chipotle steak recipe

This chipotle-marinated steak is smoky, spicy, and full of bold flavors, perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or even oven-roasting.


πŸ›’ Ingredients:

For the Chipotle Marinade:

  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (canned)
  • 2 tbsp adobo sauce (from the can)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (fresh)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Β½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Β½ tsp oregano
  • 1 tbsp honey (optional, for balance)

For the Steak:

  • 1.5 lbs flank steak (or ribeye, sirloin, or skirt steak)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking, if pan-searing)

⏳ Cooking Time:

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Marinating: 2–12 hours (longer = better flavor)
  • Cooking:
    • Grill: 4–5 minutes per side (medium-rare)
    • Pan-sear: 3–4 minutes per side (medium-rare)
    • Oven (broil): 5–6 minutes per side

πŸ”₯ Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Make the Chipotle Marinade

  • In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, and honey.
  • Blend until smooth.

2. Marinate the Steak

  • Place the steak in a ziplock bag or shallow dish.
  • Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s fully coated.
  • Cover and marinate for at least 2 hours (or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor).

3. Cook the Steak

βœ… Grilling:

  • Preheat grill to medium-high heat (450Β°F/230Β°C).
  • Grill steak for 4–5 minutes per side (for medium-rare).
  • Remove and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

βœ… Pan-Searing:

  • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear steak for 3–4 minutes per side.
  • Remove from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

βœ… Broiling (Oven):

  • Preheat oven to broil (high).
  • Place steak on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Broil 5–6 minutes per side, flipping once.
  • Let rest before slicing.

4. Slice & Serve

  • Slice steak against the grain into thin strips.
  • Serve with warm tortillas, rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad.

πŸ’‘ Tips & Suggestions:

βœ… Extra Smokiness? Add Β½ tsp liquid smoke to the marinade.
βœ… More Heat? Add an extra chipotle pepper or a dash of cayenne.
βœ… Sweeter Flavor? Add 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey to balance the heat.
βœ… Serving Ideas:

  • Tacos: Serve in warm corn tortillas with guacamole & salsa.
  • Bowl: Over rice with black beans, avocado, and corn.
  • Salad: Over mixed greens with a creamy cilantro dressing.