Marinade for carne asada

Carne asada marinade is a flavorful liquid mixture used to tenderize and season beef, typically flank or skirt steak, before grilling. It originates from Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, and its core ingredients usually include citrus juice (like lime or orange), oil, garlic, cilantro, and a blend of spices such as cumin and chili powder.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

The marinade itself is low in carbohydrates and fat, with negligible calories, as its primary role is flavor infusion rather than being consumed in large quantities. The key nutrients it helps impart to the meat are sodium and various antioxidants from the herbs and spices.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	45 kcal
Protein	0.5 g
Carbs	3 g
Fat	3.5 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	1 g
Sodium	1200 mg
Sodium	1200 mg
Potassium	80 mg
Vitamin C	4 mg
Iron	0.4 mg
Calcium	15 mg
Magnesium	5 mg
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg
Niacin (B3)	0.3 mg

Per 1/4 cup (60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, this marinade is a cornerstone of Mexican grilling traditions, where the act of marinating is as important as the cooking itself. Nutritionally, the acidic citrus juice not only adds brightness but also helps break down muscle fibers, making the steak more tender and easier to digest.