Name: Perfectly Grilled Carne Asada with Cilantro and Citrus Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: ½ cup chopped cilantro; ⅓ cup olive oil (plus more for grilling); ¼ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup orange juice (about 1 orange); 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime); 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano; 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for grilling); ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (plus more for grilling); 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak, excess fat removed

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and delivers tender, smoky meat straight off the grill, then you’re going to love this Perfectly Grilled Carne Asada with Cilantro and Citrus Recipe. It’s a celebration of fresh herbs, zesty citrus, and a robust blend of spices coming together to create a mouthwatering steak experience. Every bite is juicy, aromatic, and packed with that irresistible charred finish that only grilling can achieve. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll be a go-to recipe for gatherings, family dinners, or any time you want something special but effortless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with several layers of ingredients waiting to be mixed. The layers include finely chopped green herbs on two sides, a dark brown powder near the top center, golden oil forming a liquid base, small chopped white pieces near the bottom, and a sprinkle of greenish dried herbs along the bottom edge. A silver whisk with a long handle rests inside the bowl, touching the ingredient layers. Surrounding the bowl are small white and neutral-toned bowls and glasses, some containing bits of herbs or spices, and a brown cloth napkin lies partially under the main bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All you need are a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together effortlessly to build layers of flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: from the brightness of the citrus to the earthiness of the spices, right down to the fresh pop of cilantro that ties everything together.

Chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.
Olive oil: Helps tenderize the steak and adds richness during grilling.
Soy sauce: Brings a deep umami flavor and beautiful caramelization on the grill.
Orange juice: Provides a subtle sweetness and acidity to balance spices.
Lime juice: Injects zesty tartness that brightens the marinade.
White wine vinegar: Adds tangy depth and helps tenderize the meat.
Minced garlic: Infuses the marinade with savory warmth.
Jalapeño pepper: Offers a gentle kick without overpowering heat.
Chili powder: Adds smoky spiciness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Ground cumin: Delivers an earthy, slightly nutty warmth.
Dried Mexican oregano: Contributes a subtle herbal complexity.
Ancho chili powder: Gives a mild, fruity heat that complements the other spices.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
Flank or skirt steak: The perfect cut for absorbing marinade and grilling to smoky perfection.

How to Make Perfectly Grilled Carne Asada with Cilantro and Citrus Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, combine cilantro, olive oil, soy sauce, orange juice, lime juice, white wine vinegar, minced garlic, jalapeño, and all the spices. Whisk everything until it’s fully blended and vibrant. Set aside a small portion of this marinade for basting during grilling—that little reserved bit will add an extra pop of flavor later on.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Place your steak in a large baking dish or a resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring every inch is coated. Turn the steak a few times so it soaks up all those bright, spicy flavors. Let it chill in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours. It’s tempting to leave it longer, but keep it under 8 hours so the meat stays tender and doesn’t get mushy.

Step 3: Prep for Grilling

Before you head outside, take the steak out of the marinade and gently pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps you get that perfect sear without steaming the meat. Lightly drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper for seasoning. This simple touch enhances the crust that forms on the grill.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Fire up your grill to high heat—aim for between 450 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the steak directly on the grill, close the lid, and let the magic happen. Cook for about 4 to 8 minutes per side depending on the thickness and cut; skirt steak tends to be faster, flank steak might need a bit more time. As it grills, use the reserved marinade to brush the steak a few times for extra zing and moisture. The aroma alone will get your mouth watering!

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Once grilled to perfection, remove your steak and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period lets those juicy flavors redistribute inside the meat. Then, slice thinly against the grain for the best tenderness and you’re ready to serve up some irresistible carne asada.

How to Serve Perfectly Grilled Carne Asada with Cilantro and Citrus Recipe

A wooden board holds a sliced steak with a dark brown outside and a pink inside, layered from thick to thin slices across the board. The steak is topped with small pieces of red tomato, white onion, and green herbs. Lime wedges and fresh cilantro sprigs are placed around the steak on the board. A small white bowl filled with a chunky mix of tomatoes, onions, and herbs sits at the top left corner of the board. On a white marbled surface around the board, there are sliced avocados, extra cilantro, lime wedges, and grilled white tortillas with char marks, partly visible near the top and right edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and even finely diced onions can brighten the dish and add fresh crunch. Don’t forget a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right before serving for that savory punch. These little extras transform your plate from delicious to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

Perfectly Grilled Carne Asada with Cilantro and Citrus Recipe pairs beautifully with warm corn tortillas, creamy guacamole, grilled peppers, or a fresh pico de gallo. A side of Mexican rice or black beans rounds out the meal, adding comforting textures and flavors that complement the vibrant steak.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your carne asada in tacos with all the fixings for a casual, hands-on experience. Or lay it over a bed of mixed greens for a bright, hearty salad. You can even dice the steak and use it as a topping for loaded nachos or a savory quesadilla. This dish is versatile and fun, so don’t hesitate to get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover carne asada can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it well-sealed to maintain moisture and flavor, so you can enjoy it just as much the next day.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, wrap the sliced carne asada tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay good for up to 3 months. Freeze in portions if you plan to enjoy it meal by meal.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently to avoid drying out the meat. Use a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for short intervals. This retains tenderness and flavor without toughening the steak.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank and skirt steak are traditional and absorb the marinade beautifully, you can use sirloin or ribeye if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

How long should I marinate the steak?

For the best flavor and texture, let the steak marinate between 2 and 4 hours. Anything beyond 8 hours may cause the meat to break down too much and become mushy, so it’s best to stick to this window.

Is it okay to grill this steak on a gas grill?

Yes! A gas grill heated to high will work perfectly for this recipe. Just be sure to preheat thoroughly and follow the same timing guidelines for grilling.

What can I do if I don’t have fresh cilantro?

You can substitute with fresh parsley, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Cilantro adds a signature brightness that is hard to replace, so fresh is always best if you can find it.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe is focused on steak, but you could adapt the marinade for grilling firm vegetables like portobello mushrooms or tofu. That way, you still get the bold flavors of the marinade with a plant-based twist.

Final Thoughts

This Perfectly Grilled Carne Asada with Cilantro and Citrus Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings people together around the table. Its effortless blend of fresh ingredients and bold flavors will inspire you to fire up the grill again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and see for yourself just how delicious and satisfying a great carne asada can be!

Perfectly Grilled Carne Asada with Cilantro and Citrus Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need