Spicy Bobby Flay Carne Asada Marinade Recipe

Carne Asada Marinade Recipe by Bobby Flay That’s Bold and Spicy

Sizzling bobby flay’s carne asada marinade turns an ordinary cut of meat into a flavor explosion that dances across your palate.

Tangy citrus and smoky spices intertwine, creating a culinary masterpiece that elevates simple skirt steak.

Vibrant jalapeños and fresh garlic ignite each morsel with intense Mexican-inspired zest.

Carefully selected ingredients promise a mouthwatering experience that transforms dinner into a celebration.

The strategic blend of seasonings ensures maximum tenderness and depth of flavor.

Marinating unlocks a world of taste that will transport you straight to a beachside taqueria.

This recipe guarantees a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes

Calories: 532 kcal

Servings: 4

Carne Asada Marinade Ingredient List from Bobby Flay

For Marinade Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Look for cold-pressed, extra virgin for robust flavor and health benefits.
  • Soy Sauce: Choose low-sodium variety for better control of saltiness.
  • Lime Juice: Select fresh, ripe limes with smooth, bright green skin for maximum zestiness.
  • Fresh Cilantro: Pick bright green leaves without wilting for vibrant herb punch.
  • Jalapeño: Choose firm peppers with deep green color and smooth skin for heat level control.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Select aged vinegar for deeper, more complex tanginess.
  • Ground Cumin: Opt for freshly ground spice for most intense aromatic profile.
  • Sugar: Use organic raw sugar for subtle caramel undertones.
For Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Salt: Select kosher or sea salt for clean, pure seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Choose whole peppercorns and grind fresh for maximum flavor intensity.
For Meat Ingredient:
  • Skirt Steak: Select well-marbled, bright red meat with minimal connective tissue for tender result.

Equipment Used for Carne Asada Marinade

  • Large Nonreactive Bowl: Perfect for marinating the skirt steak without any chemical reactions.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending marinade ingredients into a smooth, flavorful mixture.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately portion out spices and seasonings.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for resting and slicing the cooked steak.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for slicing steak thinly against the grain.
  • Grill or Cast-Iron Skillet: Delivers those perfect sear marks and delicious caramelization.
  • Tongs: Great for safely handling and flipping the steak during cooking.
  • Meat Thermometer (Optional): Ensures your steak reaches the perfect level of doneness.
  • Aluminum Foil: Helpful for covering the steak while it rests to retain heat.

Making the Carne Asada Marinade Step-by-Step

Making the Carne Asada Marinade Step-by-Step

Unleash Flavor-Packed Carne Asada

  • Craft Explosive Marinade

Whip up a zesty blend of citrusy lime, robust soy sauce, fiery jalapeños, and aromatic herbs that will transform your skirt steak into a taste sensation. Splash in some red wine vinegar, sprinkle cumin, and add a touch of sweetness to create a marinade that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Infuse the Meat

Submerge the steak completely in the marinade, letting each droplet penetrate deep into the meat. Tuck it away in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to work their magic and tenderize every fiber.

  • Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Crank your grill or skillet to scorching hot. Pull the steak from its flavor bath, gently pat it dry, and get ready for a sizzling performance. Discard the used marinade to keep things safe and prevent any bitter burning.

  • Sear and Sizzle

Season the steak with an extra whisper of salt and pepper. Toss it onto the blazing hot surface, creating those perfect charred lines and sealing in all the incredible flavors. Cook each side for a few minutes, depending on how you like your meat.

  • Rest and Slice Like a Pro

Give your masterpiece a moment to relax on the cutting board. Let the juices settle for a few minutes, then slice against the grain at a dramatic angle. This technique ensures each bite is mouthwateringly tender and packed with flavor.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Plate your carne asada with flair. Pair it with fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, or warm tortillas. Your taste adventure is complete – time to devour and enjoy!

Recipe Tips for Carne Asada Marinade

  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme to create unique marinade profiles that elevate the steak's taste.
  • Tenderize with Acid: Use pineapple juice or orange juice as a natural meat tenderizer, which breaks down tough muscle fibers and adds a subtle sweetness to the marinade.
  • Perfect Slicing Technique: Always slice against the grain of the meat to ensure each bite remains tender and easy to chew, maximizing the eating experience.
  • Temperature Mastery: Let the steak reach room temperature before cooking to guarantee even heat distribution and prevent tough, uneven cooking results.

Serving Options for Carne Asada

  • Serve with Zesty Salsa: Create a vibrant salsa using fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice to complement the rich, marinated steak.
  • Wrap in Warm Tortillas: Serve sliced carne asada in soft flour or corn tortillas, creating delicious street-style tacos that burst with authentic Mexican flavors.
  • Pair with Creamy Guacamole: Prepare a smooth guacamole with ripe avocados, diced onions, lime juice, and chopped cilantro to add a cool, refreshing element to the spicy, grilled meat.
  • Build a Loaded Plate: Arrange sliced carne asada over Mexican rice, topped with black beans, and garnish with fresh lime wedges for a complete and satisfying meal.

Refrigeration Advice for Carne Asada Marinade

  • Store Smartly: Transfer leftover carne asada into airtight containers, keeping meat fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze with Care: Wrap sliced steak tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or vacuum-sealed bags, maintaining quality for up to 2-3 months.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm refrigerated steak in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to prevent drying, turning occasionally for even heating.
  • Portion and Prep: Divide cooked steak into individual serving sizes before storing, making mealtime quick and convenient for busy schedules.
Print
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Spicy Bobby Flay Carne Asada Marinade Recipe

Spicy Bobby Flay Carne Asada Marinade Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Bobby Flay’s carne asada marinade delivers bold Mexican-inspired flavors perfect for grilling. Zesty lime, smoky chipotle, and fragrant herbs combine to elevate beef cuts with authentic southwestern character.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) skirt steak
  • ½ cup (120 ml) olive oil
  • ½ cup (120 ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tbsps (30 ml) red wine vinegar
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and minced
  • 1 handful fresh cilantro, leaves and stems, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp cumin, seeds lightly toasted
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Marinate Preparation: Whisk olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, cilantro, jalapeño, red wine vinegar, cumin, sugar, salt, and black pepper into a harmonious marinade.
  2. Steak Coating: Submerge skirt steak completely in marinade within a non-reactive container, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Refrigerate for 4-8 hours to infuse deep, complex flavors.
  3. Temperature Preparation: Preheat cast-iron skillet or grill to searing-hot temperature, creating ideal caramelization conditions for the meat.
  4. Meat Preparation: Remove steak from marinade, thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Season additional salt and pepper across both surfaces to enhance flavor profile.
  5. Cooking Technique: Sear steak 3-4 minutes per side, maintaining high heat. Adjust cooking duration based on meat thickness and preferred doneness. Cook in batches if preparing multiple steaks to preserve optimal cooking temperature.
  6. Resting Phase: Transfer cooked steak to clean cutting board, allowing 5 minutes for internal juice redistribution, which guarantees maximum tenderness and flavor retention.
  7. Serving Presentation: Slice steak thinly and diagonally against the grain, ensuring each slice demonstrates optimal texture and culinary precision.

Notes

  • Marinate Wisely: Let the steak soak in the zesty mixture for at least 4 hours, but overnight delivers maximum flavor depth and tenderizing magic.
  • Pat Dry Perfectly: Removing excess moisture ensures a beautiful, crispy sear without steaming the meat, preventing potential burning and promoting gorgeous caramelization.
  • Slice Strategically: Cut the steak thinly and diagonally against the grain to guarantee each bite remains tender, preventing tough, chewy texture.
  • Heat Management: Use high, consistent heat whether grilling or using a cast-iron skillet to create that perfect, restaurant-quality crust while maintaining juicy interior.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 532
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 1460 mg
  • Fat: 48 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 38 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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