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Authentic Carne Asada Marinade

Close-up of perfectly grilled carne asada steak slices, showcasing a rich marinade and juicy interior.

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A flavorful and easy marinade for tender, grilled carne asada, perfect for tacos and burritos.

Ingredients

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  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 pounds skirt steak or flank steak

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  2. Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated.
  4. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  6. Remove steak from marinade and discard the marinade.
  7. Grill steak for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
  8. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Notes

  • For a spicier marinade, add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or a minced jalapeño.
  • Marinating skirt steak for a shorter time (30-60 minutes) is often preferred to maintain its tender texture.
  • Flank steak benefits from a longer marinating time, up to 4 hours, for maximum flavor penetration.
  • Serve sliced carne asada in tacos, burritos, or as a main dish.

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