Mains and Suppers
Authentic Lime Carne Asada with Fresh Cilantro Marinade
This zesty lime carne asada features deeply marinated beef seared to smoky perfection and finished with a bright cilantro-citrus dressing. Served with crunchy seasonal radishes and charred scallions, it is a clean, flavor-forward centerpiece for any gathering.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Serves
- 6
- Level
- Easy
- Per serving
- 315 kcal
Method
In a large glass bowl or reusable silicone bag, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, minced jalapeño, and sea salt.
Place the steak into the marinade, ensuring it is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though 4 to 6 hours is ideal for the citrus to tenderize the muscle fibers.
Preheat your grill or a heavy cast-iron skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke slightly. Remove the steak from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid.
Place the steak on the hot surface. For flank steak, cook for 5-6 minutes per side for medium-rare. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, place the whole scallions on the grill alongside the meat until charred and softened.
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for a full 10 minutes. This is essential for a juicy result.
Slice the meat thinly across the grain at a slight diagonal. Serve immediately topped with the charred scallions and fresh radish slices. For a grain-free meal, serve inside large butter lettuce leaves or over a bed of seasonal greens.
Notes
Always slice against the grain to ensure the meat is tender rather than chewy.
If using skirt steak, increase the heat and decrease the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
For the best flavor, toast whole cumin seeds in a dry pan before grinding them.
If you prefer a dairy-free creamy element, serve with a side of mashed avocado seasoned with lime and sea salt.
