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Cilantro Lime Carne Asada Recipe

4.9 from 442 reviews

This Cilantro Lime Carne Asada recipe features a flavorful marinade combining chili powder, garlic, cumin, and fresh lime juice, resulting in tender and zesty grilled flank steak. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend barbecue, it’s easy to prepare and delivers vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Spice Mix

  • 1½ teaspoons chili powder
  • 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1½ teaspoons paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¾ teaspoon oregano

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds flank steak
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 23 limes)
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Make the seasoning mix: In a small bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Mix well to create the carne asada seasoning.
  2. Marinate the steak: Place the flank steak into a zip-top bag or container. Add the seasoning mix, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Seal and toss to coat the steak evenly. Refrigerate and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat your outdoor grill or grill pan over medium heat. Use the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to brush the grill grates to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the steak: Place the marinated flank steak on the hot grill. Cook for 4-6 minutes on one side until a nice sear forms. Flip and grill the other side until the steak reaches your preferred level of doneness (medium-rare to medium is recommended).
  5. Rest and slice: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute. Then, slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or tortillas.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, marinate the steak for up to 2 hours or overnight.
  • You can substitute flank steak with skirt steak if preferred.
  • Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best citrus flavor.
  • Serve with warm corn tortillas, guacamole, and pico de gallo for a classic Mexican meal.
  • If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or cast iron skillet can be used to achieve a similar sear.

Keywords: Carne Asada, grilled steak, Mexican cuisine, cilantro lime steak, flank steak recipe, summer grilling