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Steak Fajita Marinade

This steak fajita marinade transforms ordinary beef into tender, restaurant-quality fajitas right in your kitchen. The blend of citrus, spices, and herbs creates juicy, flavorful steak that makes weeknight dinners feel special.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Method
 

  1. Whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a medium bowl. The mixture should smell bright and aromatic, with the lime juice cutting through the warm spices beautifully.
  2. Place the steak in a large zip-lock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring every surface is coated. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight marinating creates incredibly tender results.
  3. Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature. Pat the surface lightly with paper towels, leaving some marinade clinging to the meat for maximum flavor during cooking.
  4. Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. The surface should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately. Cook the marinated steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your preferred doneness.
  5. Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Slice against the grain into thin strips for maximum tenderness.

Notes

Marinate for at least 2 hours, though overnight marinating creates incredibly tender results. Don't marinate beyond 24 hours as acid can make meat mushy. Remove steak from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Let steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking before slicing. Always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. Store leftover cooked steak in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Marinade keeps refrigerated for up to one week.