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Mexican Carne Asada Marinade

Bold, juicy, and flavorful—this Mexican Carne Asada Marinade is perfect for grilling season and taco nights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Marinating Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds skirt steak
  • cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • Juice of 1 lime or lemon
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • ½ cup onion diced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 serrano pepper diced
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional

Method
 

Step 1: Make the Marinade
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, orange juice, and red wine vinegar. Once combined, stir in the diced onion, chopped cilantro, crushed garlic, serrano pepper, and all the spices. This mixture should be bold and aromatic—don’t be afraid to taste and adjust for balance.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
  1. Place the skirt steak in a large resealable bag or a shallow glass dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure it's fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. The acid and salt in the marinade help break down the meat fibers, making it incredibly tender.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
  1. Preheat your grill to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill for about 3–5 minutes per side depending on thickness, until the exterior is well-charred and the inside reaches medium-rare or medium.
Tip: Avoid overcooking! Carne Asada is best enjoyed juicy and slightly pink inside.
    Step 4: Rest and Slice
    1. Once grilled, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Then, slice thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
    Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
    1. Serve the sliced Carne Asada with warm tortillas, creamy guacamole, fresh pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream. It’s also fantastic in burrito bowls, quesadillas, or on top of a salad.