Zesty Lime Chipotle Fajita Marinade
Discover the secret to the most succulent and flavorful fajitas with this Zesty Lime Chipotle Fajita Marinade. Inspired by culinary insights from Apron Strings blog, this marinade highlights the vibrant essence of lime zest, enhancing the dish with a refreshing tang that lime juice alone cannot achieve. Perfect for 1.5 pounds of chicken or flank steak, this marinade not only infuses your meat with bold, spicy flavors but can also be used to elevate onions and sweet peppers, complementing the dish beautifully. Transform your next fiesta night into a flavorful feast everyone will rave about!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
chipotle chiles in adobo
2 (whole)
lime zest
2 teaspoons (freshly grated)
red onion
1/4 (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
kosher salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (for blending)
flank steak or chicken
1 1/2 lbs (cut into portions as needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the marinade: combine chipotle chiles, lime zest, chopped red onion, garlic cloves, cumin, ground coriander, kosher salt, and extra virgin olive oil in a blender or food processor.
2
Blend the mixture until smooth and well-combined, ensuring all ingredients are fully integrated.
3
Set aside 1-2 tablespoons of the marinade for the vegetables, and pour the remainder into a large zip-top bag.
4
Add your choice of flank steak or chicken to the bag, seal it tightly, and gently massage to coat the meat evenly with the marinade. For best results, allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
5
For the vegetables, place them in a separate zip-top bag and add the reserved marinade. Seal and massage until well-coated, letting them marinate for about an hour.
6
Preheat your grill to high heat. Once ready, remove the meat from the marinade, lightly wipe away any excess, and grill the steak or chicken until cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness.
7
In the last few minutes of grilling, add the marinated vegetables to the grill to allow them to char and soften.
8
Once cooked, let the meat rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
9
Serve the grilled meat and vegetables on warmed tortillas, garnishing with cheese and creamy avocado for a delightful presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary benefit of the Zesty Lime Chipotle Fajita Marinade?
This marinade is designed to create succulent and flavorful fajitas by infusing the meat with a refreshing tang and bold, spicy notes.
Why does this recipe use lime zest instead of just lime juice?
The lime zest provides a vibrant essence and a refreshing tang that lime juice alone cannot achieve.
How much meat does this marinade recipe cover?
The recipe is perfectly portioned for 1.5 pounds of meat.
What types of meat are recommended for this marinade?
This marinade is ideal for either chicken or flank steak.
Can I use this marinade for vegetables?
Yes, you can use a portion of the marinade to elevate vegetables like onions and sweet peppers.
How should I prepare the marinade mixture?
Combine all the marinade ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and well-combined.
What ingredients are needed for the marinade?
You will need chipotle chiles in adobo, lime zest, red onion, garlic cloves, cumin, ground coriander, kosher salt, and extra virgin olive oil.
How many chipotle chiles are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 whole chipotle chiles in adobo.
How much lime zest is required?
You should use 2 teaspoons of freshly grated lime zest.
Is onion included in the marinade itself?
Yes, 1/4 of a chopped red onion is blended directly into the marinade.
How many garlic cloves should I use?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil is recommended for blending the marinade.
Should I save any marinade before adding the meat?
Yes, set aside 1-2 tablespoons of the marinade to use for the vegetables.
How long should the meat marinate?
For the best results, marinate the meat for at least 1 hour.
Can I leave the meat in the marinade overnight?
Yes, the meat can be marinated for up to overnight in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to apply the marinade to the meat?
Place the meat in a large zip-top bag with the marinade, seal it, and gently massage to coat the meat evenly.
How long do the vegetables need to marinate?
Vegetables should marinate in a separate zip-top bag for about one hour.
What grill temperature is recommended?
Preheat your grill to high heat before cooking the meat.
Should I leave all the marinade on the meat when grilling?
No, you should lightly wipe away any excess marinade before placing the meat on the grill.
How long does the meat take to grill?
The meat typically takes approximately 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness.
When should I add the vegetables to the grill?
Add the marinated vegetables to the grill during the last few minutes of grilling the meat.
How long should the meat rest after grilling?
Allow the meat to rest for 5-10 minutes before you begin slicing it.
How should the final dish be served?
Serve the grilled meat and vegetables on warmed tortillas.
What garnishes are suggested for these fajitas?
The recipe suggests garnishing with cheese and creamy avocado.
What spices are included in the marinade?
The spices include 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and 1/4 teaspoon of ground coriander.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific source?
Yes, it was inspired by culinary insights from the Apron Strings blog.
What type of salt is recommended for the marinade?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Is this a good recipe for a dinner party?
Yes, it is perfect for a fiesta night or a flavorful feast for a group.
What is the texture of the marinade before it is applied?
The marinade should be blended until it is a smooth consistency.
Does the recipe suggest a specific type of tortilla?
The instructions recommend using warmed tortillas for serving.