Carne asada, a grilled Mexican dish made with marinated beef, is a favorite in many households for its rich flavor and tender texture. The key to a great carne asada lies in the marinade, which helps infuse the beef with a zesty, aromatic flavor. This easy carne asada marinade recipe is made with fresh ingredients like lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and spices, ensuring your beef turns out flavorful and juicy every time. Whether you’re grilling for a special occasion or enjoying taco night, this marinade will elevate your carne asada to new heights.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Ziploc bag or shallow dish (for marinating)
- Grill or grill pan
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 3-4 limes)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak (or your preferred cut of beef)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and honey or agave (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until the marinade is well combined. - Marinate the Meat:
Place your beef (flank steak or skirt steak works best) in a Ziploc bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally 4-6 hours. For the best results, marinate the meat overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the beef. - Grill the Carne Asada:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Grill the beef for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat and your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). - Rest and Slice:
After grilling, let the carne asada rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures a tender result. Slice the meat against the grain into thin strips for optimal texture.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the carne asada with warm tortillas for tacos, garnished with diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Pair it with a side of rice, beans, and grilled vegetables for a complete Mexican meal.
- Use the carne asada for fajitas or a burrito bowl, topped with guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.
Tips:
- To get a deeper flavor, marinate the carne asada overnight.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper to the marinade.
- For a smokier flavor, try grilling the carne asada over wood or charcoal rather than a gas grill.
- Make sure to slice the carne asada against the grain to ensure it remains tender and easy to eat.
This carne asada marinade recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to prepare beef for grilling. The zesty lime, aromatic garlic, and bold spices infuse the meat with incredible flavor, making it perfect for tacos, burritos, or a hearty meal with all the fixings. Whether you’re grilling for a weeknight dinner or a weekend fiesta, this marinade will make your carne asada unforgettable!
Carne Asada Marinade Recipe
This carne asada marinade recipe is perfect for tender, flavorful grilled beef. Made with lime, garlic, cilantro, and spices, it infuses the meat with incredible taste for your next BBQ or taco night.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Ziploc bag or shallow dish (for marinating)
- Grill or grill pan
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice about 3-4 limes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave optional, for a touch of sweetness
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak or your preferred cut of beef
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and honey or agave (if using). Whisk the ingredients together until the marinade is well combined.
- Marinate the Meat:
- Place your beef (flank steak or skirt steak works best) in a Ziploc bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally 4-6 hours. For the best results, marinate the meat overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the beef.
- Grill the Carne Asada:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Grill the beef for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the meat and your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).
- Rest and Slice:
- After grilling, let the carne asada rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures a tender result. Slice the meat against the grain into thin strips for optimal texture.
Leave a Reply