How to Marinate Carne Asada

Carne asada is a Mexican dish of marinated, grilled beef and literally means "roasted meat" in Spanish. It is the key ingredient in dishes like burritos and tacos. The term "carne asada" also describes a party where the dish is prepared and served. The primary ingredient for a carne asada marinade is lime, which not only provides delicious flavor, but also tenderizes the beef with its citric acid.

Things You'll Need

• 1 lb. beef skirt steak trimmed of excess fat
• 6 to 8 limes
• Salt
• Pepper
• Large, glass bowl

Instructions

1. Cut limes in half cross-wise.

2. Squeeze the lime juice into a large, glass bowl.

3. Cut the meat into pieces approximately 4 inches long.

4. Place the cut meat pieces into the bowl with the lime juice.

5. Let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour and a maximum of four. Turn the meat every twenty minutes, if possible.

6. Remove the meat from the bowl. Pat it dry with paper towels.

7. Liberally sprinkle the meat with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips & Warnings

• For additional flavor, try adding a handful of fresh cilantro, 4 garlic cloves, 1 tsp. of ground cumin and 1/2 cup of olive oil to the marinade.

• Roll the uncut limes beneath your hand on a countertop using firm pressure. This will soften them making the juices release more easily.

• Do not use a metal bowl to marinate the beef. The citric acid in the limes could react with the metal and impart a bad taste in the finished dish.