Chipotle Steak Recipe
This easy Chipotle Steak Recipe combines smoky chipotle peppers with tender, juicy steak for a bold and flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, it offers a spicy, smoky punch with minimal ingredients and effort. Versatile and satisfying, it works great as a main dish, in tacos, salads, or rice bowls.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Total Time: 40-55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Steak
- 1 to 1.5 pounds skirt, flank, or sirloin steak (or ribeye/New York strip as variation)
Marinade
- 2–3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare the Marinade: Combine chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, crushed garlic, lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, salt, and pepper in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth to create a smoky and flavorful marinade that will coat the steak evenly.
- Marinate the Steak: Place your chosen steak in a shallow dish or resealable bag, and pour the marinade over it. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Grill or Pan: Heat a grill or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Ensure it is very hot to achieve a nice sear on the steak’s surface, locking in the juices and flavors.
- Cook the Steak: Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and preferred doneness. Aim for a beautiful char while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- Rest and Slice: Allow the steak to rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes to let juices redistribute. Slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature; 130°F for medium-rare is ideal.
- Don’t skip resting after cooking to keep steak juicy and flavorful.
- Marinate longer for more flavor but avoid exceeding 6 hours to prevent mushy texture.
- Toast cumin and other dry spices lightly before blending to intensify aroma.
- Use fresh garlic and fresh lime juice for best vibrancy and depth of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 112g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: chipotle steak, smoky steak, grilled steak, spicy steak, quick steak recipe, Mexican steak, weeknight dinner, easy steak marinade