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Ben Carraoli

Steak Fajita Marinade Recipe

When I first tried making steak fajitas with this marinade, I couldn’t believe how tender and flavorful the steak turned out. It had the perfect mix of spice, citrusy tang, and smoky depth that brought out the best in every bite. Cooking fajitas became a fun event in my house, paired with colorful veggies and warm tortillas.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Calories: 355

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound flank or skirt steak
  • cup lime juice about 3 limes
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 onion thinly sliced
  • 3 bell peppers red, green, yellow, thinly sliced

Method
 

  1. Start by mixing the lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne in a small bowl. Stir everything until fully combined. This zesty marinade will tenderize the steak while infusing it with flavor.
  2. Place the steak in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the steak is completely coated by massaging the marinade into it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour or up to 4 hours. Avoid marinating longer to prevent the lime juice from breaking down the meat too much.
  3. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred doneness (135°F for medium-rare). Once done, remove it from the pan and allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes. Resting locks in the juices, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
  4. While the steak is resting, add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the same pan. Sauté them over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes until they’re tender and slightly charred. This step adds a sweet, smoky flavor to your fajitas.
  5. Once rested, slice the steak into thin strips against the grain. Cutting this way ensures each bite is tender and easy to chew.
  6. Add the sliced steak back into the skillet with the vegetables and toss everything together. This blends the flavors beautifully and keeps the fajitas warm.