Mexican Carne Asada Marinade

Indulge in the bold and vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine with this tantalizing Carne Asada marinade recipe. Perfectly balanced with zesty citrus, savory soy sauce, and a kick of spice, this marinade transforms tender skirt steak into a mouthwatering dish that’s ideal for grilling. Infused with garlic, cilantro, and Serrano pepper, each bite of Carne Asada offers a burst of freshness and depth.

Whether prepared for a festive gathering or a casual dinner, this recipe promises to satisfy with its robust flavors and juicy, charred perfection.

Serve sliced thin against the grain, wrapped in warm tortillas with traditional accompaniments like guacamole and sour cream for an authentic Mexican dining experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Rich, Layered Flavors: The marinade combines a tantalizing mix of ingredients, each contributing to a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The olive oil provides a rich base, while soy sauce adds umami depth. The citrus notes from lime or lemon and orange juice offer a refreshing tang, balanced by the acidity of red wine vinegar. These contrasting elements work together to create a marinade that is both bold and harmonious.

Aromatic and Spicy Kick: The inclusion of diced onion, cilantro, crushed garlic, and Serrano pepper introduces a fragrant and spicy dimension to the dish. These ingredients not only enhance the taste but also fill the kitchen with an enticing aroma as the meat grills. The optional crushed red pepper flakes allow for an extra kick, catering to those who appreciate a bit more heat.

Tender and Juicy Steak: The marinade is designed to tenderize the skirt steak while infusing it with flavor. Marinating the meat for at least four hours, or ideally overnight, ensures that it becomes succulent and tender. When grilled to a perfect medium-rare or medium, the steak remains juicy, with a delicious charred exterior that adds texture and depth.

Versatile Serving Options: Once grilled, the Carne Asada pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Sliced against the grain, it can be served with warm tortillas, allowing for easy assembly of flavorful tacos. Guacamole and sour cream provide creamy contrasts, enhancing the overall dining experience. This versatility makes it suitable for casual gatherings, festive occasions, or simply a delightful family meal.

Cultural and Culinary Experience: Preparing and enjoying Carne Asada offers a connection to Mexican culinary traditions, celebrating the rich heritage of this beloved cuisine. Sharing this dish with friends and family can be a social and enjoyable experience, bringing people together over a shared appreciation for good food.

Key Ingredients:

Skirt Steak: Known for its rich flavor and tender texture when cooked properly, skirt steak is ideal for soaking up the marinade and delivering a juicy, mouthwatering bite.

Olive Oil: Acts as a base for the marinade, aiding in the infusion of flavors while keeping the meat moist during grilling.

Soy Sauce: Adds a deep umami richness, enhancing the savory aspect of the marinade and complementing the meat’s natural flavors.

Citrus Juices (Lime/Lemon and Orange): Provide a refreshing acidity that tenderizes the meat and brightens the overall flavor profile.

Red Wine Vinegar: Introduces a subtle tangy note that balances the richness of the other ingredients.

Onion and Garlic: Offer aromatic depth and a savory foundation, essential for building the complex flavor of the marinade.

Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the citrus and spices, enhancing the marinade’s aromatic qualities.

Serrano Pepper: Contributes a spicy kick, bringing heat and excitement to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.

Mexican Carne Asada Marinade

Ingredients:

3 pounds Skirt steak

⅓ cup olive oil

¼ cup soy sauce

1 lime or lemon (juiced)

2 tablespoon orange juice (freshly squeezed)

2 tablespoon red wine vinegar

½ cup onion (diced)

¼ cup cilantro (chopped)

4 cloves garlic (crushed)

1 Serrano pepper (diced)

2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1:

Whisk all the marinade ingredients into a bowl.

Step 2:

Add meat and marinade to a large Ziploc bag and seal.

Allow the meat to marinate for 4 or more hours, or overnight.

Step 3:

Barbecue meat using high heat, until charred on the surface, and cooked to medium-rare or medium.

Don’t overcook the meat.

Step 4:

Remove Carne Asada from the grill and allow to rest for a few minutes.

Step 5:

Slice the Carne Asada against the grain and serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, and sour cream.

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Notes:

Choose the Right Cut: Skirt steak is traditional for Carne Asada due to its flavor and texture after grilling. If skirt steak is not available, you can also use flank steak or thinly sliced sirloin.

Marinating Time: Marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to fully infuse into the meat and tenderize it.

Temperature Control: Preheat your grill to high heat before cooking the steak. This ensures a good sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Avoid cooking over low heat, as this can lead to tougher meat.

Grilling Time: Cook the skirt steak quickly over high heat, usually about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness. Avoid overcooking to prevent the meat from becoming tough.

Resting Period: Let the Carne Asada rest for a few minutes after grilling before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a more flavorful and tender result when sliced.

Slicing Against the Grain: When slicing the meat, cut against the grain to maximize tenderness. Skirt steak has long muscle fibers, and slicing against the grain shortens these fibers, making the meat easier to chew.

Adjust Spice Levels: The recipe includes chili powder and optional crushed red pepper flakes for spice. Adjust these amounts according to your preference for heat. Taste the marinade before adding the meat to ensure it suits your taste.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice, along with freshly chopped cilantro and garlic, will enhance the flavor of the marinade. Avoid using bottled juices for the best taste.

Serve with Fresh Accompaniments: Serve the Carne Asada with warm tortillas, guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for a complete meal. The freshness of these accompaniments balances the rich flavors of the marinade.

Prepare Ahead: You can prepare the marinade and marinate the meat the night before cooking. This makes dinner preparation quicker and allows you to enjoy more time with guests or family when serving.

Nutrition Information:

YIELD: 8 SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of meat can I use for Carne Asada?

While skirt steak is commonly used for Carne Asada due to its rich flavor and texture, you could also use other types of beef such as flank steak or ribeye.

Each cut of meat will provide a slightly different flavor and texture.

How long should I marinate the meat?

You should marinate the meat for at least 4 hours, but marinating overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate more deeply into the meat.

Be careful not to marinate for too long though, as the acidity from the marinade can start to break down the meat and make it mushy.

What’s the best way to cook Carne Asada on a grill?

For the best results, preheat your grill on high heat.

This will help sear the meat quickly, locking in the juices.

Cook each side until it’s charred to your liking, usually about 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of the steak.

What should I do if the weather doesn’t permit grilling?

If outdoor grilling isn’t an option, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop or broil it in your oven.

Ensure you preheat your oven to broil or your grill pan over high heat to replicate the high-temperature environment of a grill.

What’s the best way to slice Carne Asada?

Always slice Carne Asada against the grain.

The grain refers to the direction that the muscle fibers are aligned.

By cutting against the grain, you shorten the muscle fibers, which makes the meat easier to chew.

How do I know when the Carne Asada is cooked to medium-rare or medium?

The best way to determine doneness is by using a meat thermometer.

For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F, and for medium, aim for 135-145°F.

However, due to the thinness of skirt steak, a visual check (a brown crust and slightly pink inside) can often suffice.

Why do I need to let the Carne Asada rest after grilling?

Resting the Carne Asada allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

If you cut into the meat immediately after cooking, many of the juices will run out, leaving the steak dry.

A rest period of about 5-10 minutes is usually sufficient.

Can I use this marinade for other meats or poultry?

Yes, this marinade is versatile and can be used with other types of meats like chicken, pork, or even fish.

The flavors are robust and go well with a variety of proteins.

Is the serrano pepper mandatory? I don’t like spicy food.

If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can certainly omit the serrano pepper from the marinade.

It won’t dramatically alter the overall flavor of the dish.

If you still want a bit of heat without it being overpowering, consider deseeding the pepper before dicing and adding it to the marinade.