Chef John's Grilled Mojo Beef

This Cuban-inspired mojo marinade would work great as an all-purpose marinade for just about anything destined for the grill, but skirt steak is Chef John's top choice.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 8 mins
• Total Time: 18 mins
• Calories: 382 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 limes, juiced
• 2 pounds beef skirt steak
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 large navel orange, juiced
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt for finishing
• Lime wedges for serving
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 0.5 onion, thinly sliced
• 0.25 cup olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 0.5 cup fresh chopped cilantro

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Whisk orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, cumin, pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper together in a large bowl. Place skirt steak pieces, 1 at a time, into the marinade to thoroughly coat them. Add sliced onions and toss with the meat.

Step 2

Transfer mixture and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Squeeze out air, seal bag, and place on a dish. Refrigerate 2 to 3 hours.

Step 3

Transfer pieces of meat onto paper towel-lined rimmed sheet pan to drain for a couple of minutes.

Step 4

Cook over hot coals. Grill first side 3 to 4 minutes. Turn and grill second side until internal temperature is about 125 degrees F (53 degrees C). Look for a shiny glossy surface indicating the meat juice is coming to the surface; this indicates the meat is just about done. Transfer to a plate and allow meat to rest a few minutes.

Step 5

Slice into 1/2-inch slices and arrange on a serving plate. Spoon accumulated juices over the meat. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.

Step 6

Cut skirt steaks into about 3 or 4 smaller pieces so it's easier to fit them into marinade dish.