds flank steak
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, chopped cilantro, soy sauce, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground black pepper, finely chopped canned chipotle pepper, dried oregano, and olive oil. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the 3 pounds of flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is completely coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare to Grill: Approximately 30 minutes before grilling, remove the steak from the refrigerator to let it come to room temperature. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F (204°C), ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the flank steak on the grill and cook for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time according to desired doneness. Use tongs to flip the steak only once for a good sear and grill marks.
- Rest the Meat: Once cooked, transfer the flank steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute the juices, ensuring a juicy and tender result.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the steak thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as grilled vegetables, rice, or fresh tortillas for a perfect Carne Asada meal.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor depth and tenderness significantly.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of chipotle pepper or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If fresh cilantro is not available, substitute with dried oregano or parsley, but fresh is preferred for authentic flavor.
- Flank steak is the preferred cut due to its texture and ability to absorb marinade flavors well.
- Resting the steak after grilling is essential for juicy meat.
- Always slice against the grain to ensure the meat is tender.
Keywords: Carne Asada, flank steak, Mexican marinade, grilled steak, citrus marinade, carne asada recipe, flank steak marinade