Why Make This Recipe
Fajita marinade is a simple and flavorful way to prepare your favorite meats. A good marinade can enhance the taste of your dish and make it very tender. This fajita marinade is quick to make, and it brings a zesty punch to chicken or steak, making your fajitas exciting and delicious.
How to Make Fajita Marinade
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Directions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until well combined.
- Use this marinade to coat your steak or chicken thoroughly.
- Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Grill or sauté the meat according to your liking, and then serve with tortillas and your favorite fajita toppings.
How to Serve Fajita Marinade
Once your meat is cooked, slice it into strips. Serve it on warm tortillas and add your favorite toppings, such as bell peppers, onions, cheese, salsa, or guacamole. This makes for a fun and interactive meal where everyone can create their own fajitas.
How to Store Fajita Marinade
If you have leftover marinade, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use it within 3 days for the best flavor. You can also freeze the marinade in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before using.
Tips to Make Fajita Marinade
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Allow the meat to marinate longer for a stronger taste, up to 24 hours if you like.
- Adding a bit of honey can balance the acidity of the lime juice if you prefer a touch of sweetness.
Variation
For a twist, you can add some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the marinade for extra freshness. You can also substitute lime juice with lemon juice if you prefer a different citrus flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use this marinade with vegetables?
Yes! You can use this marinade with sliced bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Just marinate the vegetables for a shorter time, around 15-20 minutes.
2. How long can I marinate the meat?
You can marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. Just remember that the meat can start to become mushy if left too long due to the acidity.
3. Is this marinade gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this fajita marinade are gluten-free. Just make sure to check labels if you are using any store-bought versions of the spices.

Fajita Marinade
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and flavorful fajita marinade perfect for chicken or steak, enhancing taste and tenderness.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and olive oil until well combined.
- Use this marinade to coat your steak or chicken thoroughly.
- Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Grill or sauté the meat according to your liking, and then serve with tortillas and your favorite fajita toppings.
Notes
For best flavor, use fresh lime juice and consider marinating up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg







