Elevate your Tex-Mex game with this simple and zesty fajita marinade, perfect for tenderizing and infusing bold flavors into beef or chicken. Crafted with a dynamic blend of olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, and aromatic spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika, this quick 10-minute marinade strikes the perfect balance of tangy, smoky, and slightly sweet. The addition of minced garlic and a hint of brown sugar rounds out the flavor profile, while optional red pepper flakes bring a customizable kick. Ideal for skirt steak, flank steak, or chicken breasts, this versatile marinade ensures juicy, flavorful results whether grilled, pan-seared, or baked. Perfect for fajita night, simply serve the sliced meat with sautéed peppers, warm tortillas, and your favorite toppings for an authentic and satisfying meal.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, and soy sauce. Whisk together to create the liquid base for the marinade.
Add the minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, brown sugar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Place your beef or chicken (about 1.5 - 2 pounds, such as skirt steak, flank steak, or chicken breast) into a large resealable plastic bag or bowl.
Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap.
Refrigerate the marinated meat for at least 1 hour, but preferably 4-6 hours for maximum flavor. Do not exceed 24 hours to avoid over-marinating.
Once marinated, remove the meat and cook using your preferred method: grill, stovetop, or oven. Discard any leftover marinade.
Slice the cooked beef or chicken into thin strips and serve with your favorite fajita toppings, such as sautéed peppers and onions, tortillas, and guacamole.
Calories |
485 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.1 g | 55% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.6 g | 33% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3613 mg | 157% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 23.3 g | 8% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.5 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.1 g | ||
| Protein | 4.9 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 85 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 382 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.