Arnie's Tex Fajita Marinade Recipe

Melissa Clark

16 May, 2024

Elevate your Tex-Mex fajitas with Arnie's zesty marinade recipe! Discover a burst of vibrant flavors to tantalize your taste buds. Try it now!

Arnie Tex Fajita Marinade

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Category: Main Dish
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 60 calories

Arnie's Tex-Mex Fajita Marinade is a burst of vibrant flavors that elevate any fajita dish to new heights. Inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Texas and Mexico, this marinade combines the tangy zest of fresh citrus with the warm depth of spices, creating a tantalizing blend that infuses your choice of protein with irresistible taste.

At its core, Arnie's marinade boasts the refreshing tang of fresh orange and lime juice, adding a bright citrusy dimension that cuts through the richness of the meat or seafood. The garlic brings its aromatic punch, while the olive oil ensures a luscious and succulent texture.

What sets Arnie's marinade apart is its thoughtful combination of spices. Ground cumin and chili powder deliver a subtle heat, while smoked paprika lends a smoky complexity that perfectly complements the charred flavors from grilling. A hint of soy sauce adds depth and umami, rounding out the profile with savory notes.

The beauty of Arnie's Tex-Mex Fajita Marinade lies in its versatility. Whether you're marinating chicken, beef, or shrimp, the flavors meld harmoniously, infusing the protein with a depth of taste that is both bold and balanced.

Whether you're firing up the grill for a summertime fiesta or cozying up to the stove on a chilly evening, Arnie's marinade promises to transform your fajita experience into a culinary adventure filled with sizzling aromas and mouthwatering flavors.

Recipe

Transform your fajita game with Arnie's zesty Tex-Mex marinade! Dive into vibrant flavors and tantalizing aromas in every sizzle. Let's get grilling!

Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Method Instructions

In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, soy sauce, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Place your choice of protein (chicken, beef, or shrimp) in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the protein, making sure it's evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld.
When ready to cook, remove the protein from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
Cook the protein on a preheated grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through and nicely charred, about 4-5 minutes per side for chicken or beef, and 2-3 minutes per side for shrimp.
Slice the cooked protein against the grain into thin strips and serve immediately with warm tortillas, sautéed peppers and onions, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and any other desired toppings.

Recipe Video

Arnie Tex Fajita Marinade

This is a video about Arnie Tex Fajita Marinade.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 97 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Arnie Tex Fajita Marinade, Arnie Tex Fajita Marinade Recipe, Recipe

Servings

Arnie's Tex-Mex Fajita Marinade opens the door to a variety of serving options, allowing you to customize your fajita experience to your liking. Here's how you can serve it:

Warm Tortillas: Start with warm flour or corn tortillas, which serve as the perfect vessel for your marinated protein and toppings. You can heat them up on a skillet or in the microwave just before serving to make them soft and pliable.
Marinated Protein: Grill or cook your marinated protein (chicken, beef, or shrimp) until it's perfectly cooked and has developed a delicious char. Slice it into thin strips against the grain to maximize tenderness and flavor.
Sautéed Peppers and Onions: Cook up a colorful medley of bell peppers and onions for added texture and flavor. Sauté them until they're tender yet still slightly crisp, seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Toppings: Set out an array of toppings for your guests to customize their fajitas. Some popular options include guacamole, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños. Feel free to get creative and add any other toppings you enjoy!
Assembly: Allow everyone to build their own fajitas by layering the warm tortillas with the sliced marinated protein, sautéed peppers and onions, and their choice of toppings.
Sides: Round out the meal with some traditional Tex-Mex sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, corn salad, or chips and salsa.
Beverages: Pair your fajitas with refreshing beverages like margaritas, cold beer, or agua fresca for a complete dining experience.

Tips

Marinating Time: For maximum flavor infusion, marinate your protein for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator, or ideally overnight. This allows the citrus and spice flavors to penetrate the meat or seafood fully.
Use Fresh Citrus: Opt for freshly squeezed orange and lime juice for the marinade. Fresh citrus juice provides a vibrant and zesty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the fajitas.
Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices in the marinade according to your personal preference. If you like your fajitas spicier, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spices accordingly.
Properly Cook the Protein: Ensure your grill or skillet is preheated to medium-high heat before cooking the marinated protein. This ensures a nice sear and char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), beef to your desired level of doneness, and shrimp until they turn pink and opaque.
Slice Against the Grain: When slicing the cooked protein, be sure to cut against the grain for maximum tenderness. This helps break up the muscle fibers, resulting in more tender and flavorful slices.
Don't Forget the Toppings: The toppings are what truly elevate fajitas to the next level. Be generous with your toppings and offer a variety for guests to choose from. This adds texture, freshness, and additional flavor dimensions to the dish.
Serve Immediately: Fajitas are best enjoyed hot off the grill or skillet, so serve them immediately after assembling to ensure they're at their peak flavor and temperature.
Leftover Marinade: If you have leftover marinade after marinating the protein, you can reserve some to brush onto the cooked fajitas for an extra burst of flavor before serving.

Ingredient Substitutes

If at all you're looking to substitute ingredients in Arnie's Tex-Mex Fajita Marinade recipe, here are some options you can consider:

Citrus Juice: If you don't have fresh orange or lime juice, you can use bottled orange juice or bottled lime juice as a substitute. However, fresh citrus juice will provide the best flavor.
Garlic: If you're out of fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder as a substitute. Start with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic called for in the recipe.
Olive Oil: Substitute olive oil with another neutral-flavored oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Keep in mind that different oils may slightly alter the flavor profile of the marinade.
Soy Sauce: If you're avoiding soy or don't have soy sauce on hand, you can use tamari sauce, coconut aminos, or Worcestershire sauce as a substitute. Adjust the quantity according to your taste preference, as some substitutes may be saltier than soy sauce.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in the marinade based on your taste preferences and what you have available. You can use chili flakes instead of chili powder, ground coriander instead of cumin, or sweet paprika instead of smoked paprika.
Salt and Pepper: If you're reducing your sodium intake, you can use a low-sodium soy sauce or omit the salt entirely from the marinade. You can also substitute black pepper with white pepper or omit it if desired.
Sweetener: If you prefer a sweeter marinade, you can add a tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar to the marinade mixture.
Vinegar: If you don't have citrus juice on hand, you can substitute it with vinegar such as apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar. However, keep in mind that vinegar will impart a different flavor compared to citrus juice.