This tasty fajita marinade is super simple and packed with flavor! Just mix together some lime juice, garlic, and spices, and let your chicken or veggies soak up the goodness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to tenderize the meat and adds a nice richness. If you’re out, canola or avocado oil are good alternatives.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors. If limes aren’t available, try using lemon juice instead, though it will be slightly different.
Chili Powder: This gives the marinade its kick. If you want more heat, use a spicier chili powder or add some cayenne pepper.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor. If it’s unavailable, garlic powder can work, but you’ll need less—about 1 teaspoon.
Meat: While chicken is popular, you can use shrimp or firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How Do I Marinate Meat Properly?
Marinating is essential for great flavor and tenderness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl until blended.
- Cut your meat into thin pieces to help it absorb flavors better.
- Use a zip-lock bag or shallow dish for marinating. This allows for complete coverage.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but longer (up to overnight) works best for maximum flavor.
Always discard leftover marinade that has touched raw meat to avoid contamination. Happy cooking!
Easy The Best Fajita Marinade Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (optional for depth)
- 1-1.5 pounds chicken breast or skirt steak, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (for cooking with meat)
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced (for cooking with meat)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (for cooking with meat)
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires a minimum of 1 hour of marinating time, but for best results, aim for 3-4 hours or even overnight! The cooking takes about 15-20 minutes. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 20 minutes, including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisk the Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (if using). Make sure everything is well mixed!
2. Marinate the Meat:
Take the sliced chicken or steak and place it in a large zip-lock bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, making sure all pieces are coated evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but preferably 3-4 hours or overnight for extra flavor.
3. Cook the Meat:
When you’re ready to cook, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated meat from the fridge, discarding any leftover marinade. Add the meat to the hot pan and cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side, or until it is fully cooked and has a slight char. Remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pan, add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and onions. SautĂ© them for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender and slightly caramelized. This will add great flavor and color to your fajitas!
5. Combine and Serve:
Return the cooked meat to the skillet and toss it together with the sautéed peppers and onions. Heat everything through for another 1-2 minutes. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve warm with your favorite toppings, like tortillas, guacamole, and salsa. Enjoy your delicious fajitas!
Who knew making fajitas could be this easy? Now you can impress your friends and family with a fantastic homemade meal!
FAQ for Easy The Best Fajita Marinade Recipe
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While chicken and skirt steak are popular choices, you can also use shrimp, pork, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp cooks very quickly!
How Long Should I Marinate the Meat?
For best results, marinate the meat for at least 3-4 hours or overnight. If you’re short on time, even 1 hour will still add great flavor, but the longer, the better!
What Can I Do With Leftover Marinade?
It’s best to discard leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw meat to avoid contamination. However, if you’d like to reuse some marinade, set aside a portion before adding the meat, and use that for basting during cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cooked fajitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of water if needed to keep them moist.
