Name: Mexican Marinade
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon chili powder; 1 Tablespoon cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 Tablespoon sugar; 1/2 cup olive oil; 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce; 1 large lime (- freshly squeezed)

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Introducing the BEST EVER Mexican Marinade. Combining a variety of spices with olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and fresh lime juice – this marinade will be your go-to for all your Tex-Mex recipes.

For other Tex-Mex Recipes, try my Mexican Street Corn Salad, the best Cornbread Tamale Pie, and some Grilled Salsa!

Side shot of a bag of the marinated chicken.

Best Marinade for Tex-Mex

Over the course of living in Texas for the last 29 years, I’ve became a total Tex-Mex girl. I’m pretty happy with some chunky guacamole, a swirl margarita, and some grilled shrimp tacos.

In my opinion, bold seasonings are key to flavor, which is why this marinade is so tasty. Contrary to one particular reader’s review, I’ve received so many positive comments on this recipe. The lime juice is a nice final touch, and can be added right before grilling the meat.

A bowl of the marinade ingredients before combining.

I use this marinade so often, that I decided to create a separate recipe card. I use it for many of my Tex-Mex recipes, including:

Chipotle Chicken Fajita Bowls. That meal we make TOO often, according to our youngest son. Poor kid. He never gets a variety of meal choices in my kitchen. 😀
Carne Asada Burrito Bowls – The best steak bowls that make great leftovers too!
Flank Steak Fajita Salad. The marinade gives the steak a perfect smoky flavor with a touch of heat. Not too spicy though, I promise.
We also use it in a variety of meats for a variety of Tex-Mex dishes. If you can wrap it in a tortilla or put it on a chip, it will taste great using the BEST EVER marinade.

Overhead shot of a fajita chicken burrito bowl with a fork.

Overhead shot of a burrito bowl and some condiments.

Ingredients Used

Chili Powder
Cumin
Garlic Powder
Red Pepper Flakes
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper
Sugar
Olive Oil
Worcestershire Sauce
Lime Juice – freshly squeezed is best!

A board with the marinade ingredients, labeled.

A jar of the seasoning mix for the best Mexican marinade.

How to make Mexican Marinade

Step 1
Add ingredients to bowl. In a small bowl or jar, combine the dry ingredients – the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, ground pepper, and sugar. Add the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, and freshly lime juice.

Step 2
Whisk ingredients. Use a wire whisk to mix the ingredients together very well.

Step 3
Add marinade to meat. Pour the marinade over the meat, and massage it into the meat.

Step 4
Let rest. Make sure you let the meat marinate for several hours, or even overnight.

I always use a resealable bag, and place it in a pan in the refrigerator. The marinade is BRIGHT orange, and will make a huge mess in your fridge if it’s not sealed correctly. Trust me. I’ve made a few orange messes in my kitchen.

Overhead shot of a bag of marinated chicken plus a bowl after adding marinade.

We grilled this chicken breast (after marinading) on our Big Green Egg, and it was excellent! Try it and you’ll see for yourself!

A board of fajita chicken after grilling.

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

9-Inch Whisk

xoxo ~Sue