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Super-Citrusy Carne Asada

School may be around the corner, but there's still time for one more great backyard meal. Our Super-Citrusy Carne Asada recipe is built for laid-back grilling and end-of-summer gatherings. A...

When summer starts winding down, there's still time for one more backyard feast before routines kick back in. Super-Citrusy Carne Asada is a dish that hits that perfect end-of-summer note—bright, bold, and made to share. Whether you're gathering the neighbors, feeding a full house of hungry teens, or savoring those last warm evenings with family, this grilled favorite brings everyone to the table.

The secret lies in the citrus-packed marinade. Orange, lime, and lemon juice soak into the steak, balancing richness with a burst of fresh, tangy flavor. Garlic, jalapeño, and a handful of simple spices round out the mix, giving the meat an edge that keeps everyone going back for seconds. After a quick sear on a hot grill, each slice is juicy and charred just enough to add character without overpowering the brightness.

It's not fussy or complicated, and that's the point. Super-Citrusy Carne Asada is built for backyard living—easy to prep ahead, fast to grill, and perfect for piling onto tacos, serving with rice, or layering into a big platter for sharing. It's the kind of recipe that works just as well for a weeknight dinner as it does for a proper sendoff to summer.

At Alfresco Backyard Living, we know how important these moments are. A great meal doesn’t just feed people—it gives them a reason to gather, stay a little longer, and soak in the season before it slips away. So, fire up the grill, pour a few cold drinks, and get ready for Super-Citrusy Carne Asada.

Serves 8

Super-Citrusy Carne Asada Ingredients

  • 2 lb. skirt or flank steak
  • 2 Tbsp. plus ¼ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 Tbsp. plus ¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt
  • 2 Tbsp. light or dark brown sugar
  • 2 tsp. chipotle chile powder
  • 2 tsp. freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil, plus more for the grill
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup of finely chopped cilantro
  • 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • Flaky sea salt

Super-Citrusy Carne Asada Directions

  1. Trim excess fat and silver skin from a two-lb. skirt or flank steak. Cut the meat into 3–4 pieces for skirt steak or two pieces for flank steak; transfer to a rimmed baking sheet.
  2. Mix 2 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 Tbsp. plus ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt, 2 Tbsp. light or dark brown sugar, 2 tsp. chipotle chile powder, 2 tsp. freshly ground pepper, 2 tsp. garlic powder, and 2 tsp. ground cumin in a small bowl to combine. Sprinkle the rub all over the meat, patting to adhere. Chill, uncovered, at least 1 hour and (preferably) up to 4 hours.
  3. Prepare a grill for high heat; oil the grate. Mix two garlic cloves, finely chopped, ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro, 3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice, 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, 1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar, and the remaining ¼ tsp. Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt in a small bowl to combine. Set dressing aside.
  4. Rub steak all over with 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil and grill, turning every 2 minutes or so, until medium-rare (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should register 130°), 5–9 minutes (skirt steak is generally thinner and will have a shorter cook time; flank steak is thicker and will take longer). Transfer to a cutting board and immediately brush on all sides with reserved dressing. Let rest for 10–15 minutes.
  5. If the pieces are wide, cut the steak with the grain in half lengthwise. Thinly slice the meat against the grain. Arrange on a rimmed platter, and drizzle the juices from the cutting board and any remaining dressing over them. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.

 

Taken from americanmadegrills.com

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