Mexican Carne Asada Marinade

A flavorful and aromatic marinade for Carne Asada that makes your beef tender, juicy, and packed with bold, delicious flavors! This marinade is full of citrus, garlic, and spices that infuse the meat with a vibrant taste. Perfect for grilling, and it works wonderfully with skirt steak, flank steak, or any cut of beef you’d like to cook up for tacos, burritos, or just as a main dish.

Ingredients:

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (for a smoky flavor)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Combine the Marinade Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), Worcestershire sauce, chopped cilantro, and onion. Stir until everything is well combined.
Season:
- Taste the marinade and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking. The soy sauce will add some salt, so adjust as needed.
Marinate the Meat:
- Place your carne asada steak (skirt steak, flank steak, or your preferred cut) in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or for best results, marinate overnight (up to 24 hours). The longer the meat marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Grill or Cook:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade (or reserve some for basting).
- Grill the steak for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of the cut and your preferred doneness. Let it rest for about 5 minutes after grilling to let the juices redistribute.
Serve:
- Slice the carne asada thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve with warm tortillas, pico de gallo, guacamole, and fresh lime wedges.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Carne Asada as tacos, burritos, or in a Carne Asada bowl with rice, beans, and toppings.
Pair with a side of Mexican Street Corn (Elote) or Mexican rice for a full meal.
Top with salsa and cilantro for extra flavor and freshness.

Tips:

Marinate overnight: For the best flavor, marinate the carne asada for at least 6 hours, but overnight is ideal to get the most tender and flavorful results.
Grill it hot: Make sure your grill is really hot before adding the steak. A good sear on the outside locks in the juices and creates that delicious charred flavor.
Don’t overcook: Carne Asada is best cooked medium-rare to medium. Overcooking can make it tough.

Enjoy your Carne Asada with this amazing marinade that’s packed with fresh, zesty, and savory flavors! Perfect for taco night, a backyard barbecue, or any Mexican-inspired meal.

Let me know if you try it out or need any tweaks!