Description
This Authentic Carne Asada recipe features marinated flank steak grilled to perfection, offering a juicy and flavorful base for traditional Mexican street tacos. The marinade blends citrus juices, soy sauce, fresh cilantro, and spices, creating tender meat with a smoky char. Ideal for gatherings or a festive meal, served with warm tortillas and fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Steak
- 2 lb Flank Steak
- 1/4 cup lime juice (from 2–3 limes)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (no pulp)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (regular, not low-sodium; use tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chopped cilantro, plus more to serve
- 7 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large shallow bowl or casserole dish, combine the lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, olive oil, chopped cilantro, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Stir well to create a uniform marinade.
- Marinate the Steak: Submerge the flank steak in the marinade, turning several times to ensure it is fully coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight, turning once during this time for even flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high intensity to prepare for cooking the steak to get a nice char and proper caramelization.
- Grill the Steak: Place the marinated flank steak on the hot grill. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, flipping once, until it reaches your desired doneness—145°F for medium-rare or 160°F for medium.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the steak from the grill, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Then, slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari soy sauce.
- Marinate the steak overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh cilantro for authentic street tacos.
- Adjust chili powder to taste depending on your spice preference.
Keywords: Carne Asada, Street Tacos, Mexican Grill, Flank Steak, Marinated Steak, Authentic Mexican Recipe