Description
Assorted fajita marinades in bowls with fresh ingredients like lime, garlic, and cilantro, perfect for grilling fajitas.
Ingredients
Scale
To start, you’ll need:
- Juice of 3–4 limes
- 1/4 cup of olive or vegetable oil
- 2–3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- Optional: honey, fresh cilantro, and cayenne pepper for heat
Instructions
Making the perfect fajita marinade involves using a blend of essential ingredients. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need:
- Citrus juice (lime or lemon): Provides the necessary acidity to break down tough fibers in meat.
- Oil (olive oil or vegetable oil): Helps the spices adhere to the meat while keeping it tender and moist.
- Garlic: A key flavor component that complements the spices.
- Cumin: Adds a rich, earthy flavor typical of Tex-Mex cuisine.
- Chili powder: For the classic fajita heat.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky element without overpowering the other flavors.
- Optional Ingredients: Soy sauce for a salty umami kick, cilantro for freshness, or honey for a touch of sweetness.
Notes
A good fajita marinade typically contains a balance of acid, oil, and spices. The acid helps tenderize the meat by breaking down the proteins, while the oil locks in moisture, keeping the meat juicy during cooking. The spices create that distinctive fajita flavor.