We had fajitas on New Year’s Eve and I realized I’ve never shared this easy and delicious fajita marinade recipe here on the blog.  It’s truly the best fajita recipe ever and it works equally well on chicken or steak.  I’ve even thought about marinating tofu for a vegetarian version because the flavor in this marinade can turn anything into the perfect filling for fajitas!

The recipe was given to me by a dear old friend at least ten years ago and I’ve never used another one because why mess with a good thing?  The recipe is simple, the flavor is delicious, and this marinade makes flavorful meat that’s perfect for fajitas or burrito bowls {a great way to use any leftover meat}.

Easy Fajita Marinade Recipe

1/2 cup lime juice {bottled is fine}

1/4 cup vegetable oil

3-4 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped {this won’t make the marinade spicy, it just adds really great flavor}

3 garlic cloves, minced

3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

2 teaspoons chili powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon salt

Place the marinade in a large sealable plastic bag or bowl and marinate your meat of choice in the fridge for at least one hour {I usually marinate it all day if time permits}.

Once the meat has marinated, remove it from the bag or bowl, and discard the remaining marinade.

I like to grill the meat but you could also bake it in the oven.

Slice the meat and serve on warm tortillas {homemade are the best if you have a local shop that sells them} alongside sauteed green peppers and onions, cilantro lime rice, sauteed or grilled jalapenos, shredded cheese, and guacamole.  Never forget the guac.

This will quickly become a year-round favorite!  It’s perfect for hosting friends, especially large groups, and is always popular!

The Best Fajita Marinade Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

An easy fajita marinade recipe for chicken or beef.

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Ingredients

• 1/2 cup lime juice, fresh or bottled
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 3-4 medium jalapeno peppers, seeded or chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in a sealable plastic bag or bowl.
2. Place the chicken or beef in the marinade and place in the fridge for a minimum of one hour.
3. Remove the meat from the marinade, discarding any remaining marinade.
4. Grill or bake the chicken or beef.
5. Slice and serve with fresh tortillas and favorite fajita toppings.

For more delicious recipes, be sure to check out a family favorite, crockpot chicken burrito bowls …

… a two ingredient steak marinade …

… and easy taco soup!