Carne Asada Marinade – Flavor-Packed Magic for Tender, Juicy Grilled Beef!
There’s nothing like the aroma of carne asada sizzling on a grill. This marinade is the secret to unlocking deep, smoky, citrusy flavor in every bite of your beef. Whether you’re making tacos, burritos, or enjoying it straight off the grill, this recipe transforms simple flank or skirt steak into a mouthwatering fiesta favorite.
I first tried a version of this at a backyard BBQ in San Diego, where an old friend shared her family’s recipe from Baja. The key, she said, was balancing acid, oil, and earthy spices to create that irresistible charred crust and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1–1.5 pounds flank or skirt steak
Instructions:
- In a bowl or ziplock bag, combine orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, and all spices.
- Stir in garlic, cilantro, and jalapeño.
- Add the steak and make sure it’s fully coated in the marinade.
- Seal and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Remove from marinade and grill over high heat for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Nutrition Facts (Per 4 oz Cooked Steak – Approximate)
| Calories | 270 kcal |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Protein | 27 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Printable Recipe Summary
| Carne Asada Marinade | |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, cilantro, jalapeño, spices |
| Instructions | Mix marinade, coat steak, refrigerate, grill, rest, slice |
FAQs
Q: Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Yes, but lime gives a more authentic Mexican flavor.
Q: Can I use a different cut of meat?
Yes, flap steak or sirloin work well if flank/skirt isn’t available.
Q: Can I freeze the steak in the marinade?
Absolutely. Just freeze it raw with the marinade and thaw before grilling.
Q: Do I need a grill?
Nope! A cast iron pan or grill pan works great on the stovetop.
