In the eye of a culinary storm, I stood steadfast, wrestling with an onslaught of lime juice, cilantro, and spices. I’d been on a valiant quest to make my special Carne Asada Marinade for flank steak, but my kitchen counter resembled a scene from a post-apocalyptic movie. My trusty whisk in one hand, I could only gape at the explosion of ingredients, wondering what disaster would strike next. And then – drumroll, please – entered my knight in shining armor, the one and only X1 Omni.

Like a diligent sous-chef, it sprang to action as soon as I called, “Alexa, I clearly need help!” And while this laser-navigating, obstacle-avoiding kitchen crusader worked its unerring magic, I resumed the marinade mission without skipping a beat. Watching X1 Omni clean up the marinade-turned-guerrilla warfare is proof that the wonders of technology can truly save the day (and a home cook’s sanity).

Now that my kitchen has been rescued by my tiny robo-hero, I’m so excited to share my now-famous Carne Asada Marinade with all of you lovely folks. Trust me; this is one flavorful adventure that will have your tastebuds dancing a mean tango! With a brilliant mix of ingredients to turn your flank steak into an unforgettable masterpiece, you’ll soon see why this marinade recipe is worth braving the occasional kitchen disaster. So fire up those grills, and get ready to dive into a culinary experience that’s as bold as the chaotic journey it once took to create it!

Ingredients

Freshly squeezed lime juice – One lime provides a tangy zing to the marinade.

Orange juice – A quarter cup for sweetness and a fruity aroma.

Garlic – 2 cloves for a savory, pungent flavor.

Cumin – A quarter teaspoon for a warm, earthy flavor and aroma.

Salt – A quarter teaspoon to enhance flavors.

Pepper – A quarter teaspoon to add heat.

Instructions

Grab a medium mixing bowl, a kitchen knife, a whisk, a cutting board, and a plastic bag or container large enough to hold the meat you’re marinating.
In the mixing bowl, combine the juice of 1 lime, 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 tsp cumin, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. You could also use bottled lime juice or orange juice in a pinch, but freshly squeezed will give you the best flavor.
Place the meat in the plastic bag or container and pour the marinade over it. Make sure to coat the meat evenly.
Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to overnight. Flip the meat occasionally to ensure even marinating.
Take the meat out of the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Cook the meat to your desired preference, and enjoy the delicious Mexican flavors of your homemade carne asada marinade!

Notes:

This recipe works great on everything from beef and chicken to pork, seafood, veggies, and even tofu.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Carne Asada Marinade

On Grilled Steak: This carne asada marinade is perfect for juicy, flavorful steaks. Grill them to your desired doneness and serve with a side of beans, rice, and tortillas for a classic Mexican feast.
In Tacos: Slice the marinated beef thin, grill it up, and tuck it into warm corn tortillas with toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, salsa, and guacamole. Yum!
On a Salad: Turn this marinade into a delicious main dish salad by tossing it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and crumbled queso fresco.
As a Filling for Quesadillas: Spread some refried beans on a tortilla, top with slices of the marinated beef, and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Fold in half and grill until crispy and golden. Perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
On Skewers: Thread the marinated beef onto skewers with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms for a delicious kabob. Serve with a side of rice and a dollop of sour cream.

Did you know that carne asada means “grilled meat” in Spanish? So, when you make this marinade, you’re actually making “grilled meat marinade”.

FAQ’s

What kind of meat can I use for this marinade?

You can use any kind of meat you want! This marinade is versatile and works great on everything from beef and chicken to pork, seafood, veggies, and even tofu. So, go ahead and marinate your favourite kind of meat or experiment with something new!

Is this recipe healthy?

Well, it’s definitely not unhealthy! With only 51 calories per serving, this marinade is relatively light on the calorie front. Plus, it’s made with fresh lime and orange juice, garlic, cumin, salt and pepper which are all healthy ingredients.

Can I make this marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead recipe for easy meal planning and party planning. Make a batch of it on the weekend and have it ready to go for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

How long should I marinate the meat for?

The marinade time will vary depending on the type of meat and how thick the cut is. But you can marinate the beef for at least 1 hour for a good flavorful meat. The longer you marinate it, the more flavorful it will be. For best results, marinate it overnight.

Can I use bottled lime and orange juice instead of fresh?

While it’s always best to use freshly squeezed citrus fruits for the most flavor, you can use bottled lime and orange juice in a pinch. Just be aware that the flavor might not be quite as fresh and bright. But it’ll still be delicious.

Can I use this marinade for other types of food, not just meat?

Absolutely! Like I mentioned before, this marinade is versatile and works great on everything from beef and chicken to pork, seafood, veggies, and even tofu. So, use it on whatever you’re in the mood for and let me know how it turns out!

Carne Asada Marinade

A bold and flavorful marinade that elevates the classic Carne Asada to new heights. The perfect balance of tangy citrus and savory spices make this marinade the perfect addition to any cut of meat, seafood or even vegetables.

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Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Marinade

Cuisine Mexican

Servings People

Calories 102 kcal

Equipment

1 medium mixing bowl
1 kitchen knife
1 Whisk
1 Cutting Board
1 plastic bag large enough to hold meat for marinating
1 measuring spoon
1 measuring cup

Ingredients

Juice of 1 large lime
Juice of 1 medium orange
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, olive oil, honey, and soy sauce. Whisk together until well combined.
Cut your preferred meat, seafood, or vegetables into desired portions and place them into the plastic bag.
Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure to evenly coat every piece. Seal the bag and toss the contents until the marinade is evenly distributed.
Place the bag into the refrigerator and let marinate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat your grill or pan to high heat and cook the marinated meat to your desired doneness.
Serve and enjoy with your favorite sides.

Notes

For added flavor and texture, try grilling the marinated meat over a wood-fired grill or adding some charred herbs to the marinade.
If you prefer a sweeter marinade, add an extra tablespoon of honey. If you prefer a spicier marinade, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapenos to the marinade.
To make the marinade gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 441mgPotassium: 89mgFiber: 1gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 675IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Carne Asada, Beef, Chicken, Pork, Seafood, Vegetables, Tofu

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!