The best steak fajitas start with a simple fajita marinade made with orange juice, olive oil, and a few seasonings. Perfect for grilling season!

Steak Fajitas never fail to impress whether I am making dinner for my son, or having family or friends over for dinner. Incredible fajitas start with a simple marinade and the best part is that the marinade doesn’t need to sit for hours to work its magic! You’ll only need to allow the steak to marinate for 30-60 minutes for incredible flavor!

Prepare to elevate your fajita game to new heights with my tantalizing steak fajita marinade recipe! Bursting with vibrant flavors and savory goodness, this marinade is the secret ingredient that will take your fajitas from good to great. With simple ingredients, this marinade will infuse your steak with mouthwatering taste and irresistible juiciness.

Steak Marinade Ingredients

In addition to making the meat tender, the steak marinade adds a delicious flavor that everyone loves in fajitas without needing to add any additional seasonings. Skip the packet of fajita seasoning and make this marinade instead! For all of the measurements, be sure to scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Orange juice: Adds a bright and tangy citrus flavor to the marinade, which helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with a refreshing zing.
• Olive oil: Acts as the base of the marinade and helps to coat the steak, sealing in moisture and preventing it from sticking to the grill or pan. It also contributes to the overall richness and flavor of the marinade.
• Paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness and vibrant red color.
• Garlic powder: Infuses the marinade with a savory, aromatic garlic flavor, adding depth and complexity to the taste of the steak.
• Ground cumin: Delivers a warm and slightly nutty flavor to the marinade, complementing the other spices and adding a distinctive flair to the dish.
• Soy sauce: Brings a rich umami flavor and a hint of saltiness to the marinade, enhancing the overall savory profile of the steak.
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and complexity to the marinade with its unique blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. It also helps to tenderize the meat and improve its juiciness.
• Salt and black pepper: Season the marinade and help to enhance the natural flavors of the steak. The salt also helps to draw out moisture from the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final dish.

Marinating Steak

For the best results, marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. You could leave it overnight, but any longer than that will cause the fibers in the meat to break down, resulting in mushy steak. Contrary to popular belief, steak doesn’t get more tender the longer it marinates. The perfect amount of time is 30-60 minutes before you cook it.

How to Make Fajitas with Steak

Here is a brief overview of how to make fajitas with steak. The full marinade recipe including all measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

1. Make the marinade. Whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, and seasonings.
2. Marinate the steak. Pour the marinade over the sliced steak in a reusable container or sealable bag and allow to marinate for 30-60 minutes. Once you’ve marinated the steak, discard the marinade.
3. Cook the steak. Cook any veggies you prefer as well. This recipe for fajita veggies linked below is perfect!
4. Make fajitas. Add the cooked steak and veggies to warm tortillas. Top with fresh cilantro, sour cream, The Best Guacamole, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice! Serve with Mexican Rice and enjoy!

The Best Steak for Fajitas

The best steak for fajitas is one that is both flavorful and tender, making it perfect for grilling or searing and slicing thinly for fajitas. Flank steak or skirt steak are traditional favorites due to their flavor and texture, but other cuts like sirloin or ribeye can also yield delicious results when prepared properly. Choose a steak that suits your taste preferences and budget, and don’t forget to slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Other Fajita Recipes

• Instant Pot Chicken Fajitas
• Sizzling Chicken Fajitas
• Chicken Fajita Quesadillas

If you make this simple steak fajita marinade recipe, I’d love to know what you thought of it!