There’s nothing quite like the savory, bold flavors of a juicy marinated steak. And if you’re ready to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey, we’ve got a recipe that’s sure to satisfy. Introducing our Cuban-style marinated steak recipe – it’s bursting with zesty citrus notes, rich spices and the perfect blend of textures that make every bite an experience.

Picture this: you’re gathered around the grill, enjoying the warm summer breeze as the scent of sizzling steak wafts through the air. The anticipation builds as you wait for those beautiful grill marks to form, and then you take your first bite…pure bliss. But why let your imagination do all the work? This recipe will help make it a reality.

Whether you’re looking for a tasty dinner option or want to impress your guests at the next backyard BBQ, this Cuban-style marinated steak recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your apron, fire up the grill and get ready to treat your taste buds to an explosion of flavor!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Listen up, friends. I have found the holy grail of steak recipes – the Cuban-Style Marinated Steak Recipe. Trust me when I say this recipe will be a game changer in your culinary world.

Why? Well, let me count the ways why you will absolutely love this recipe. First of all, it’s packed with flavor. The combination of fresh lime juice, orange juice, and cuban style seasonings like ground cumin and oregano will take your taste buds on a wild ride that you won’t ever forget.

Secondly, this recipe is versatile. Throw some skirt steak or flank steak on the grill and watch how it transforms into something new and delicious. Even roast pork shoulder can become a mouth-watering Cuban-inspired dish that will leave your guests demanding more. Add some mojo criollo marinade to marinated pork and make Cuban sandwiches for lunch the next day – it’s that simple.

Thirdly, this recipe works with substitutions without losing its authentic Cuban taste. If you don’t have sour orange juice lying around, just substitute it with freshly squeezed lime and orange juice combined- voila! You have made yourself a homemade ‘sour’ orange juice.

Lastly, this recipe is quick and easy to make – perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings where you need to feed a crowd with something delicious and impressive. And let’s not forget it’s an excellent recipe for those who prefer grilling outdoors in the summer months.

So trust me when I say you’ll love this recipe – I’ve never tasted anything quite like it before!

Ingredient List

Before we get started on the recipe, let’s take a look at what you’ll need first. For this Cuban-style marinated steak recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

1 flank steak or skirt steak
Juice from 2 limes
2 tablespoons of ground cumin
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
2 teaspoons of salt
1/2 teaspoon of pepper
1/4 cup of fresh lime juice
1/4 cup of fresh orange juice
1/2 cup of vegetable oil
1 tablespoon of onion powder
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1 tablespoon McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning
Optional: sour orange (if available)
For mojo marinade (optional):
- Juice from another 2 limes
- Juice from another orange
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 4 garlic cloves, crushed
- Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best results. Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the recipe itself.

The Recipe How-To

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients needed for this Cuban-Style Marinated Steak Recipe, it is time to get started with the cooking process. Don’t worry about the complexity of this dish, because I will guide you through a step-by-step process to make sure that it comes out perfectly every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In order to create the marinade, mix together 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon oregano, and ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Mix it well until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Marinate Steak

Take a 1 to 1 ½ pound cut of steak such as flank steak, skirt steak, or even churrasco steak and score both sides of the steak lightly with your knife. This will allow the marinade to penetrate deep into the meat. Place it in a re-sealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the steak, making sure that it’s evenly coated. Seal it tightly and let it marinate for at least one hour in the refrigerator, or overnight if you have time.

Step 3: Cooking Cuban-Style Marinated Steak

When it comes to grilling, heat up your gas or charcoal grill to high heat. Remember that you are cooking Cuban-style so be sure to keep an eye on your grill temperature as things can get heated real fast. Remove excess marinade off the steak before placing it onto the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare doneness.

For oven cooks out there or those who don’t have grills available, preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Roast steak in a baking dish or cast iron skillet for about 25-30 minutes until reaching an internal temperature of 140ºF (60ºC).

Step 4: Resting and Serving

Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thin against the grain for maximum tenderness. Top with some freshly squeezed lime juice, grilled vegetables or serve with rice and beans with some mojo sauce brushed on top.

Now that you know how easy it is to make this amazing dish, you’ll be sure to cook it up again and again!

Substitutions and Variations

Get ready to taste a little slice of Havana!

Listen folks, sometimes it’s hard to get your hands on every last ingredient on the list. But don’t cry over spilled milk, we got plenty of twists and turns up our sleeve that can take your Cuban-Style Marinated Steak to the next level.

Firstly, if you’re not a fan of beef, you can swap it out with a tender pork cut like roast pork shoulder or churrasco steak. And if you’re feeling extra fancy and want to shoot for gold when it comes to Cuban flavors, try using the marinade on grilled chicken or shrimp. Trust me when I say it’s as delicious as it is bold!

Now let’s talk marinade. If you’re missing out on some of the citrusy goodness that is the sour orange and can’t find any online, try substituting with a mixture of fresh orange juice and lime juice. It’ll provide that same tangy flavor profile that your taste buds will love.

But if you’re looking to spice things up, add in some chopped jalapenos or red pepper flakes into your marinade. This will give it that extra kick that those who crave heat will absolutely adore.

Lastly, if you’re not a big fan of Montreal Steak Seasoning, swap it out for a homemade blend of onion powder, garlic salt, cumin seeds, and smoked paprika. It’ll still give you that savory kick that you’re after.

Remember guys, half the fun of cooking is experimenting and making it your own! So I encourage y’all to take these substitutions and variations and run wild with them!

Serving and Pairing

Now that your Cuban-style marinated steak is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve up this delicious dish. The flavors of the citrusy marinade are perfectly complemented by a variety of sides and pairings.

For a classic Cuban experience, serve your steak with rice and beans. The rice, typically flavored with garlic and spices, provides a nice balance to the tangy flavor of the steak. Black beans or red beans make the perfect side dish, adding some texture and protein to your meal.

If you’re looking for something a little lighter, consider serving your steak with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with some chopped tomatoes, cucumbers and avocado would be an excellent choice. Drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle some freshly squeezed lime juice over the salad for an added touch of freshness.

Another way to enjoy your Cuban-style marinated steak is by placing it on top of a bed of roasted vegetables. Roasted bell peppers, onions and zucchini make a flavorful combination for this steak. Make sure to drizzle some olive oil over the vegetables before roasting them in order to get them nice and crispy.

As far as beverages go, opt for something light and refreshing like a cold beer or a mojito. If wine is more your style, go for a glass of Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon.

No matter how you choose to serve it up, this Cuban-style marinated steak is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Now, let’s talk about the make-ahead, storing and reheating of this delicious Cuban-style Marinated Steak Recipe.

If you’re hosting a party or planning to have a family gathering, you may want to make the marinade and marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance. This will allow the flavors to fully penetrate the meat and result in an even more delicious dish.

After marinating the steak, you can store it covered in the refrigerator for up to three days before cooking. When it’s time to cook, simply remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.

If you end up with leftovers (which is rare with this dish), they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, I recommend using a hot skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until heated through.

One important tip to remember when reheating is not to overcook the meat. Overcooking can cause it to become tough and chewy, which will lose its flavor and texture. So keep an eye on your reheated steak and make sure it doesn’t cook any longer than necessary.

Overall, this recipe is perfect for those who enjoy cooking in advance or making extras for future meals. Just follow these simple tips for storing and reheating, and enjoy this Cuban-style Marinated Steak Recipe as often as you like!

Tips for Perfect Results

If you want to get the most flavor out of your Cuban-style marinated steak recipe, follow these tips that I’ve collected from my years of experience as a BBQ chef.

First and foremost, invest in high-quality meat. The success of the dish ultimately depends on the quality of the main ingredient. For this recipe, I recommend using flank or skirt steak for a chewy texture that soaks up the marinade well. You can also use other types of meat like pork, roast pork shoulder, or churrasco steak if you prefer.

Next is marination. Give your steak enough time to marinate in the mixture before grilling. A minimum of 4 hours is necessary to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat, but overnight is best for maximum result. Make sure to coat both sides evenly with the marinade and store it in a tightly-sealed container in the fridge.

When it’s time to cook, be sure not to overcook the meat. This should come naturally as you grill your steak on high heat for only about 5 minutes per side. Overcooking will make the meat tough and dry which can greatly affect its flavor.

For creating an authentic Cuban taste, use fresh and juicy ingredients such as freshly-squeezed lime juice and orange juice rather than bottled ones. In addition, herbs like oregano and cumin seeds should be freshly grounded for more intense flavors.

Finally, don’t forget to let your cooked steak rest for at least 3 minutes before slicing it into pieces to preserve its juiciness. Serve hot with a side dish of rice or black beans, or cuban sandwich if you’re feeling adventurous!

FAQ

Before we conclude this article, let’s address some common questions you may have about this Cuban-Style Marinated Steak Recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a novice cook, it’s always helpful to have some additional information that can help you achieve the best possible results. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you along.

How long should your Marinate steak?

Marinating steak is a great way to add flavor and tenderness to your meat. Ideally, it is advised to marinate the steak for a minimum of 1-2 hours in the refrigerator. But, if you want to achieve the best results, allowing the steak to soak in the marinade for several hours or even overnight would be ideal. This extended time enables the steak fibers to absorb the marinade and soften, thereby making your steak more succulent and flavorful.

What is the best way to cook a marinated steak?

When it comes to grilling steaks, I highly recommend using an oiled grill pan or a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Before placing the steaks on the pan, make sure to gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Doing so will help achieve a better sear and prevent the marinade from burning up in the pan.

For 1-inch thick steaks, cook each side for about 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness. Remember to keep an eye on the steak and use tongs to flip it instead of piercing it with a fork. This will ensure that the juices stay inside the steak and keep it moist and tender.

Why do people marinate steak in Coke?

Enhance the flavor of your steaks and achieve a deliciously charred exterior by marinating them in a marinade that contains cola, providing a hint of sweetness to the meat.

What is Cuban steak called?

Bistec de Palomilla is a beloved dish in Cuba, often found in both restaurants and homes alike, due to its popularity. Made from top sirloin, this steak is typically sliced very thin, seasoned generously, and pan-fried.

Bottom Line

And there you have it, folks! My mouth-watering recipe for Cuban-style marinated steak. Trust me, once you take a bite of this delicious dish, you won’t be able to stop. With its flavorful blend of spices and the tangy citrus notes from the orange and lime juice, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.

But don’t just take my word for it. Try it out for yourself and taste the explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to Miami’s Little Havana.

And remember, the key to a perfect Cuban-style marinated steak is all in the marinade. Don’t skimp on the ingredients or the marinating time, and you’ll be rewarded with a juicy and tender steak that’s bursting with flavor.

So gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and get ready for a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). This recipe is perfect for any BBQ or summer gathering, and it’s sure to be a hit.

Thank you for joining me on this culinary journey. I hope that you enjoy making this Cuban-style marinated steak as much as I enjoyed creating this recipe. Happy grilling!

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Shara @The Bird BBQ

Shara loves to experiment with different flavors and techniques when it comes to BBQ. She has been perfecting her craft for years and loves hosting backyard BBQs with friends & family. She often comes up with creative recipes that her guests rave about.

Mouthwatering Cuban-Style Marinated Steak Recipe