Get ready to elevate your grilling game with this mouthwatering Carne Asada Citrus Marinade! Bursting with zesty flavors from fresh orange and lime juice, this marinade transforms simple flank steak into a juicy, flavor-packed dish that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or just looking to spice up your weeknight dinner, this quick and easy recipe promises to impress your family and friends. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a few simple ingredients, you'll be on your way to creating a delicious Mexican feast that everyone will love. Don't miss out on the secret to perfectly marinated meat—read on to discover how to make this irresistible dish!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 lbs flank steak
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, and olive oil, whisking together to create a smooth liquid base for the marinade.
- Add minced garlic cloves to the liquid mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the marinade.
- Incorporate cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper into the marinade, stirring thoroughly to blend all spices and create a well-seasoned mixture.
- Place the flank steak in a large, non-reactive dish or resealable plastic bag, ensuring the meat is laid out flat.
- Pour the prepared marinade over the flank steak, making sure the entire surface of the meat is completely covered.
- Cover the dish or seal the bag, then refrigerate and allow the steak to marinate for a minimum of 2 hours, preferably 4-6 hours for maximum flavor absorption.
- Before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to grilling to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to high heat, approximately 450-500°F.
- Remove steak from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off, and pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
- Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to desired doneness.
- After grilling, let the steak rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing against the grain.
Tips
- Marinate Longer for More Flavor: While you can marinate the steak for as little as 2 hours, letting it sit for 4-6 hours or even overnight will intensify the flavors and make the meat even more tender.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Before grilling, take the steak out of the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to cooking. This helps the meat cook evenly, ensuring a perfect sear.
- Pat Dry for Perfect Searing: After removing the steak from the marinade, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a nice crust when grilling.
- Use a High Heat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to a high temperature (450-500°F) to get those beautiful grill marks and lock in the juices.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allow the grilled steak to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This step is essential for keeping the juices inside the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy bite.
- Slice Against the Grain: When it's time to serve, remember to slice the steak against the grain. This technique will ensure each piece is tender and easy to chew.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 100mg
