Flavor-Packed Beef Fajita Marinade
Unlock the full potential of your skirt steak with this Flavor-Packed Beef Fajita Marinade! This effortless recipe combines savory Worcestershire sauce, rich soy sauce, aromatic garlic, and earthy cumin for an explosion of taste. Enhanced with fresh cilantro and a hint of liquid smoke, this marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with a delicious depth of flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, you'll impress your family and friends with juicy, flavorful fajitas that are sure to become a staple in your meal rotation!
4
Servings
160
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Skirt steak
1 lb (Trimmed of fat)
Garlic
1 clove (Chopped)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons (Chopped)
Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup (N/A)
Soy sauce
1/4 cup (N/A)
Liquid smoke
1 teaspoon (N/A)
Instructions
1
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the skirt steak for a leaner cut.
2
Lightly pound the steak with a meat mallet for about 1-2 minutes to tenderize it and help absorb the flavors.
3
In a large gallon-size zipper bag, combine the chopped garlic, cumin, fresh cilantro, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and liquid smoke. Seal the bag and shake it well to ensure all ingredients are properly mixed.
4
Add the prepared skirt steak to the marinade, ensuring it is fully submerged in the mixture. Seal the bag again, pressing out any excess air.
5
Refrigerate the marinating steak overnight, or for at least 4 hours, to allow the flavors to deepen and the meat to tenderize.
6
When ready to cook, preheat your grill to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the leftover marinade.
7
Grill the skirt steak for about 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness is reached.
8
Once cooked, let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain for the best texture. Serve with your favorite fajita toppings.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
5g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in this fajita recipe?
The recipe uses one pound of skirt steak, which is a traditional and flavorful cut for fajitas.
How should I prepare the skirt steak before marinating?
You should trim any excess fat for a leaner cut and lightly pound the steak with a meat mallet for 1-2 minutes to tenderize it.
Why is it necessary to pound the steak with a mallet?
Pounding the steak helps break down tough muscle fibers and allows the meat to better absorb the flavors of the marinade.
What ingredients are in the marinade?
The marinade consists of chopped garlic, ground cumin, fresh cilantro, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and a hint of liquid smoke.
How long should the beef marinate?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate the steak overnight or for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator.
How do I mix the marinade ingredients?
Combine all the marinade ingredients in a large gallon-size zipper bag, seal it, and shake well to ensure they are properly mixed.
Is it important to remove air from the marinating bag?
Yes, you should press out any excess air before sealing the bag to ensure the meat is fully submerged and in contact with the marinade.
What is the recommended cooking method for the fajita meat?
Preheat your grill to high heat and grill the steak for 3-5 minutes per side until the desired level of doneness is reached.
What should I do with the leftover marinade after cooking?
Once you remove the steak from the bag to cook it, you must discard the leftover marinade for food safety reasons.
How should the steak be sliced after grilling?
Let the steak rest for a few minutes, then slice it against the grain to achieve the best and most tender texture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
Is this a high-protein recipe?
Yes, it is categorized as High Protein, offering 20g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are approximately 8 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.
What kind of flavor does liquid smoke add?
Liquid smoke adds a subtle smoky depth that mimics the flavor of traditional outdoor pit grilling.
Can I use this marinade for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as an effortless recipe that is perfect for quick weeknight meals or weekend barbecues.
What provides the savory element in the marinade?
The combination of Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce provides a rich, savory depth to the meat.
Does the recipe call for fresh or dried cilantro?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 tablespoons of fresh, chopped cilantro.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 1 clove of garlic, chopped.
Is this recipe suitable for a BBQ?
Absolutely, it is tagged for BBQ and is perfect for high-heat grilling.
What is the total number of ingredients in the marinade and meat combination?
There are a total of 7 ingredients used in this recipe.
Can I use this recipe if I am on a low-carb diet?
Yes, with only 5g of carbohydrates per serving, it is a low-carb friendly option.
What are some suggested toppings for these fajitas?
While not listed in the ingredients, the instructions suggest serving with your favorite fajita toppings such as peppers, onions, or salsa.
How long should the steak rest before slicing?
The steak should rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.
Is cumin essential to the flavor profile?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin provides the earthy notes characteristic of traditional beef fajitas.
Does this recipe include dietary fiber or sugar information?
Based on the provided data, the fiber and sugar content are not specified (listed as null).
What is the primary benefit of this specific marinade?
It tenderizes the skirt steak while infusing it with aromatic garlic, savory sauces, and earthy spices.
What heat level should the grill be at?
The grill should be preheated to high heat to properly sear the skirt steak.
Can I use this marinade for other types of beef?
While designed for skirt steak, this flavor-packed marinade would also work well with flank steak or hanger steak.