Quick (20 Minute Marinade!) Carne Asada Recipe

Quick (20 Minute Marinade!) Carne Asada Recipe

4 servings
A simple marinade makes this quick and easy carne asada recipe as authentic tasting as it gets! You'll love the smoky citrus notes from the fresh marinade.

Ingredients

  • skirt steak)

    (can use flank, flap or flatiron steak

    2 lb
  • avocado oil
    ¼ c
  • limes

    juice of

    2
  • orange

    juice of

    1
  • garlic

    minced), (can sub 1 tsp garlic oil

    3 cloves
  • cumin
    2 tsp
  • chili powder
    2 tsp
  • sea salt
    1 tsp
  • black pepper
    ½ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Prepare marinade by mixing marinade ingredients in a bowl or jar.

  2. 2

    Place steak in a shallow dish or zip-top bag. Pour marinade over the steak to coat on both sides. Allow the steak to marinate while your grill heats up, at least 20 minutes. Or, you can marinate it covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. (See recipe notes)

  3. 3

    Heat a grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the steak on the grill to cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your liking. While cooking, baste the steak with any remaining marinade using a brush or by simply pouring the marinade over the steak.

  4. 4

    When the steak is cooked, remove it from the grill and place on a cutting board to rest for 5-10 minutes.

  5. 5

    Slice the steak into thin strips against the grain. Serve and enjoy.

Quick (20 Minute Marinade!) Carne Asada Recipe

Quick (20 Minute Marinade!) Carne Asada Recipe

40 min4 servings484 cal

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About this Recipe

Dreaming of juicy, flavorful carne asada without waiting hours for a marinade? This Quick Carne Asada recipe delivers authentic smoky citrus notes with a simple yet powerful 20-minute marinade that transforms your skirt steak.

Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this carne asada lies in its intensely flavorful, fresh marinade. Packed with the bright zest of lime and orange, along with aromatic cumin and chili powder, this blend quickly penetrates the steak. You'll love how these ingredients work together to create that craveable, restaurant-quality taste in a fraction of the time, perfect for a weeknight grill.

What to Expect

Prepare for a truly satisfying main course. You can expect tender, expertly grilled steak with a beautiful char, boasting a vibrant, tangy finish. The fresh citrus juices combined with the smoky depth of cumin and chili powder create a complex and balanced flavor profile that's both robust and refreshing. Each bite is juicy and packed with that classic carne asada essence.

Customization & Variations

While skirt steak is a fantastic choice for this recipe, you can easily substitute it with flank, flap, or flatiron steak for equally delicious results. If you don't have fresh garlic on hand, a simple swap of 1 teaspoon of garlic oil works wonderfully. This recipe is also a great option for those looking for a flavorful main course that is naturally suitable for a Keto diet.

Serving & Context

This versatile carne asada is perfect for building epic tacos, topping fresh salads, or serving alongside your favorite rice and beans for a complete meal. It’s fantastic for casual weeknight dinners or a weekend grilling session when you crave authentic flavor fast.

Frequently Asked Questions