Can I use lemon juice instead of lime?

You can, but it changes the flavor profile completely! Lime gives that authentic Mexican tang, while lemon makes it taste more Mediterranean. If you must substitute, use half lemon and half orange juice to keep some of that citrusy magic.

How long can I marinate the steak?

The sweet spot is 2-12 hours. Any less and flavors don't penetrate; any more (especially beyond 24 hours) and the citrus starts breaking down the meat too much, making it mushy. Overnight is my gold standard!

Can I freeze carne asada in the marinade?

Absolutely! This is my freezer-meal secret. The marinade actually protects the meat from freezer burn. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling. The texture might be slightly softer, but the flavor is incredible

What if I don't have fresh cilantro?

The dish will still be delicious, but you'll miss that fresh herbal note. Try substituting with a teaspoon of dried oregano for a different but still authentic Mexican flavor.

Is skirt steak or flank steak better?

Skirt steak wins for flavor and tenderness when sliced right, but flank steak is easier to find and more budget-friendly. Both work beautifully with this marinade!

Best Carne Asada Marinade Recipe for Juicy Flavorful Steak

Name: Authentic Carne Asada Marinade
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup lime juice; 1/4 cup olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 lbs skirt steak or flank steak

Authentic Carne Asada Marinade

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A flavorful marinade for tender, juicy carne asada with traditional Mexican flavors.

Author: Sophia Collins
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican
Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

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1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 lbs skirt steak or flank steak

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Instructions

Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl.
Place steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish.
Pour marinade over steak, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Preheat grill to high heat.
Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For extra spice, add chopped jalapeños.
Use fresh lime juice for best flavor.
Slice steak against the grain for tenderness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/best-carne-asada-marinade-recipe/