Copycat Lupe Tortilla Beef Fajita Marinade Recipe

The Best Fajitas at Home

I love a copycat recipe that I can make at home just as delicious as they can at a restaurant. Lupe tortilla fajitas are so good because the marinade brings tons of flavor. 

Beef fajitas at home are perfect for a busy weeknight because they cook up so quickly. But they are also awesome to serve a crowd. All you need for your own fiesta at home are a few great recipes and good margaritas!

What is the Best Fajita Meat 

When you hit the grocery stores, look for a cut of meat that will absorb this delicious marinade. My favorite is the flap steak from Costco. It is run through a meat tenderizer so it is super easy to eat. 

Other options include:

Flank steak- a little leaner and less tender than flap meat

Skirt Steak- very similar to flap meat but it's not the same

Marinade Ingredients

This marinade recipe is ideal for 2-3 pounds of meat. That's enough for a family dinner of 4-6 people. You can easily adjust the recipe if needed. 

• 2 pounds skirt steak
• mayonnaise - it sounds weird but it is the secret to the ultimate marinade
• garlic cloves
• olive oil or neutral flavored vegetable oil
• fresh lime juice
• goyo adobo powder 
• onion powder
• cumin
• black pepper
• salt

For the Fajita Veggies

Traditional fajita vegetables are green bell peppers and sliced white onions. Slice the bell peppers and onions lengthwise in long strips. Drizzle the prepped veggies with oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook on a high heat stirring constantly.

Pro tip- pour some of the prepared marinade over the veggies while they are cooking. That makes them more yummy. 

Step By Step Instructions 

1. Combine all of the marinade ingredients and stir until well mixed. 
2. Place your meat in a large plastic bag and pour the marinade over. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 4-8 hours for maximum flavor.
3. When you are ready to cook the steak fajitas, preheat your cooking vessel listed below and cook the steak until it is medium rare to medium.
4. Remove the steak from where you cooked it and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before slicing. 
5. Serve with everything you love for great tex-mex food at home.

Cooking Methods 

You can make this a few ways. Pick your favorite option. 

Cast Iron Pan on the stove: preheat the pan to medium-high heat. Cook the fajita meat for 4-5 minutes per side until the edges are charred and you have a warm pink center. (stay focused. keep your mind out of the gutter)

Grill Pan: similar to the cast iron pan method. Give a light coating of non-stick spray to the grill pan and cook for 5-6 minutes per sides. Continue flipping the meat so it doesn't burn and cook until it has reached your desired temperature. 

On the grill: Preheat the grill to HIGH or 425-450 degrees. Lay the meat directly on the grill grates and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 125-130˚F.

Can I Use Other Protein

Yes, I will allow that. Chicken breasts also holds up to this marinade. If you want your family (especially your kids) to eat more protein, serve them two kinds. I can never choose just one in the restaurant anyway and love the chicken fajita steak fajita combo. 

Make this the Perfect Meal

Homemade pico de Gallo 

Sour Cream

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Shredded iceberg lettuce

Warm Tortillas - corn tortillas and warm flour tortillas

Blood Orange Margaritas

Great sides include: beans, Mexican rice, fresh guacamole. 

Related Recipes

Carne Asada

Beef Enchilada Casserole