
Citrus-marinated grilled steak Mexican-style
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6
2 lbs cooked steak
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Citrus-marinated grilled steak Mexican-style
Flank steak marinated in a zesty citrus-garlic blend and grilled over high heat until charred and juicy. The foundation of the best tacos, burritos, and plates.
20m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
30m
Total Time
6
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
(Updated )
True carne asada starts with a bold citrus marinade that tenderizes the beef and infuses it with bright flavor. Grilling over the hottest fire possible creates the essential charred crust.
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Shop thermometer options for this recipeWhisk lime juice, orange juice, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, 2 tbsp oil, salt, and pepper. Pour over steak in a zip-lock bag.
Marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours. Do not exceed 8 hours or the citrus will make the meat mushy.
Remove steak from marinade and pat dry. Let come to room temperature for 20 minutes.
Grill over the highest heat possible for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Rest 10 minutes, then slice very thinly against the grain. Serve with warm tortillas, salsa, and guacamole.
Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges
Top with crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado
Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans
More marbling and beefy flavor; slightly more expensive
Hotter but adds more authentic Mexican heat
Do not over-marinate—citrus acid breaks down meat fibers and can make the texture mushy after 8 hours.
Slice as thinly as possible against the grain for the most tender bites.
Refrigerate sliced meat for up to 3 days.
Reheat quickly in a hot skillet or on the grill to preserve texture.
Per serving (95mg) · 6 servings
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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Mediterranean

Japanese

Japanese

Mediterranean
