Texas-Style Fajita Steak Marinade
Elevate your fajitas with this robust Texas-Style Fajita Steak Marinade that infuses your beef steaks with a deliciously smoky and spicy flavor. The perfect blend of rice vinegar, chili powder, cumin, and fresh garlic creates a tantalizing marinade that penetrates deep into the meat, making it juicy and tender. Ideal for both sirloin and flatiron steaks, this marinade not only encourages a delicious crust when grilled but also enhances the overall taste experience of your fajitas. Marinate your steaks overnight for maximum flavor absorption, and prepare for a fiesta of Tex-Mex delights when you slice into them after grilling. Enjoy this recipe that easily accommodates 4-5 pounds of steak and prepares servings that’ll leave everyone longing for seconds!
N/A
Servings
63
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Rice vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
Chili powder
2 tablespoons (none)
Cumin powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Garlic cloves, minced
4 (minced)
Instructions
1
In a blender or mixing bowl, combine the rice vinegar, chili powder, cumin powder, and minced garlic to create a smooth marinade.
2
Place the steaks in a casserole dish, ensuring ample space for the marinade to circulate. Pour the marinade over the steaks, using your hands or tongs to thoroughly coat each piece.
3
Cover the casserole dish tightly with cling wrap and refrigerate. Allow the steaks to marinate overnight, turning them at least once to ensure even flavor distribution.
4
When ready to cook, preheat your grill to high, direct heat. Remove the steaks from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off.
5
Grill the steaks for approximately 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness if necessary, aiming for 130-135°F (54-57°C).
6
Once grilled to perfection, allow the steaks to rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with warm tortillas and your favorite fajita toppings.
Nutrition Information
0.3g
Fat
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Texas-Style Fajita Steak Marinade?
It is a robust marinade featuring rice vinegar, chili powder, cumin, and fresh garlic designed to infuse beef steaks with a smoky and spicy Tex-Mex flavor.
What ingredients are used in this marinade?
The primary ingredients are rice vinegar, chili powder, cumin powder, and four minced garlic cloves.
How do I prepare the marinade?
Combine the rice vinegar, chili powder, cumin powder, and minced garlic in a blender or mixing bowl until you have a smooth mixture.
How much steak does this marinade recipe cover?
This recipe is designed to accommodate 4 to 5 pounds of steak.
What cuts of steak are best for this recipe?
Sirloin and flatiron steaks are specifically recommended as ideal choices for this marinade.
How long should the steaks marinate?
For maximum flavor absorption and tenderness, the steaks should be marinated overnight in the refrigerator.
Should I turn the steaks while they are marinating?
Yes, you should turn the steaks at least once during the overnight marinating process to ensure even flavor distribution.
How do I cook the steaks after marinating?
Preheat your grill to high, direct heat, remove the steaks from the marinade (allowing excess to drip off), and grill for 4-5 minutes per side.
What is the target internal temperature for medium-rare?
Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) on a meat thermometer.
Do I need to let the steak rest after grilling?
Yes, allow the steaks to rest for a few minutes before slicing to ensure the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
How should the steak be sliced for serving?
The steak should be sliced against the grain to maximize tenderness.
What should I serve with these fajitas?
Serve the sliced steak with warm tortillas and your favorite fajita toppings for a complete meal.
Does the marinade help create a crust on the steak?
Yes, the blend of spices and vinegar encourages a delicious crust when the meat is grilled over high heat.
How many calories are in a serving of this marinade?
The marinade contains approximately 63 calories per serving.
Is there a lot of fat in the marinade?
No, the marinade is very low in fat, containing only about 0.3g per serving.
How much protein is in the marinade?
The marinade contributes approximately 3g of protein per serving.
What kind of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of rice vinegar.
How much chili powder is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chili powder.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The marinade requires 2 teaspoons of cumin powder.
How much garlic is included?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves for a bold flavor profile.
Can I use a blender for this recipe?
Yes, using a blender is recommended to create a smooth, well-combined marinade.
Should the steaks be covered while refrigerating?
Yes, place the steaks in a casserole dish and cover it tightly with cling wrap before refrigerating.
Is this marinade good for charcoal grilling?
Yes, charcoal grilling is an excellent method for cooking these marinated steaks to enhance the smoky flavor.
What flavor profile does this marinade provide?
It provides a robust, smoky, and spicy Tex-Mex flavor.
Is this marinade spicy?
The marinade contains chili powder and garlic, giving it a spicy kick without being overwhelming.
Can I use this marinade for sirloin steak?
Yes, sirloin steak is one of the recommended cuts for this Texas-style marinade.
How long per side should I grill for medium rare?
Approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side on high heat is the standard timing.
Does this recipe work for flatiron steaks?
Yes, flatiron steaks work beautifully with this marinade and grilling method.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes, after grilling and slicing, any leftovers can be stored for future meals.
How many ingredients are in the marinade?
There are 4 main ingredients: rice vinegar, chili powder, cumin powder, and garlic.