Chi-Chi’s Margarita Marinade

Who knew that classic drinks like mojitos and margaritas could make such great flavorings for meat and seafood?

Chi-Chi’s Margarita Marinade is a flavorful and tangy marinade that adds a Mexican-inspired twist to your grilled meats. With a combination of diced tomatoes and green chilies, orange juice, tequila, lime juice, and other delicious ingredients, this marinade infuses your choice of steak, chicken, or pork with a burst of citrusy and zesty flavors.

The marinade starts with a mix of diced tomatoes and green chilies, which adds a hint of spiciness and tanginess to the marinade. Orange juice and lime juice contribute their bright and refreshing citrus flavors, while tequila adds a unique twist and depth of flavor. The addition of minced garlic and grated lime peel adds aromatic elements to the marinade.

To use the marinade, simply combine all the ingredients in a zip-top plastic bag and coat your chosen meat thoroughly. Let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate and enhance the meat’s taste and tenderness. When it’s time to cook, you can broil the marinated meat until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

The reserved marinade can be heated in a saucepan, bringing it to a boil for a minute to ensure food safety and create a flavorful sauce to serve alongside the cooked meat. This tangy and vibrant marinade adds a delightful twist to your grilled meats and is perfect for summer cookouts or whenever you want to add some Mexican flair to your dishes.

YIELDS: 1 CUP

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
• ¼ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup tequila
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon grated lime peel
• 2 pounds boneless steak, chicken, or pork

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large zip-top plastic food bag, combine the drained diced tomatoes and green chilies, orange juice, tequila, vegetable oil, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and grated lime peel. Mix well.
2. Add the boneless steak, chicken, or pork to the bag, seal it, and turn it over several times to coat the meat thoroughly in the marinade.
3. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let the meat marinate for 8 hours or overnight, turning the bag occasionally.
4. Preheat the broiler. Remove the meat from the marinade, reserving the marinade.
5. Place the meat on a broiler pan and broil it 7-8 inches from the heat source until it reaches the desired doneness.
6. Meanwhile, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil. Boil for 1 minute.
7. Serve the cooked meat with the marinade poured on top.