Carne Asada is not just a meal; it’s a culinary heritage, a vibrant dance of flavors celebrated across many Mexican households and restaurants. Central to its identity is the Carne Asada Marinade, a seemingly simple mixture that carries a complex blend of cultural nuances, gastronomic wisdom, and, of course, fantastic flavors.
Ingredients
For the Vibrant Marinade:
Three-part citrus blend: ¾ cup orange ½ cup lemon, and ⅓ cup lime juices
Asian touch: ½ cup soy sauce
Herbal freshness: 1 bunch cilantro chopped
Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic minced
Spicy blend: 1 tablespoon each of chili powder cumin, paprika, and black pepper
A hint of heat: 1 teaspoon chopped canned chipotle pepper
Mediterranean essence: ½ cup olive oil
Timeless seasoning: 1 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Grilled Delight:
Quality meat: 3 pounds flank steak
Instructions
Creating the Flavor Symphony: In a sizable non-metal bowl, whisk together citrus juices, soy sauce, cilantro, garlic, spices, chipotle pepper, and oregano. Slowly whisk in olive oil until harmoniously combined.
Reserving Some Magic: Save 1 cup of this divine marinade in a small container and refrigerate for the grand finale.
Tenderizing the Steak: Using protective plastic and a mallet, pound your steak to a ¼-inch thickness. Pro-tip: Pricking with a fork allows for even deeper flavor penetration.
Infusing Flavor: Immerse the steak in your homemade marinade, ensuring it’s well-coated, and let it rest in the refrigerator for a full 24-hour cycle.
Grill Time: Preheat your trusty grill to medium-high heat, treating the grate with a touch of oil.
Grilling Perfection: Free the steak from its marinade bath, grilling it for approximately 5 minutes per side or until it reaches your preferred level of doneness. Discard leftover marinade from this step.
The Finishing Touch: Once grilled to perfection, thinly slice your Carne Asada and display it proudly on a serving platter. The reserved marinade from step 2 now comes into play, drizzled generously over the top.
Serve and Enjoy: Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy the applause.