Carne Asada Marinade Recipe

 

Carne Asada Marinade Recipe: The Secret to Bold, Juicy Flavor

Few dishes capture the smoky, vibrant soul of Mexican street food like carne asada. Whether it's sizzling on a backyard grill or folded into a taco at your favorite taquería, carne asada is all about flavor — and that flavor starts with the marinade.

This Carne Asada Marinade Recipe is the key to tender, juicy steak bursting with citrusy brightness, savory depth, and just the right amount of heat. Once you try it, you’ll never settle for bland grilled steak again.

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🌮 What Is Carne Asada?

Carne asada, meaning “grilled meat” in Spanish, typically refers to marinated and grilled flank steak or skirt steak, sliced thin and often served in tacos, burritos, or alongside rice and beans. It’s a staple in Mexican cuisine, known for its bold, balanced flavor and smoky char.

But the real magic? It happens before the meat ever hits the grill — in the marinade.

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🌟 Why This Marinade Works

This marinade hits all the right flavor notes:

• Acid (lime + orange juice) to tenderize the meat

• Savory + umami (soy sauce + garlic) for richness

• Herbs + spices (cilantro, cumin, oregano) for authentic Mexican flair

• A hint of sweetness (brown sugar or honey) to balance it all out

• Heat (jalapeño or chili flakes) for a kick

Letting the meat soak in this marinade transforms tough cuts into tender, flavorful bites that are perfect for grilling.

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🛒 Ingredients for Carne Asada Marinade

• ½ cup orange juice

• ¼ cup lime juice (about 2–3 limes)

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup soy sauce

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 jalapeño, chopped (or ½ tsp red chili flakes)

• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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🥩 Best Cuts for Carne Asada

The marinade works beautifully with:

• Flank steak

• Skirt steak

• Flat iron steak

• Sirloin flap

These cuts are ideal for high-heat grilling and soak up the marinade like a sponge.

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👩‍🍳 How to Use the Marinade

1. Prep the Marinade

Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl or jar and mix well.

2. Marinate the Steak

Place your steak in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure it’s fully coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 6–8 hours. Don’t exceed 24 hours, or the acid may break down the texture too much.

3. Grill to Perfection

• Remove steak from marinade and pat lightly with paper towels.

• Grill over high heat (around 450°F / 230°C) for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

• Rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

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🔥 Pro Tips

• Always slice against the grain — this makes the meat more tender.

• Don’t skip the resting time — it helps retain juices.

• No grill? Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan on high heat.

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🌯 Serving Suggestions

Carne asada is incredibly versatile. Try serving it:

• In tacos with onions, cilantro, and salsa

• Over Mexican rice and beans

• In a burrito with guac, pico, and cheese

• On nachos or in quesadillas

• As a protein topping on salad or grain bowls

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🧊 Storage & Leftovers

• Fridge: Cooked carne asada keeps in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze raw steak in marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before grilling.

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🧡 Final Thoughts

This Carne Asada Marinade Recipe brings big flavor with minimal effort. It turns affordable cuts of beef into restaurant-quality steak, ideal for summer cookouts, taco Tuesdays, or even meal prep.

It’s bold, balanced, and absolutely bursting with flavor — exactly what carne asada should be.

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Give it a try — and prepare to take your grill game to the next level. Your tacos will thank you.