Red Fajita Marinade
Red Fajita Marinade is a medium Tex-Mex recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by ArnieTex on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $15.65 total, $3.91 per serving
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 cup Pineapple Juice (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil (extra‑virgin)
- 1 tbsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 1 tbsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 small Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Oregano (dried)
- 1 tsp Cumin (ground)
- 2 tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 2 tsp Chili Powder
- 3 tbsp Achiote (brick or powdered form)
- 2 lb Skirt Steak (trimmed, cut into 2‑inch strips for marinating)
Instructions
Gather Liquids and Spices
Measure orange juice, pineapple juice, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder and achiote into a large mixing bowl.
Time: PT5M
Blend the Marinade
Transfer all ingredients to a blender and blend on high for about 30 seconds until a smooth, uniformly red liquid forms.
Time: PT30S
Prepare the Steak
Pat the 2 lb skirt steak dry with paper towels, then cut into 2‑inch strips if not already sliced.
Time: PT5M
Marinate the Meat
Place the steak strips in a glass bowl, pour the blended marinade over them, toss to coat, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to overnight).
Time: PT2H
Temperature: 4°C
Preheat the Grill
Using a charcoal chimney, light a mix of lump charcoal and briquettes. Add a few pieces of mesquite wood for smoke. Once the coals are glowing, spread them to create a hot zone (≈550 °F) and a cooler side.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 550°F
Clean the Grates
Cut a half onion in half and, using a grill brush, scrub the grates in a criss‑cross pattern to remove residue.
Time: PT5M
Grill the Steak
Place the marinated steak strips directly over the hottest part of the grill. Sear for about 3 minutes, then use the “flippity‑flip” method to turn each piece, sprinkle a pinch of extra salt and pepper, and sear the other side for another 3 minutes. Close the lid for 2 minutes to finish cooking.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 550°F
Check Doneness & Rest
Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part; aim for 135‑145 °F for medium‑rare. Remove the steak and let it rest under foil for 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Slice and Cube
On a cutting board, slice the steak against the grain into 4‑5 inch strips, then cut the strips into bite‑size cubes.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Warm flour tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side, top with the sliced steak, homemade salsa (green or red), and shredded cheese. Enjoy immediately.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 10 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑free (use corn tortillas), Nut‑free, Dairy‑free if cheese omitted
Allergens: Dairy (if cheese is added)
Last updated: April 7, 2026






