The Best Carne Asada Marinade
Ingredients
- 2 lbskirt steak
or flank steak
- ⅓ corange juice
from 1 fresh orange
- 2 tbsplime juice
from 1 fresh lime
- ½onion
small, white, peeled, cut in half
- 2jalapeños
- 4 clovesgarlic
peeled
- ½ bunchcilantro
rinsed well
- 8 ozbeer
lager
- 2 tbspolive oil
extra virgin
- 2 tbspsoy sauce
reduced sodium
- 2 tbspchili powder
- 1 tspcumin
- 1 tbspsugar
- 1 tbspkosher salt
Directions
Roasted jalapeños
- 1
Place jalapeños directly over the flame of a gas grill. Turn the peppers with tongs to ensure each side is evenly blackened. Remove them from the heat, add them to a metal bowl, and cover with a lid or plastic wrap. You can also place the peppers on a sheet tray under the broiler in the oven until the skin is blackened.
- 2
After 5 to 10 minutes, remove the lid or plastic wrap. Use a paring knife or a spoon to peel the skin off of the pepper. Remove the stem as well.
- 3
Slice the pepper in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to remove the seeds and membrane. Add the peeled, deseeded, and deveined pepper to the blender.
Marinade
- 1
Add all of the remaining ingredients except for the steak to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
Carne asada
- 1
Place meat in a nonreactive container, like a ceramic pie dish or a large resealable plastic bag.
- 2
Pour marinade over the meat and cover. Place in the fridge for 24 to 48 hours. 48 hours is ideal for the strongest flavor.
- 3
Remove the steak from the fridge 1 to 2 hours before cooking. Drain and discard the marinade and pat the meat as dry as possible with paper towels.
For a traditional grill
- 1
Set a charcoal or gas grill to high heat. When the grill is hot, spray the grill grates with a bit of nonstick spray or brush the steaks with a tiny bit of oil and place the steaks on the grill (directly over the coals if using charcoal).
- 2
Cook until the steaks are seared and reach an internal temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit (for medium-rare steak), about 2 to 4 minutes per side.
- 3
Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 10 minutes. Thinly slice the meat against the grain on a bias and serve.
For a grill pan
- 1
Place the grill pan over two burners on high heat. Spray or brush the pan with a bit of oil.
- 2
Add the meat to the grill pan once it is hot and cook for 2-4 minutes on each side, until just cooked through. Remove when internal temperature reaches 125 degrees F.
- 3
Remove the steaks from the grill pan and let them rest for 10 minutes. Thinly slice the meat against the grain on a bias and serve.
The Best Carne Asada Marinade
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Based on 48 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Tired of bland grilled steak? Craving that smoky, citrusy, and savory taste of authentic carne asada right in your own kitchen? This recipe for The Best Carne Asada Marinade is your passport to restaurant-quality flavor, transforming simple skirt or flank steak into a culinary masterpiece.You'll love how this marinade creates an unparalleled depth of flavor. The secret lies in its vibrant blend of fresh orange and lime juices, aromatic garlic and onion, and a surprising ingredient—lager beer—that tenderizes the meat while adding a subtle, complex note. It’s this thoughtful combination that sets it apart, ensuring every bite is packed with the robust, authentic Mexican taste you crave.With this marinade, you can expect perfectly seasoned steak that's bursting with a vibrant, smoky, and subtly sweet-and-savory profile. The fresh citrus cuts through the richness, while two jalapeños provide a balanced kick that enhances the flavor without overwhelming it. This isn't just a marinade; it's the foundation for tender, juicy steak that truly rivals your favorite Mexican restaurant, whether you’re serving it thinly sliced for tacos or as the star of a hearty plate.While skirt steak is traditional for its rich beefy flavor, flank steak also works wonderfully with this marinade, absorbing the flavors beautifully. For those who prefer less heat, simply deseed the jalapeños before adding them to the blend. You can also adjust the amount of fresh cilantro to your preference, though it adds a crucial herbaceous freshness to the overall profile.This carne asada is incredibly versatile and makes the ideal main course for a variety of meals. It's the perfect foundation for building incredible carne asada burritos, hearty carne asada plates, or even simple, yet flavorful, steak tacos. Serve it with warm tortillas, a fresh salsa, and a side of rice and beans for a complete, satisfying meal that truly celebrates Mexican cuisine.