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Flavorful Carne Asada Marinade Recipe Easy Restaurant-Style Guide

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This flavorful restaurant-style carne asada marinade recipe delivers a vibrant, zesty, and smoky punch that transforms ordinary steak into a juicy, unforgettable meal perfect for family cookouts or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds flank or skirt steak
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 large limes)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (preferably extra virgin)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, chili powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended. Add soy sauce if using.
  2. Place flank or skirt steak into a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the meat, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 10 minutes) until hot and sizzling.
  4. Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature 130°F/54°C). Adjust cooking time for desired doneness. Flip only once.
  5. Transfer cooked steak to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  6. Slice steak thinly against the grain and serve immediately with preferred sides or tortillas.

Notes

Marinate steak for at least 1 hour but no longer than 4 hours to avoid meat becoming mushy. Use fresh lime juice for best flavor. If grilling is not an option, cook steak in a hot cast-iron skillet or under a broiler. Let steak rest after cooking to retain juices. Slice thinly against the grain for tenderness. Optional soy sauce adds umami but can be omitted for gluten-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: carne asada, marinade, steak marinade, Mexican recipe, grilled steak, easy marinade, flank steak, skirt steak, BBQ, summer recipe

Find it online: https://grubella.com/flavorful-carne-asada-marinade-recipe-easy-restaurant-style-guide/