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    You Are Here Home » Entree Recipes

    Published: May 2, 2019 Updated: Aug 4, 2020 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 62 Comments

    Mexican Carne Asada Marinade

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    Carne Asada marinade

    This Mexican Carne Asada Marinade Recipe has been one of my secret recipes, until now! The marinade makes an amazingly flavorful and tender Carne Asada that you can serve as you would any other steak. However, I also recommend dicing it into cubes and using it to make California burritos and Carne Asada Fries!

    grilled carne asada on a tray sitting on a patio table

    Why This Recipe Works

    Don't take this the wrong way, but you haven't had good Carne Asada until you've had it in San Diego. The fact that we are neighbors with Mexico means we are spoiled with amazing Mexican food! This includes delicious options like Mexican Breakfast Burritos, Carne Asada fries, Carne Asada tacos, and a San Diego original, the California Burrito!

    This Mexican Carne Asada Marinade is the first step in making all the delicious food mentioned above. It has the perfect blend of ingredients and spices and the taste is incredible!

    Like many, you may be thinking that soy sauce has no business in an authentic Carne Asada recipe. However, it really works in this recipe. Don't believe me? Try it for yourself and then let me know what you think.

    What Goes into This Recipe

    Recipe Ingredient Notes

    • Flank or Skirt Steak — The best cuts of beef to use for making Carne Asada are flank and skirt steak. Both cuts of meat come in long strips. Flank steak is usually thicker and a lot leaner. Skirt, on the other hand, has a lot of marbling, which makes it perfect for this recipe.
    • Onion & Garlic — If you don't have fresh onion and garlic, add 1 teaspoon of powdered onion and 1 teaspoon of powdered garlic instead.
    • Vinegar — I prefer using red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar in the marinade, but distilled vinegar may be substituted.
    • Citrus – Either lemon juice or lime juice can be used in the marinade. I also like to add some orange juice. Although you can use bottled juice, fresh is always best, if available.

    How to Make Carne Asada Marinade

    Step 1 | Make Marinade

    Whisk all the marinade ingredients into a bowl.

    Carne Asada marinade ingredients in a bowl
    marinade in a bowl with a fork in the middle

    Step 2 | Marinate Meat

    Add meat and marinade to a large Ziploc bag and seal. Allow the meat to marinate for 4 or more hours, or overnight.

    meat and marinade in a plastic bag

    Step 3 | Grill Carne Asada

    Barbecue meat using high heat, until charred on the surface, and cooked to medium-rare or medium. Don't overcook the meat.

    skirt steak carne asada being grilled

    Step 4 | Rest the Meat

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

    grilled meat on a tray with fork

    Step 5 | Slice and Serve

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

    sliced beef on a cutting board

    Recipe FAQs

    What Cut of Meat is Used for Carne Asada?

    The two cuts of meat that are most often used to make Carne Asada are flank steak and skirt steak. Of the two, I prefer skirt steak. The two cuts have a lot in common.

    First, they are located next to each other on a cow's body. Additionally, both cuts are lean and fibrous.

    As a result, both flank steak and skirt steak do well being marinated in this Mexican Carne Asada marinade.

    Carne Asada is best when cooked using high heat, for a short period of time, or to medium-rare.

    Finally, the cooked meat should be cut across the grain. Following these steps will ensure the Carne Asada is tender, delicious, and full of flavor!

    steak on a blue willow plate

    What Goes with Carne Asada?

    Carne Asada can be served in so many ways. Let's take a look at some of the possibilities. When served in restaurants, Carne Asada is often served with Mexican Rice and Chipotle Chorizo Beans.

    Additionally, if you're doing Keto, or are on a low carb diet, you can slice the Carne Asada meat and serve it over a salad, or wrap it in a low carb tortilla.

    Another delicious option would be to serve it diced, over nachos. Or, my favorite option, use it to make a Carne Asada Quesadillas!

    Pro Tips

    • The best meat for making Carne Asada, in my opinion, is skirt steak.
    • Use approximately ¾ teaspoon of salt, for each pound of meat.
    • Marinate the steak for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably, overnight.
    • Instead of discarding the leftover marinade, use it to marinate some boneless chicken to make Pollo Asada (Chicken Asada) the following day.
    • Serve leftover Carne Asada diced ove Instant Pot Mexican Rice!
    sliced carne asada, on a cutting board
    Grilled and sliced Carne Asada

    Related Recipes

    • Elote in a Cup | Mexican Street Corn
    • Mexican Bean Dip Recipe
    • Pressure Cooker Carnitas
    • Mexican Lasagna

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    grilled carne asada on a tray sitting on a patio table

    Mexican Carne Asada Marinade

    My secret Carne Asada Marinade
    4.71 from 58 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Marinade Time: 4 hours
    Total Time: 35 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 276kcal
    Author: Hilda Sterner

    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

    • Whisk all the marinade ingredients into a bowl. Add meat and marinade to a large Ziploc bag and seal. Allow the meat to marinate for 4 or more hours, or overnight.
    • Barbecue meat using high heat, until charred on the surface, and cooked to medium-rare or medium. Don't overcook the meat.
    • Remove Carne Asada from the grill and allow to rest for a few minutes.
    • Slice the Carne Asada against the grain and serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, and sour cream.

    Notes

    • The best meat for making Carne Asada, in my opinion, is skirt steak.
    • Use approximately ¾ teaspoon of salt, for each pound of meat.
    • Marinate the steak for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably, overnight.
    • Instead of discarding the leftover marinade, use it to marinate some boneless chicken to make Pollo Asada (Chicken Asada) the following day.
    • Serve leftover Carne Asada diced ove Instant Pot Mexican Rice!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @HildasKitchenBlog or tag #HildasKitchenBlog!

    This recipe was originally posted on 5/2/1019 and was updated on 1/8/2021 by adding a few additional images and recipe ingredient notes.

    « Healthy Ayran Drink Recipe (Daweh)
    Loquat Cheesecake and Other Loquat Recipes »

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. april says

      June 25, 2022 at 3:11 pm

      5 stars
      I'm Mexican, and this is the best marinade ever! Made this for my mother's 80th Bday brunch, but I used thin cut ribeye steaks, and everybody loved it! Way better than any preparada we have EVER bought. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        June 25, 2022 at 4:08 pm

        Hi April, Thank you so much for the review! I get tired of hearing "this isn't authentic" haha, so I especially appreciate your comment! Happy Birthday to your mom!!!

        Reply
    2. Anthony says

      February 02, 2022 at 7:30 pm

      5 stars
      OMG... amazing. Left SOCAL a few years back and this is just as good as any Carne Asada in San Diego... definitely my new favorite. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        February 03, 2022 at 5:52 am

        Congrats on escaping So Cal, we cut ties with San Diego last year. I'm glad that doesn't mean we have to stop enjoying good Mexican food. Save some of the Carne to make my California Burritos recipe!

        Reply
    3. Jackie says

      January 06, 2022 at 7:51 am

      Do you have a recipe for the Pollo chicken mentioned?? Or suggestion on how to cook the chicken after marinated?

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        January 06, 2022 at 8:06 am

        Hi Jackie
        I use the same marinade, except I add skinless and boneless chicken thighs. You would want to grill that in the same way you do the Carne Asada. Since the chicken is boneless it shouldn't take too long to grill.

        Reply
    4. Chief says

      September 02, 2021 at 10:15 am

      The best I ever made. My friends and family always request I make this when we get together. Thank you!

      Reply
    5. Chief says

      June 24, 2021 at 3:23 pm

      5 stars
      I have made this recipe at least 10 times for family and friends and everyone said it is the best they have ever had. Thank you for such a delicious recipe.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        June 24, 2021 at 7:16 pm

        Thanks, Chief, that's a great compliment. I really appreciate the review.😊Enjoy!

        Reply
    6. Devin says

      May 19, 2021 at 2:38 pm

      5 stars
      U need to try this with really thin pork. It’s amazing. I too a lean pork loin and filet it 1/4” this pound it and soak for 5 hours. Turned out amazing.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        May 19, 2021 at 3:04 pm

        I have used it on pork before and chicken, you're right, it's amazing! 🙂 Thank you for the review!

        Reply
    7. P Torres says

      April 13, 2021 at 11:39 am

      5 stars
      absolute best!!! I used barrette steak- it literally melted in your mouth!! TY for this great recipe!!

      Reply
    8. Andrea says

      April 11, 2021 at 10:54 am

      I’m excited to try this recipe. I’m wondering if the meat can be frozen in the marinade? I need to cut the meat in half, as we can’t eat the whole piece.
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        April 11, 2021 at 12:07 pm

        Yes, absolutely. You can freeze the marinated steak until you're ready to grill it.

        Reply
      • p torres says

        April 13, 2021 at 11:56 am

        If you use frozen meat, I definitely would marinate all night- I did regardless and it was so delicious 😋

        Reply
    9. Lisa says

      March 14, 2021 at 7:37 pm

      5 stars
      Wow!! I live in San Diego and for many many years my family has always gotten our carne asada from a Mexican Market called Rodeos. They do the marinade and we just barbecue it. I have never been able to find anything that even comes close to their delicious carne asada.....until now!!!! I made homemade carne asada today using your recipe and my family thought it tasted just like Rodeos!! I feel like a rock star.:-) Thank you so very much for your recipe!!! <3

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 14, 2021 at 8:08 pm

        Hi Lisa,
        I miss good Mexican food, let's just say Montana is not known for Mexican food like San Diego is! I used to live in Santee. I'm glad you and your family are enjoying the recipe, you rock star! ❤️

        Reply
    10. Blake says

      March 09, 2021 at 10:47 am

      5 stars
      This is my go to Carne Asada Marinade. It always turns out delicious.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 09, 2021 at 2:16 pm

        Thanks, Blake! I really appreciate your review, enjoy!

        Reply
    11. Kelly Methey says

      January 16, 2021 at 8:08 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is the best, so easy and tasty. I so miss good Mexican food and this sure helps my longings! You can make so many dishes starting with this recipe. Thank you Hilda for another fantastic recipe!

      Reply
    12. Madison says

      November 19, 2020 at 10:02 pm

      Hi! What if you don’t have vinegar on hand but have everything else? Is vinegar needed? Is there a replacement?

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        November 19, 2020 at 11:10 pm

        Hi Madison,
        Just increase the amount of lemon/lime juice by 2 tablespoons.

        Reply
    13. David says

      November 08, 2020 at 9:16 am

      5 stars
      I used this marinade to slow cook my carne Asada for a change in pace and during rainy season.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        November 08, 2020 at 9:35 am

        Hi David,
        That sounds very interesting, I haven't tried that yet. It might come in handy now that winter is setting in here in Montana. Thanks for the tip!

        Reply
    14. Nicole B. says

      October 19, 2020 at 7:06 pm

      5 stars
      Very easy and delicious! I marinaded enough for more than one meal and vacuum packed the rest after it was marinated and put in freezer for later. We sliced it up and made tacos that were to die for!! Will definitely make this again!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        October 19, 2020 at 7:20 pm

        Hi Nicole, thanks so much for the review. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

        Reply
    15. Melody says

      October 14, 2020 at 7:19 pm

      Can this be used on a pork rump roast?

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        October 14, 2020 at 7:31 pm

        Hi Melody, I've never tried this marinade on a roast, but I'm sure it would taste good. It just wouldn't be considered "carne asada."

        Reply
    16. Vanessa C. says

      September 29, 2020 at 1:41 pm

      Hi! It says to grill the meat however I don’t have a grill at the moment 🙁 any other suggestions for how to cook it? Cast iron maybe?

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        September 29, 2020 at 2:11 pm

        Definitely, a hot cast iron to the rescue!

        Reply
        • Vanessa Cruz says

          September 29, 2020 at 2:43 pm

          GREAT! 😄

          Reply
    17. Bilkis says

      September 24, 2020 at 11:47 pm

      Hi Hilda ! loved the steak marinade recipe which I included in my file for keeps, it came out delicious, tender with the best spices which are always available. Made steak rolls next day with left overs.

      Thank you for sharing.

      From South Africa

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        September 25, 2020 at 5:28 am

        Hi Bilkis,
        Wow, all the way from South Africa! Sometimes I forget the far reach of the internet. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the marinade and appreciate that you came back to review the recipe. Take care!

        Reply
        • Lisa C. says

          October 11, 2020 at 10:31 am

          5 stars
          Definitely the best Carne asada recipe I have had! Used it last night on flank steak. Love, love love it ❤️

          Reply
          • Hilda Sterner says

            October 11, 2020 at 2:09 pm

            Hi Lisa,
            Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it and thank you for stopping by and leaving a review. ❤️

            Reply
    18. Eileen says

      September 13, 2020 at 7:21 am

      5 stars
      I’ve been looking for ages for a carne asada recipe that I like, and I love this one! So good!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        September 13, 2020 at 9:45 am

        Hi Eileen,
        What a compliment. I really appreciate that. Thank you so much for your comment!❤️

        Reply
    19. Paul Bojanac says

      June 03, 2020 at 11:07 am

      5 stars
      From Cali love Carn Asada live in Pittsburgh now so thanks for the recipe 🤙

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        June 03, 2020 at 11:26 am

        I understand, being from San Diego and now living in Montana, enjoy!

        Reply
    20. Basti says

      May 23, 2020 at 2:02 pm

      Hey, what are 2 T ? Does it mean Cups or Spoons?

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        May 23, 2020 at 8:57 pm

        Hi Basti,
        T stands for Tablespoons and tsp. stands for teaspoons.

        Reply
        • Basti says

          May 24, 2020 at 10:06 am

          Many Thanks. I‘ve just tried the marinade and it was very good!

          Reply
          • HildaSterner says

            May 24, 2020 at 6:07 pm

            Thank you!

            Reply
    21. Delores says

      May 16, 2020 at 6:07 pm

      5 stars
      Made this recipe. It was delicious, turned out better than what I had hoped for.

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        May 16, 2020 at 6:16 pm

        Thank you Delores, I'm glad you enjoyed the Carne Asada and thanks for the review!

        Reply
    22. Teresa Evers says

      May 10, 2020 at 10:05 pm

      5 stars
      I just made this marinade , used flank steak because that’s all I had . Marinaded the meat for 24 hours . My husband just loved it, very flavorful and tender. I will definitely make this again. Thank you Hilda for another amazing recipe .

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        May 11, 2020 at 6:00 am

        Hi Teresa,
        So glad you two liked it! As always, thanks for the great review!

        Reply
    23. Jana says

      May 04, 2020 at 9:38 am

      5 stars
      This is amazing!!! I’m definitely making this again! I just dumped all of the marinade ingredients in my blender to chop the veggies, and everything soaked into the meat so well! It was juicy and tender, with a perfect flavor! It wasn’t spicy like I feared. It also took mere minutes to cook and looked amazing sliced thinly on an angle.

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        May 04, 2020 at 10:07 am

        Thanks, Jana! I'm so glad you liked it. It sounds like the perfect way to do it too!

        Reply
    24. Steven says

      May 03, 2020 at 9:04 am

      5 stars
      Tried this last night. Amazing flavor. I used it on Filet Mignon I know why? But OMG it was tasty. The following morning I used some of the marinade on my eggs.

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        May 03, 2020 at 11:41 am

        Hi Steven,
        I'm so glad you liked it! Have a wonderful day and thank you for your review!

        Reply
    25. Jan A Speer says

      March 25, 2020 at 8:38 pm

      5 stars
      This is an awesome marinade. My first attempt at Carne Asada and it turned out so well! I also appreciate the easy to find ingredients and clear instructions and photos. This has lots of great layers of flavors! I would make no changes to this recipe.

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        March 26, 2020 at 7:06 am

        Thanks, Jan. I'm glad you liked it. It's the only one we use! Have a great day and stay safe!

        Reply
    26. Daniel Sandoval says

      February 04, 2020 at 10:50 pm

      Hello, I do want to try this recipe. I am also confused by the 2.T in orange juice and vinegar. What is 2. T? Or what is the proper amount. Thank you.

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        February 04, 2020 at 10:58 pm

        Hi Daniel, "T." is an abbreviation for "Tablespoon." Hope that clarifies the recipe for you, good luck!

        Reply
    27. Sulema says

      December 04, 2019 at 8:42 am

      Excuse my ignorance l, What is 2 T. ?

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        December 04, 2019 at 8:49 am

        Hi Sulema, "T." stands for "Tablespoon," while "tsp." means "teaspoon." Have a beautiful day!

        Reply
    28. Kathy Cortez says

      November 16, 2019 at 9:35 am

      5 stars
      I want to try this for my self

      Reply
    29. Dorothy says

      October 06, 2019 at 3:17 pm

      5 stars
      WE LOVED IT! MADE IT TODAY!

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        October 06, 2019 at 3:19 pm

        Thanks, Dorothy, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I'm making some today too. Thanks for the feedback!

        Reply
    30. Karly says

      May 03, 2019 at 8:38 am

      This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        May 03, 2019 at 12:19 pm

        Thanks, Karly, I hope you give it a try!

        Reply

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