🌶️ Authentic Mexican Carne Asada Marinade
The secret to juicy, flavorful grilled steak with that iconic taquería taste!
📝 Ingredients
For the Marinade:
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½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
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¼ cup lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
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¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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2 tbsp olive oil
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1 tsp chili powder
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp oregano (Mexican oregano if possible)
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1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced (optional for heat)
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½ cup cilantro, chopped
For the Meat:
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2 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Marinade
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Whisk all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
2️⃣ Marinate the Steak
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Place steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over, ensuring full coverage.
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Refrigerate at least 4 hours (overnight for maximum flavor).
3️⃣ Grill to Perfection
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Remove steak from fridge 30 mins before cooking.
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Grill over high heat (or cast-iron skillet) 3-5 mins per side for medium-rare.
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Let rest 10 mins, then slice against the grain.
💡 Pro Tips
✔ Extra tender? Add 1 tbsp pineapple juice (natural tenderizer).
✔ No grill? Broil in oven 5-7 mins per side.
✔ Double the batch—this marinade works for chicken or shrimp too!
🌮 Serving Suggestions
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Classic: Serve with warm tortillas, grilled onions, and salsa verde.
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Bowls: Over cilantro-lime rice with black beans.
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Salad: Slice over romaine with avocado and cotija cheese.
Storage: Marinated raw steak keeps up to 2 days in fridge.
Fun Fact: The citrus in this marinade is a tradition from Northern Mexico’s “cabrito” (goat) culture! 🍊🔥