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Authentic Carne Asada Marinade for Grilling

Close-up of sliced, grilled steak topped with a bright green herb sauce, likely showing the results of a carne asada marinade.
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This recipe provides the best carne asada marinade, using lime, cilantro, and spices to tenderize and flavor skirt or flank steak for grilling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds skirt steak or flank steak
  • 1 cup fresh lime juice (about 8–10 limes)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for spicy carne asada marinade)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander

Instructions

  1. Prepare the steak: Trim any excess fat from the skirt or flank steak. If using flank steak, score the surface lightly in a crosshatch pattern to help the marinade penetrate.
  2. Combine marinade ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, vegetable oil, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño (if using), cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and coriander. This creates your citrus carne asada marinade.
  3. Marinate the meat: Place the steak in a large, resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated.
  4. Refrigerate: Seal the bag or cover the dish. Marinate the steak in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours, or up to 12 hours for the best flavor. Do not marinate longer than 12 hours, as the lime juice can begin to break down the meat too much.
  5. Grill the steak: 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 thickness.
  6. Rest and slice: Let the grilled carne asada rest for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For an even deeper flavor, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the marinade mixture.
  • If you prefer a milder heat, substitute the jalapeño with 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder.
  • This marinade works well for flank steak carne asada marinade and skirt steak carne asada marinade equally.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://seventhflavour.com/carne-asada-marinade-recipe-best-grilling/