This juicy and flavorful Carne Asada is the ultimate go-to recipe for taco night, backyard grilling, or weeknight dinners. It features a citrusy, garlicky marinade with pantry staples and bold spices that soak into the steak for maximum flavor in every bite. This is the only Carne Asada Marinade recipe you’ll ever need!

Carne Asada Marinade Recipe

Several years ago, my daughter and I went on a mission trip to Mexico and had authentic carne asada marinade for the first time. IT. WAS. INCREDIBLE. 

I kept saying I’d try to make Mexican Carne Asada marinade at home but I never did until now. And wow – I sure wish I’d made it sooner. This recipe is versatile, easy, and delicious!

Tools Needed

• Large ziploc bag or glass bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan

Marinade Ingredients

These ingredients are common and easy to find – and I have a few substitutions listed below if you’re in a pinch.

• Fresh Cilantro, roughly chopped
• Fresh Orange Juice (about one large orange)
• Beef Broth
• Olive Oil
• Garlic, roughly chopped or sliced
• Lime Juice (about a lime and a half)
• Worcestershire Sauce
• Salt
• Ground Cumin
• Chili Powder
• Diced Jalapeños (or green chiles)
• And of course, you’ll need Skirt Steak or Flank Steak to put in the marinade.

Substitutions

Skirt or Flank Steak: A traditional carne asada marinade is for skirt steak or flank steak, but sometimes have a hard time finding those so I’ll use flat iron steak instead and it also works beautifully.

Orange juice: One thing that makes this special is its carne asada marinade with orange juice. Fresh orange juice is much better, but you can use bottled juice or juice from concentrate if you are in a pinch.

Beef broth: Switch this out for chicken or vegetable broth. The taste won’t be as strong, but it is still delicious.

Lime juice: You will need 2 limes for this recipe. Fresh limes offer better flavor, but you can use bottled lime juice if you would like. In a pinch. lemon juice also works but the flavor is not as authentic.

Diced jalapeños (canned): Fresh jalapeños or canned green chiles can be used instead.

Worcestershire Sauce: Replace this with soy sauce if necessary.

How to Make Carne Asada Marinade

This marinade for carne asada requires some patience (for the marinade) but after that, it only takes 15 minutes to cook!

1. In a medium bowl or large ziploc bag, combine the cilantro, orange juice, beef broth, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, cumin, chili powder, and diced jalapeños. Stir or shake to mix thoroughly.
2. Add the steak to the marinade, turning to coat well on all sides. Cover tightly or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 24 hours.

3. When ready to cook, remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Discard the reserved marinade.
4. Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat until very hot, about 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Add the steak to the hot pan and sear for 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. The exterior should develop a deep char. You are aiming for an internal temperature of 130-135° F for medium-rare steak or 135-140° F for medium. The cook times will depend on how thick your steak is, so keep an eye on the meat and a thermometer handy.
6. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
7. Slice the steak thinly against the grain and serve warm.

Carne Asada on the Grill

This is the best carne asada marinade recipe – and it’s versatile!

If it’s summertime and you want to take it outside you can also cook carne asada is on the grill. Grill the steak over high heat (450-500°F) until it reaches of 130-135° F for medium-rare or 135-140° F for medium. This will take 3-5 minutes for skirt steak per side or 4-6 minutes for flank steak per side.

Storage Directions

Refrigerator: You can store this in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container so it stays fresh longer. 

Freezer: You can also freeze the steak, and it will last for a few months. Cover it well to protect against freezer burn.

How to Serve Carne Asada

I absolutely love the delicious flavors of carne asada, and it can be used for so many things! You can eat it all by itself, as your protein on your dinner plate, or combine it with nachos, tacos, burritos, loaded fries, salad, and any number of other delicious meals.

This recipe also works as a carne asada tacos marinade. We love to use warm tortillas to have Carne Asada Tacos – they are a family favorite!