Grilled Mexican Steak with Citrus and Cilantro Marinade
A simple yet incredibly flavorful grilled steak marinated in lime, garlic, and spices. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer cookout.
- Prep2h
- Cook10 min
- Total2h 10m
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings6
Carne asada is a classic Mexican dish that proves you don't need a long list of ingredients for incredible flavor. The key is a vibrant marinade of fresh lime juice, garlic, and cilantro, which tenderizes the meat and infuses it with bright, zesty notes.
Grilled over high heat to a perfect char, the steak is then sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve it in tacos, on a salad, or simply with rice and beans for a satisfying meal that comes together quickly.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Place the flank steak in a glass or non-reactive dish (or a resealable plastic bag). Pour the marinade over the steak, turning to coat both sides evenly. Cover with plastic wrap or seal the bag and refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours.
- Preheat a grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill the steak for 5 to 7 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness, or to your preferred level.
- Transfer the grilled steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, using a sharp knife, slice the steak thinly at an angle against the grain. If desired, chop the slices into smaller pieces before serving.
💡 Tips
- For the most tender results, always slice the steak against the grain.
- If using wooden skewers for tacos, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Leftover sliced carne asada is great on salads or in quesadillas the next day.
Inspired by a recipe from Downshiftology