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Close-up of medium-rare sliced steak glistening with a rich Carne asada marinade glaze on a white plate.

Authentic Carne Asada Marinade


  • Author: Lina Kohn
  • Total Time: 4 hr 27 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A simple, flavorful marinade recipe using lime, cilantro, and spices to tenderize and season steak for grilling.


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 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)


Instructions

  1. Place the steak in a large, non-reactive dish or a resealable plastic bag.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and chili powder if using.
  3. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure all surfaces are coated.
  4. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight for best flavor.
  5. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
  6. Grill the steak over medium-high heat for 4 to 6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness.
  7. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

Notes

  • For a spicier marinade, add one minced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the mixture.
  • If you do not have fresh lime juice, use bottled, but fresh tastes better.
  • Marinating time should not exceed 24 hours, as the acid can start to break down the meat too much.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 12 min
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 oz cooked steak
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1
  • Sodium: 450
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 4
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 3
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 30
  • Cholesterol: 85