Description
This flavorful fajita marinade recipe combines smoky, spicy, and tangy ingredients to tenderize and infuse your choice of proteins like chicken, shrimp, or steak with authentic Tex-Mex flavors. Ready in just 10 minutes, this easy marinade is perfect for making delicious fajitas that are bursting with bold and vibrant seasoning.
Ingredients
Scale
Fajita Marinade Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika
- 1 tablespoon ancho powder or guajillo powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Chili flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, water, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ancho or guajillo powder, cayenne, onion powder, oregano, brown sugar, cumin, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Whisk together thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a smooth marinade.
- Marinate Proteins. Place your choice of protein—such as chicken, shrimp, or steak—into a resealable bag or container. Pour the prepared marinade over the protein, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat before cooking.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate proteins for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.
- Adjust the cayenne and chili flakes to your preferred level of spiciness.
- This marinade can also be used for vegetables for a tasty veggie fajita option.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best bright citrus flavor.
- Discard any leftover marinade that has come into contact with raw meat for food safety.
