This easy carne asada features juicy flank or skirt steak marinated in a bright citrus blend, then grilled hot and fast to create beautifully charred, tender slices with a rich, smoky aroma.
1/2cupfresh orange juice(about 1 very large navel orange)
1/4cupfresh lemon juice(about 1 lemon)
1/4cupfresh lime juice(about 2 limes)
1 1/2tablespoonswhite wine vinegar
1/4cupolive oil
1 to 2jalapeños(thinly sliced)
4clovesgarlic(crushed)
1cupfresh cilantro(chopped)
1teaspoonchili powder
1teaspoonground cumin
1teaspooncoarse kosher salt
1/2teaspoonblack pepper
1 1/2poundsflank steak
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Instructions
Add the orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, white wine vinegar, olive oil, jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, and black pepper to a bowl and whisk to combine.
Put the steak into a 9 by 13-inch casserole dish. Use a fork to poke a few holes in the meat on both sides (this helps tenderize it and lets the marinade seep in).
Pour the marinade on top, cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (but up to 24 hours).
When it is time to grill the steak, remove it from the marinade and scrape off the pieces of jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes while the grill heats up.
Clean grill grates and brush with a paper towel or napkin soaked with vegetable oil. Preheat the grill to medium high. Once hot, add the steak and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, flipping once. (This should yield medium-rare meat but all grills and techniques differ. See Notes below for internal temperatures.)
Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. Thinly slice across the grain. Serve.
Notes
Marinating time: Limit marinating to 24 hours. Past this point, the citrus acids will break down the beef fibers too much and make the texture mushy.Slicing for tenderness: Always slice the steak thinly across the grain at a 45-degree angle. This shortens the long muscle fibers, making every bite incredibly tender.Indoor skillet method: Cook in a preheated hot cast-iron skillet for 4 to 6 minutes per side. Be sure to run a vent fan or open a window, as this method creates smoke.Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.