Mexican Carne Asada Marinade

🥩 Mexican Carne Asada Marinade

Ingredients (for 1–2 lbs steak)

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)

• ¼ cup orange juice (adds subtle sweetness)

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp chili powder or chipotle powder

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

• 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Mix marinade
   Combine all ingredients in a bowl or resealable plastic bag.

2. Marinate steak
   Add skirt, flank, or sirloin steak to the marinade.
   Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, ideally 4–6 hours. Avoid more than 8 hours to prevent the citrus from “cooking” the meat.

3. Cook the steak

   • Grill: High heat, 3–5 minutes per side (depending on thickness)

   • Pan-sear: Hot skillet with a bit of oil, same timing
     Let steak rest 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Serving Ideas

• Warm tortillas → tacos

• Rice, beans, and grilled veggies

• Pico de gallo and guacamole on the side

Tips & Variations

• Add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire for umami depth

• For smoky flavor, use smoked chili powder

• Make extra for marinated vegetables (peppers, onions, zucchini)

If you want, I can give a super-secret “restaurant-style” version that makes the carne asada extra tender and charred like a taqueria.