The Best Carne Asada Marinade

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup oil
• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 lime juice (Juice of 2 limes)
• 1 tbsp cumin (The transcript specifies about 1 tablespoon.)
• chili powder (To taste; amount eyeballed in the source)
• smoked paprika (To taste; amount eyeballed in the source)
• garlic powder (Use a generous amount, to taste)
• onion powder (Use a generous amount, to taste)
• dried Mexican oregano (Use some, but not too much)
• carne asada seasoning (To taste; the source mentions El Mexicano, Chef Merito, or Don Sazon. This seasoning provides the salt.)
• cilantro (A big handful for the marinade, plus extra cilantro if desired)
• 4 lb flat steak (The source compares it to arrachera; use a good, large flat cut of carne asada meat)
• orange slices (Optional extra for the marinade and presentation)
• cilantro (Extra, for garnish or adding to the covered meat)

Steps

1. 1

   Add the oil, orange juice, and juice of two limes to a large container or marinade dish.

2. 2

   Add the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried Mexican oregano. The source gives no exact amounts for these seasonings except about 1 tablespoon of cumin, so adjust the remaining spices to taste.

3. 3

   Add carne asada seasoning to taste. Use enough to give the marinade plenty of flavor; the source notes that this seasoning supplies the salt. The creator mentions El Mexicano, Chef Merito, and Don Sazon as possible brands.

4. 4

   Add a big handful of cilantro, then stir the marinade until the ingredients are combined.

5. 5

   Add about 4 pounds of flat steak to the marinade. Turn and rub the meat so every part is thoroughly coated.

6. 6

   Add orange slices and extra cilantro if using, as the source does for presentation and additional flavor.

7. 7

   Cover the container and refrigerate the meat for at least 6 hours. The source says that longer marination is even better.

Notes

The source provides the marinade and marinating instructions but does not state how to cook or grill the carne asada afterward. Seasoning amounts other than the oil, orange juice, lime juice, and cumin are intentionally left to taste. The source includes informal and profane language in the transcript, which has been cleaned up here.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• Mexican
• grilled
• marinated
• beef
• dairy-free
• gluten-free
• make-ahead