All recipes

Lisa's Go-To Carne Asada Marinade

Lisa's Go-To Carne Asada Marinade blends bright citrus with savory soy, fresh cilantro, and smoky chipotle for a bold, well-balanced flavor that deeply penetrates flank steak. Warm spices like cumin and paprika round it out, creating a tender, juicy result perfect for grilling. Serve for weekend cookouts, taco nights, or anytime you want vibrant, restaurant-style carne asada at home.

  • Prep20 mins
  • Cook10 mins
  • Serves12
  • DifficultyEasy
Lisa's Go-To Carne Asada Marinade
  1. 1

    In a large glass or ceramic bowl, combine orange juice, lemon juice, and lime juice for the marinade. Add the cilantro, soy sauce, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, chipotle pepper, and oregano; stir to mix.

  2. 2

    Slowly whisk in the olive oil until fully combined. Remove 1 cup of the marinade to a small bowl; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate to use after the steak is cooked.

  3. 3

    Place the steak between two sheets of heavy plastic (resealable freezer bags work well) on a solid, level surface. Pound firmly with the smooth side of a meat mallet until it is 1/4 inch thick.

  4. 4

    After pounding, pierce the steak all over with a fork. Place the steak in the marinade in the large bowl, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

  5. 5

    When ready to cook, preheat an outdoor grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.

  6. 6

    Remove the steak from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard the remaining marinade.

  7. 7

    Grill the steak on the preheated grill to your desired doneness, about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare.

  8. 8

    Remove the steak from the grill and slice across the grain.

  9. 9

    Place on a serving platter and pour the reserved, unused marinade over the top. Serve immediately.