๐ฅ The Ultimate Mexican Carne Asada Marinade
Bold, Smoky, and Packed with Authentic Flavor
If there’s one recipe that captures the heart of Mexican grilling, it’s Carne Asada — thin slices of beef soaked in a citrusy, garlicky marinade, then seared over open flames until smoky, tender, and bursting with flavor.
But the real magic of Carne Asada starts long before it hits the grill — it’s all in the marinade. This mix of tangy lime, earthy spices, and fresh herbs transforms an ordinary cut of meat into a fiesta of taste.
๐ฅฉ What Is Carne Asada?
“Carne Asada” literally means “grilled meat” in Spanish, and in Mexico, it’s much more than a meal — it’s a celebration. You’ll find it sizzling on backyard grills during family gatherings, street festivals, and Sunday cookouts. It’s typically made with flank steak or skirt steak, both prized for their rich flavor and quick cooking time.
๐ฟ Ingredients for the Perfect Marinade
This recipe makes enough to marinate 2 pounds (about 1 kg) of beef.
You’ll Need:
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½ cup fresh lime juice (about 4–5 limes)
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¼ cup orange juice (adds natural sweetness)
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3 tablespoons soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small jalapeรฑo, finely chopped (optional for heat)
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon salt
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A small handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
๐ฅฃ How to Make It
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Combine all ingredients in a large bowl or resealable bag. Whisk or shake well to blend.
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Add your beef — flank or skirt steak works best. Make sure it’s fully coated.
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Marinate for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight in the refrigerator. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavor.
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Grill the meat over high heat (charcoal or gas) for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
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Rest and slice — let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain for tender, juicy bites.
๐ฎ Serving Ideas
Carne Asada is incredibly versatile — serve it:
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In warm corn tortillas with onions, cilantro, and lime
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Over Mexican rice or grilled vegetables
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With guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo
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Or simply on its own with a cold cerveza
❤️ Pro Tips
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Don’t skip the citrus: Lime and orange juices tenderize the meat naturally.
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Marinate in glass or plastic, not metal — citrus can react with metal containers.
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Slice thinly: The thinner the cut, the more flavorful and tender each bite will be.
๐ถ️ A Taste of Mexico in Every Bite
The smoky aroma, the zesty citrus, the spicy kick — every element of this Carne Asada marinade tells a story of Mexico’s love for flavor and fire. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to plain grilled steak again.
So grab your limes, fire up the grill, and let this marinade turn your next cookout into a Mexican feast to remember.