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Delicious carne asada marinated in flavorful spices for perfect grilling.

Carne Asada Marinade

Elevate your grilling game with this flavorful carne asada marinade featuring zesty citrus and smoky undertones, perfect for busy nights or dinner parties.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Grilling, Mexican
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the marinade
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option
  • 1/2 cup orange juice fresh squeezed if you’re feeling extra fancy
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced you can never have too much garlic!
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika this is where the magic happens
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
Main ingredient
  • 2 lbs flank steak, skirt steak, or your favorite cut

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Whisk until beautifully blended.
  2. Place your steak in a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the steak is well-coated and seal the bag or cover the dish.
  3. Let the steak marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
Grilling
  1. Preheat your grill over medium-high heat.
  2. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, adjusting time as needed.
  3. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, add cilantro or a splash of tequila to the marinade. If you're short on a spice, feel free to make last-minute adjustments. A charcoal grill will enhance the smokiness.