Carne Asada Recipe

This carne asada recipe delivers tender, juicy flank steak infused with bold citrus, garlic, and warm spices for an authentic, restaurant-quality result. A well-balanced marinade made with fresh juices, herbs, and seasonings deeply flavors the meat while helping it stay moist during grilling. The steak cooks quickly over high heat, developing a beautifully charred exterior while remaining flavorful and succulent inside.

Perfect for tacos, burritos, bowls, or simply sliced and served with rice and fresh sides, this carne asada is versatile, crowd-pleasing, and ideal for both casual meals and outdoor gatherings. With a little advance marinating time, you’ll achieve rich flavor and tender texture every time.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup orange juice
• ½ cup lemon juice
• ⅓ cup lime juice
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped chipotle pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ cup olive oil
• 3 pounds flank steak

Directions

1. Prepare the marinade
   In a large bowl, mix together the orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice. Add the chopped cilantro, soy sauce, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, chipotle pepper, and oregano. Stir until well combined.
2. Incorporate the oil
   Slowly whisk in the olive oil until the marinade is smooth and fully emulsified.
3. Reserve marinade for serving
   Measure out one cup of the marinade, cover it, and refrigerate. This portion will be used later as a finishing sauce.
4. Prepare the steak
   Place the flank steak between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound it until it is about ¼ inch thick. Pierce the surface all over with a fork to help the marinade penetrate the meat.
5. Marinate
   Submerge the steak in the remaining marinade, making sure it is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
6. Grill the steak
   Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the used marinade. Grill for about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting the time as needed for desired doneness.
7. Rest and serve
   Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest briefly. Slice thinly against the grain, then drizzle with the reserved marinade before serving.

Preparation Details

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 day 40 minutes
• Servings: 12