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Alton Brown Fajita Marinade Recipe

Alton Brown Fajita Marinade Recipe


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Alton Brown’s fajita marinade elevates grilled meats with a zesty blend of citrus and spices. Mexican-inspired flavors dance together, promising a mouthwatering experience that will transport taste buds to authentic southwestern cuisine.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed

Liquid Ingredients:

  • ⅓ cup (79 ml) water
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) soy sauce

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
  • ½ teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, filtered water, minced fresh garlic, low-sodium soy sauce, kosher salt, and liquid smoke flavoring, whisking thoroughly until all ingredients are seamlessly integrated.
  2. Incorporate freshly ground black pepper and ground cayenne pepper into the marinade, stirring to ensure even distribution of spices.
  3. Place 2 pounds (907 grams) of selected meat into a non-reactive container or heavy-duty resealable plastic bag, then pour the prepared marinade completely over the protein.
  4. Seal the container securely and gently massage the marinade into the meat to guarantee complete coverage.
  5. Refrigerate the marinating meat for a minimum of 2 hours, or ideally overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply and tenderize the protein.
  6. Remove the marinated meat from the refrigerator approximately 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach near room temperature, which promotes more even cooking.
  7. Cook the marinated meat using your preferred method – grilling, roasting, pan-searing, or broiling – ensuring to follow appropriate internal temperature guidelines for food safety.

Notes

  • Let the meat soak up the marinade’s rich flavors by giving it plenty of time to rest in the refrigerator before cooking.
  • Personalize the heat by carefully controlling the amount of cayenne pepper added to match your spice tolerance.
  • Squeeze fresh lime juice just before mixing to ensure a bright, zesty kick that elevates the entire dish’s taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg