The Best Carne Asada Marinade Recipe

Carne asada, the beloved Mexican grilled steak dish, is all about the marinade. A good marinade can transform a simple cut of meat into a flavor-packed, tender masterpiece. This recipe for the best carne asada marinade is a must-try for any grill enthusiast or lover of Mexican cuisine.

This marinade is inspired by the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican cooking, with a perfect balance of citrus, savory, and spice. The combination of orange juice, lime juice, and soy sauce creates a tangy and umami-rich base, while garlic, cilantro, and a touch of chipotle pepper add depth and complexity.

After a 24-hour soak in this flavorful marinade, the flank steak emerges tender, juicy, and infused with a mouthwatering blend of seasonings. Whether you’re grilling up carne asada tacos, serving it as the star of a fajita platter, or enjoying it simply with Mexican rice and beans, this marinade is the key to taking your carne asada to new heights. So fire up the grill, gather your friends and family, and get ready to experience the best carne asada of your life.

What is Carne Asada?

Carne asada is a grilled and sliced beef from Mexico cuisine. “carne asada” literally translates to “grilled meat” in Spanish.

The key features of carne asada include:

• Then, flank, or skirt steak cuts of beef
• Marinated in a blend of citrus juices, spices, and herbs
• Grilled over high heat to achieve a charred, caramelized exterior
• Sliced into thin strips or bite-sized pieces
• Often served in tacos, burritos, or as a main dish with rice, beans, and salsa

Carne asada is a popular and versatile Mexican dish that can be enjoyed in various ways, from casual street food to upscale dining experiences.

Ingredients for the Best Carne Asada Marinade

The beauty of this marinade lies in its simplicity. With just a few fresh, high-quality ingredients, you can create a flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing.

• ¾ cup orange juice
• ½ cup lemon juice
• ⅓ cup lime juice
• One bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup soy sauce
• Four cloves garlic, minced
• One tablespoon chili powder
• One tablespoon ground cumin
• One tablespoon ground paprika
• One tablespoon ground black pepper
• One teaspoon finely chopped canned chipotle pepper
• One teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ cup olive oil
• For the Carne Asada: 3 pounds flank steak

These ingredients work together to create a well-balanced and flavorful marinade for the carne asada. The citrus juices help to tenderize the meat, the garlic and spices provide the signature Mexican flavors, and the olive oil and soy sauce add depth and richness to the overall profile.

To make it more interesting, you could consider adding a few twists:

• Smoked Paprika: A touch of smoked paprika can lend a delightful depth of flavor and subtle smokiness.
• Lime Zest: Grating some lime zest into the marinade can amplify the bright, citrusy notes.
• Honey: A slight drizzle of honey can help to balance the acidity and create a more well-rounded flavor.
• Chipotle Chili Powder: For those who love a bit of heat, chipotle chili powder can add a smoky, spicy kick.
• Achiote Paste: This traditional Mexican seasoning can impart a vibrant reddish-orange hue and earthy, slightly nutty flavor.

The possibilities are endless for customizing this carne asada marinade to suit your taste preferences.

How to Make the Carne Asada Marinade

1. Combine the orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice in a large glass or ceramic bowl for the marinade.
2. Add the chopped cilantro, soy sauce, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, chipotle pepper, and dried oregano. Stir to combine.
3. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the marinade is well-blended.
4. Reserve 1 cup of the marinade and set it aside for serving later.
5. Place the flank steak between two sheets of heavy plastic (such as resealable freezer bags) on a solid, level surface. Use the smooth side of a meat mallet to pound the steak to a thickness of 1/4 inch firmly.
6. Poke the steak with a fork to help the marinade penetrate the meat. Rounded steak in the large bowl with the remaining marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse the meat fully.

Grilling the Carne Asada

1. Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
2. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
3. Grill the steak for about 5 minutes per side or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F.
4. Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and rest for a few minutes.
5. Slice the steak across the grain into thin strips.
6. Place the sliced carne asada on a serving platter and drizzle the reserved marinade over the top.

Recipe Tips:

1. Use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Ripe, juicy citrus fruits, fragrant herbs, and spices will make all the difference. 
2. Pound the steak lightly before marinating to help tenderize the meat and allow the marinade to penetrate more effectively. 
3. Reserve a small amount of the marinade to drizzle over the grilled steak just before serving for an extra flavor boost. 
4. Try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the marinade for a more pronounced smoky flavor. 
5. Experiment with different types of vinegar, such as red wine or sherry vinegar, to add subtle complexity. 
6. To create unique flavor profiles, experiment with different citrus juices, such as grapefruit or pineapple.
7. Marinate chicken, pork, or tofu in this flavorful mixture for a delicious vegetarian or flexitarian option.
8. Marinate the steak in a large resealable bag, squeezing out as much air as possible to ensure maximum surface area contact with the marinade. 
9. If you don’t have time to marinate for 1-8 hours, even a 30-minute soak infuses the meat with great flavor. 
10. Slice the grilled steak against the grain for the most tender, easy-to-chew bites. 

Recipe Variations:

1. Carne Asada Fajitas: Grill the marinated steak and serve it with sautéed bell peppers and onions, guacamole, and warm tortillas. 
2. Carne Asada Burrito Bowls: Slice the grilled steak and serve it over a bed of cilantro lime rice, black beans, pico de gallo, and avocado. 
3. Carne Asada Nachos: Top crispy tortilla chips with grilled steak, shredded cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa. 
4. Carne Asada Salad: Serve the sliced steak over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, queso fresco, and a zesty lime vinaigrette. 
5. Carne Asada Quesadillas: Grill the steak, then slice and layer it with cheese, sautéed onions, and peppers between two tortillas. 
6. Carne Asada Tacos al Pastor: Marinate the steak in a mixture of achiote paste, orange juice, and spices, then grill and serve in small corn tortillas. 
7. Carne Asada Skewers: Thread the marinated steak onto skewers, chunks of bell pepper, and onion, and grill for a fun, portable option. 
8. Carne Asada Stuffed Avocados: Scoop the grilled steak into halved avocados, then top with pico de gallo, crumbled queso fresco, and a drizzle of crema. 
9. Carne Asada Sliders: Grill the steak, slice it into small patties, and serve on mini buns with all the classic taco toppings. 
10. Carne Asada Stir-Fry: Slice the grilled steak into thin strips and stir-fry it with various fresh vegetables and a splash of marinade.

Serving Suggestions:

This carne asada marinade is incredibly versatile. While it’s delicious on its own, it also pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:

• Serve the grilled steak in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings, such as diced onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and salsa.
• Use the carne asada topping for salads, rice bowls, or nachos.
• Try substituting the flank steak with skirt or hanger steak for a slightly different texture.
• Add a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the marinade for an extra kick of heat.

No matter how you enjoy this carne asada, the key is to let the marinade work its magic. Combining bright, zesty flavors and the perfect balance of spices will transform even the most basic steak into a true culinary masterpiece. So grab your grill, gather your loved ones, and get ready to experience the best carne asada of your life.

Give it a try, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!