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Easy Grilled Carne Asada with Cilantro and Citrus Marinade Recipe

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4 from 11 reviews

This Carne Asada recipe features a vibrant marinade made with fresh cilantro, citrus juices, and bold spices that perfectly tenderize and flavor flank or skirt steak. Perfectly grilled over high heat, this Mexican-inspired grilled steak is juicy, flavorful, and great for tacos, burritos, or served as a main dish.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 26 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Marinade

  • ½ cup chopped cilantro
  • ⅓ cup olive oil, plus more for grilling
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup orange juice (about 1 orange)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (apple cider vinegar also works)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for grilling
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for grilling

Main Ingredient

  • 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak, excess fat removed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together all the marinade ingredients except for the steak. Reserve ¼ cup of the marinade and place it in the refrigerator for brushing during grilling.
  2. Marinate the Steak: Place the steak in a large baking dish or sealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the top. Turn the steak several times to ensure it is completely coated. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, but do not exceed 8 hours to avoid the meat becoming mushy.
  3. Prepare for Grilling: Remove the steak from the marinade and discard any excess liquid. Pat the steak dry with paper towels and lightly drizzle each side with olive oil. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to high heat, approximately 450-500°F, setting it up for direct heat grilling. Keep the grill lid closed during cooking to maintain temperature.
  5. Grill the Steak: Place the steak on the grill and cook with the lid closed for 4-8 minutes per side. Skirt steak typically requires about 4 minutes per side, while thicker flank steak needs about 6-8 minutes per side. During grilling, brush the steak occasionally with the reserved marinade for extra flavor.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the steak from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Slice the steak thinly against the grain and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Do not marinate the steak longer than 8 hours to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
  • Using skirt or flank steak works best as both cut absorb the marinade well and grill quickly.
  • Always slice against the grain to ensure tenderness when serving.
  • Brushing with reserved marinade during grilling enhances the flavor but avoid excessive amounts to prevent flare-ups on the grill.
  • Adjust grilling times based on the thickness of the steak for optimal doneness.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-16 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/easy-grilled-carne-asada-with-cilantro-and-citrus-marinade-recipe/