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Carne Asada

A quick and flavorful marinade perfect for grilling steak, delivering that classic taco shop taste at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Grilling, Mexican
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/3 cup lime juice Freshly squeezed for best results
  • 1/3 cup orange juice Optional, for sweetness
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce For salt and umami flavor
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Keeps the meat juicy
  • 4-6 cloves garlic, minced Adjust based on garlic preference
  • 1 teaspoon cumin For earthy flavor
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder Add more for extra heat
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground preferred
  • 1 small handful cilantro, chopped Optional, skip if not preferred
For the Steak
  • 1.5-2 pounds flank or skirt steak Choose based on preference and availability

Method
 

Marinating the Steak
  1. In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper until combined.
  2. Place the steak in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring the steak is fully coated.
  3. Marinate for 2 to 6 hours, but not over 12 hours to prevent the meat from becoming too soft.
  4. Before grilling, pat the steak dry for better browning and less steaming.
Grilling the Steak
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill skirt steak for about 2-4 minutes per side, and flank steak for 4-6 minutes per side.
  3. Remove the steak when cooked to medium-rare to medium and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
  4. Slice the steak thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness.

Notes

Serve with accompaniments like tacos, burrito bowls, or a simple salad. For toppings, consider pico de gallo and guacamole. Fresh lime wedges are essential for flavor.