If you want juicy, flavorful carne asada with beautifully charred edges, this authentic carne asada marinade recipe is it! Made with fresh citrus, garlic, onions, cilantro, serrano pepper, and a blend of savory spices, it infuses every bite with incredible flavor while helping to tenderize the steak. You can also use this carne asada marinade to make smoked Traeger carne asada!
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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 tacos, carne asada quesadillas, and a San Diego original, the California burrito!
There is a reason why this carne asada marinade is one of my most popular recipes. People can't get enough of this succulent carne asada thanks to this amazing marinade! Marinate skirt of flank steak for at least 4 hours, fire up the grill, and you'll have restaurant-worthy carne asada that's perfect for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, or simply serving alongside your favorite Mexican sides.
If you don't have time to marinate the meat, try my Mexican carne asada seasoning instead! Then try my new delicious pollo asada recipe!
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🔖 Ingredient & Substitutions
- 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 juice is always best if available.
🥩 How to Make Carne Asada Marinade
Step 1: Whisk all the marinade ingredients into a bowl.
Step 2: Add flank or skirt steak and marinade to a large Ziploc bag and seal. Allow the meat to marinate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Step 3: Grill your marinated steak over high heat until charred on the surface and cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness. You don't want to overcook the meat.
Step 4: Remove carne asada from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
What Readers Are Saying
Wow! Made this recipe today and we simply loved it. It will be a family favorite! -Socorro
🍽 Serving Suggestions
You can build an entire Mexican feast around this authentic carne asada marinade recipe! Start with some ceviche de camaron to whet your guests' appetites, then work your way to carne asada tacos served with fire roasted salsa and these delicious spicy Mexican pickled carrots.
Slice the carne asada against the grain and serve with warm corn tortillas, creamy guacamole (or sliced avocados), pico de gallo, lime wedges, salsa ranchera, green tomato salsa, and sour cream.
You can also use the diced carne asada to make California burritos (my personal favorite), Mexican rice bowls, and in this carne asada fries recipe.
If you're looking for more steak recipes, be sure to check out this yummy steak marinade and this best way to grill ribeyes post!
🤷🏻♀️ Recipe FAQs
What Cut of Meat is Used for Carne Asada?
The two cuts of beef most commonly used to make carne asada are flank steak and skirt steak.
Both cuts are flavorful and fibrous, making them ideal for marinating in this Mexican carne asada marinade. Carne Asada is best cooked over high heat for a short amount of time, ideally to medium-rare. Once cooked, be sure to slice the steak thinly against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, resulting in tender, juicy carne asada.
What Is the Secret Ingredient in Carne Asada Marinade?
The secret of this flavorful carne asada marinade is the combination of fresh orange juice and soy sauce. The orange juice adds a subtle sweetness and bright citrus flavor while helping to tenderize the beef. Soy sauce brings savory, umami-rich flavor. Together, they create a well-balanced marinade that makes the steak incredibly flavorful from the inside out.
What do Mexicans marinate their steak in?
Mexican-style carne asada is typically marinated with a combination of lime juice, orange juice, garlic, onion, oregano, cilantro, chile peppers, and seasonings. Some marinades also include a splash of beer or tequila. More modern recipes sometimes include ingredients like soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for extra savory, umami flavor.
👩🏼🍳 Pro Tips
- The best meat for making carne asada is skirt steak or flank steak.
- Use approximately ½ to 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 carne asada marinade, use it to marinate some boneless chicken to make pollo asada (chicken asada) the following day.
- Serve leftover carne asada diced over Instant Pot Mexican rice!
🌶 More Mexican Recipes
If you love this authentic carne asada marinade recipe, check out these other great Mexican dishes!
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📖 Recipe
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Authentic Carne Asada Marinade
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk all the marinade ingredients into a bowl.
- Add flank or skirt steak and marinade to a large Ziplock bag and seal. Allow the meat to marinate for 4 or more hours, or preferably overnight.
- Grill your marinated steak using high heat until charred on the surface and cooked to medium-rare or medium. You don't want to overcook the meat.
- Remove carne asada from the grill and rest for a few minutes.
- Slice the carne asada thinly against the grain and serve with warm corn tortillas, guacamole (or sliced avocados), pico de gallo, lime wedges, salsa, and sour cream.
Nutrition
Notes
- The best meat for making carne asada is skirt steak or flank steak.
- Use approximately ½ to 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 over Instant Pot Mexican rice!
Brian Manns says
I have it marinating for the day will see
how good it is.. Smells great and I'm very hopeful
Hilda Sterner says
Thanks, Brian, can't wait to hear what you think!
Boo says
Do not like to use soy sauce nor Worcestershire sauce, not even low sodium types. Please, what else can I use in its place, vinegar, apple cider vinegar, wine, orange juice/lime juice ? This recipe looks good except for those ingredients. I keep seeing either or both sauces on Pinterest marinade recipes. Do not like the overly saltiness taste of either, I do not remember Mom nor Granny ever using these sauces, sadly, do not have their recipes. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank You
Hilda Sterner says
Hi Boo, you can add an equal amount of broth, beer, tequila, or water, but you may need to increase the salt in the recipe. Traditional carne asada does not include soy sauce but it sure gives it a wonderful flavor!
Allyson says
This is absolutely delicious! A family favorite!!
Hilda Sterner says
Hi Allyson, I agree with you, it's one of our family's favs too! Thanks for coming back and reviewing the recipe.
Amy says
Currently marinating the steak. I live in San Diego, but moved here recently from LA and am struggling to find as good Mexican food as the taco trucks in LA. Everywhere puts guacamole on their tacos 🙁 and there are not really any taco trucks here. Any restaurant recommendations? I like street tacos, thank you 😊
Nena Sterner says
Hi Amy! Yeah, people down here love their guacamole haha. Have you tried Tacos El Gordo yet? I don't think their carne asada tacos come with guacamole, I could be wrong though! Either way, I guess you could always ask for them without it haha but their tacos are legendary! Adalbertos on El Cajon Blvd is another one I'm 90% sure doesn't put any guacamole on their street tacos!
Jason says
Have made this so so many times! We use beef in this recipe, but also have tried checked too, delicious! Thank you!
Hilda Sterner says
Thank you, Jason! I'm about to try it on elk, can't wait!
Boo says
Soy sauce ? We never use soy sauce, had my doubts, used low sodium soy sauce, it worked. Was tasty and full of flavor. Because it was easy and quick, I say ok, as long as it brings people to try carne asada, they can get creative. I did add a sprinkle of toasted cumin. Thankd for sharing.
Katherine Wilson says
This was a fantastic recipe! Yummy and my whole family loved it. Highly recommended.
Hilda Sterner says
Thank you, Katherine! I'm glad your family enjoyed it. If you don't mind, I'd love a star rating! 🙂
Terry says
This is sooooo GOOD!!!!! The entire family loved it! I wouldn't change a thing.Definitely making this on a regular basis.
Hilda Sterner says
Thanks, Terry, I'm happy to hear that. Enjoy!
Sil says
I was curious if this would work with boneless pork country ribs. Have you ever tried this marinade with pork? Love the recipe. I got many compliments on the taste!
Hilda Sterner says
Hi Sil,
I have tried it with chicken and pork and both are delicious!
Lydia says
This is my go-to carne asada marinade! Its so juicy & flavorful! I was just wondering though, if it's possible, to blend all the marinade ingredients together in a blender? Would that be ok?
Hilda Sterner says
Hi Lydia,
Thanks for the review! I actually love that idea! There's no reason why it wouldn't work. If you try it please let me know what you think. I might try that next time too!
Lydia says
It worked & it came out delicious. I also had one more question, would this marinade work good for some grilled chicken??
Thank you again! OR would you happen to have a recipe for marinated chicken?
Hilda Sterner says
Hi Lydia, Thank you so much for the review! The marinade is also great for marinating chicken. Or try one of my personal favorites here: https://hildaskitchenblog.com/recipe/sumac-chicken/ Let me know what you think!