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Authentic Street Carne Asada with Garlic-Lime Marinade

Close-up of juicy, sliced Carne Asada steak, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
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Make restaurant-quality carne asada tacos at home using this simple, high-heat grilling method and a bright garlic-lime marinade for skirt steak.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs skirt steak, trimmed
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • For serving: warm corn tortillas, diced white onion, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Place the trimmed skirt steak in a large, resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated. Add the chopped cilantro.
  3. Marinate the steak in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but no more than 6 hours. Do not marinate longer, as the lime juice can begin to break down the meat too much.
  4. About 30 minutes before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Discard the excess marinade.
  5. Preheat your grill to high heat (about 500°F). Clean and lightly oil the grates. This recipe requires high heat for authentic results.
  6. Place the skirt steak directly over the hottest part of the grill. Grill for 3 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of the steak. You want a good char on the outside.
  7. Remove the steak from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes. This step is important for juicy meat.
  8. Slice the steak thinly against the grain into strips.
  9. Serve the sliced carne asada immediately with warm corn tortillas, diced onion, cilantro, and lime wedges for assembling your authentic carne asada tacos.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use fresh lime juice, not bottled concentrate.
  • If you do not have a grill, you can use a cast-iron skillet heated until it is smoking hot to achieve a similar sear.
  • This grilled skirt steak marinade works well for a Cinco de Mayo grill night or any Mexican BBQ gathering.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://onedishuniverse.com/authentic-street-carne-asada-garlic-lime/