I’ve always wanted to make my own carne asada marinade. Since I worked in the meat department when I was younger, I was responsible for prepping the carne asada. It was just a pre-mix that I would add some fresh vegetables and orange juice. It was good, but it wasn’t great.

I’ve done a lot of research and have put together an amazing carne asada marinade recipe! It’s full of flavor, using beer and fresh citrus ingredients, with some heat and smokiness using cayenne, jalapeno, and smoked paprika. Whether you’re cooking it for your family or at a cookout, it’s going to be a hit!

Like myself, I’m sure most of you buy your carne asada from the meat counter. It can be intimidating just thinking of making your own carne asada.

Making your own carne asada marinade isn’t that difficult. Once you learn how to make it yourself, you’re never going back to the meat counter!

Prep

Turn Up The Heat

This marinade has a good amount of heat, but if you want to make it spicier, I would suggest blending the jalapeno in with the guajillo pepper so it really gets absorbed by the meat

Marinating Time And Amount

This marinade as listed will easily marinate 5 lbs of meat. I used about 2 pounds so I was able to marinate in a bowl. If you’re using more meat, use something a little more shallower like glass baking dish so you have more surface area to soak the meet in.

You can marinate this around 4 hours, but you’re really going to want to do an overnight soak. You’ll really get a lot of flavor in your carne asada by doing so!

Use The Right Cut Of Meat

Make sure you use flap meat! Not skirt, not flank. Flap. Skirt steak can easily be confused with flap by appearance, but it comes from another section of the cow which can come out tougher. Go with the good stuff. Use flap meat!

Cooking

Cooking Time

This is of course up to you, but I highly recommend cooking this at medium. Medium rare doesn’t really allow the flavor to cook in, and well turns out a little too dry.

Want some ideas on what do with with your carne asada? Check out these carne asada chili fries, or this carne asada burrito bowl!

Spicy Carne Asada Marinade With Beer

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 day 25 minutes

Servings: 5 pounds

I've done a lot of research and have put together an amazing carne asada marinade recipe. Full of flavor, using some beer and fresh citrus, and adding a some heat and smokiness using cayenne jalapeno and smoked paprika. Whether you're cooking it for your family or at a cookout, it's going to be a hit!

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 large navel oranges
• 1 medium lemon
• 2 medium limes
• 2 tbsp salt
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tbsp cumin
• 1/2 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tbsp oregano
• 1/2 tbsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 whole dried guajillo peppers
• 2 cloves garlic cloves
• 12 oz mexican light beer corona or modelo works
• 1/2 cup cilantro
• 1/2 cup green onion
• 1/2 cup white onion
• 2 whole jalapenos
• 1-5 pounds flap meat

Instructions

• Boil 2 guajillo peppers in a pot or pan of water for about 5 minutes.
  
• Remove the pepper and place them in a blender with 1/2 cup water and 2 garlic cloves. Optionally, you can add a jalapeno or two to crank up the heat!
  
• Blend for about 2 minutes and set aside
  
• Squeeze out the orange, lemon, and lime juice into large bowl.
  
• Add a bottle of beer, and refrain from drinking.
  
• Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.
  
• Pour in the guajillo mixture you made earlier and stir.
  
• Add chopped green onion, sliced jalapeno, and chopped cilantro,
  
• slice your onion and add into the bowl and stir.
  
• place the flap meat into the bowl, of if you're doing a larger batch place into a baking dish and pour the marinade on top. place in the fridge over night.
  
• When you're all done marinating and ready to cook, heat up your grill and place the meat on direct heat.
  
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side.
  
• Serve on tacos with some chopped onion, cilantro, cojita cheese, and a squeeze of lime. And don't forget a beer for the parents! Enjoy