Easy Fajita Marinade

Fajitas on a plate with a margarita in the background.

What I love about this easy fajita marinade

Don’t you just love a yummy fajita topped with cheese and guacamole and salsa and lettuce and cilantro and sour cream and whatever else you could possibly want? That’s the best part about making fajitas. You can have whatever you want. So I’m not going to sit here and tell you that you need certain toppings or corn tortillas over flour ones. I just want to share with you the juicy marinade I use to make them.

Here’s what you’ll need to make it

measuring spoons

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liquid measuring cup

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How to use this easy fajita marinade

I’ve been making this fajita marinade for a while now – at least a few years. It’s an orange juice based marinade, and it’s simple to make. You can use it on whatever fillings you want – vegetables, chicken, shrimp, steak – really anything. Typically, we marinade the vegetables and meats in separate zip-top bags. You can also cook the meat and vegetables however you want – grill them, bake them, saute them. Just cook them so you can eat them already! …and make sure the meat is cooked to its proper temperature.

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FAQs and tips on making fajita marinade

How do you tenderize fajita meat quickly?

Marinating meat is a quick and easy way to make your meat more tender, but it also adds a ton of flavor. The acidity of the orange and lime juices in this recipe help break down the protein and fibers of the meat.

How do you cut meat for fajitas?

You want to cut your meat against the grain because it breaks up the muscle fibers of the meat. Breaking down those fibers helps make the meat even more tender and easier to chew. Plus, it has way more texture this way!

Can you marinate meat for too long?

Yes, you will not want to marinate for longer than 24 hours. Though it is truly best to marinate for 1-4 hours. The longer you allow the meat the rest in the marinate the more the fibers breakdown. If you marinate for too long your meat will start to use lose its structure and become soft and unappetizing.

A person holding a plate with fajitas on it.

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