This Chipotle Garlic Guajillo Steak Recipe features juicy flank steak marinated in guajillo chiles, garlic, lime, and cilantro, then seared to perfection. A bold, smoky, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or a steak night upgrade!
You know how some meals just stick with you? Like, long after you’ve taken the last bite, you’re still thinking about it? That’s exactly what happened the first time I made this Chipotle Garlic Guajillo Steak.
I’d just come back from a trip to Texas, where I ate my weight in tacos, and one particular steak taco haunted my dreams in the best way possible. It had this deep, smoky flavor, just the right level of spice, and a citrusy zing that tied it all together. I knew I had to figure out how to make it myself.
Fast forward to my kitchen, and after some trial and error (and one overly spicy mishap—I learned the hard way that guajillo chiles need balance), I landed on this recipe. And let me tell you—it’s a game changer. If you love bold, garlicky, slightly spicy steak that melts in your mouth, this is your new go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Chipotle Garlic Guajillo Steak Recipe?
- Incredible flavor – The marinade works its magic, infusing every bite with smoky, garlicky, citrusy goodness.
- Perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, or just eating straight off the cutting board – No judgment here.
- Simple ingredients, restaurant-quality taste – You’d pay good money for this at a fancy taco joint, but now you can make it at home!
- Quick cooking time – The marinade does all the work. Once it’s time to cook, it takes less than 10 minutes.
- Make-ahead friendly – Marinate it overnight and dinner comes together fast.
Ingredient Notes:
This recipe is simple, but each ingredient plays a key role:
- Flank Steak – Lean, flavorful, and perfect when marinated. Skirt steak also works if that’s what you’ve got.
- Guajillo Chiles – Mildly spicy with a deep, smoky flavor. Soak them first to bring out their best.
- Garlic – Six cloves might sound like a lot, but trust me, it’s just right.
- Cilantro – Bright, fresh, and balances the smokiness.
- Lime Juice – Tenderizes the steak and adds that citrusy zing.
- Avocado Oil – High heat = perfect sear. Don’t skip this step!
How To Make Chipotle Garlic Guajillo Steak?
Step 1: Prep the Guajillo Peppers
First, remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo chiles. It’s fine if a few seeds sneak by—just get most of them out. Sometimes cutting the peppers in half makes it easier.
Place them in a small saucepan, cover them with water, and bring to a gentle simmer for 20 minutes. This softens them and deepens their flavor. Pro tip: Reserve 1 cup of the soaking liquid—it’s going in our marinade.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a blender, combine the softened guajillo chiles, reserved liquid, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth. At this point, it’s basically magic in a blender.
Step 3: Marinate the Steak
Place your flank steak in a resealable bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade all over it, making sure it’s fully coated. Seal it up and refrigerate for at least 6 hours—overnight is even better.
Step 4: Sear the Steak
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Heat 1-2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once it’s sizzling hot, add the steak.
Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, just until you get that deep golden crust. Then keep flipping every couple of minutes until the internal temp reaches 130-140°F for a perfect medium-rare.
Step 5: Rest & Slice
Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This keeps all the juices inside, so you’re not left with a dry steak.
Slice against the grain for the most tender, flavorful bites.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Now comes the fun part—how do you eat it? Tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, or straight-up with a fork (or, let’s be real, your fingers). The choice is yours.
Storage Options:
- Fridge: Store sliced steak in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil, then place in a zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat to keep it tender.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Use a different cut – Skirt steak or sirloin work well.
- Make it spicier – Add a chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne.
- Try orange juice instead of lime – Game changer.
- Grill it instead – Fire up the grill for extra smokiness.
What to Serve with Chipotle Garlic Guajillo Steak?
- Warm tortillas – For the ultimate taco night.
- Mexican Rice – Soaks up all that juicy goodness.
- Roasted Veggies – Bell peppers, zucchini, or charred corn.
- Guacamole – Because everything is better with guac.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I marinate the steak for too long?
Yep! More than 24 hours can break down the meat too much. Stick to 6-12 hours for the best results.
What if I can’t find guajillo peppers?
Use ancho chiles for a slightly sweeter flavor or New Mexico chiles for a milder taste.
Can I cook this on the grill instead?
Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
If you love bold, smoky, and slightly spicy steak, this Chipotle Garlic Guajillo Steak Recipe is calling your name. Whether you’re piling it into tacos, serving it with rice, or just sneaking bites straight from the cutting board (guilty), it’s a guaranteed hit.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! What’s your favorite way to enjoy it? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Chipotle Garlic Guajillo Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound 454 g flank steak, approximately 1 inch thick
- 4 dried guajillo chiles stems and seeds removed
- 6 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1-2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil
Instructions
Prepare the Guajillo Chiles
- Remove the stems and seeds from the guajillo chiles, ensuring most seeds are discarded while leaving a few for additional flavor. If necessary, slice the chiles in half to remove the seeds more efficiently.
- In a small saucepan, submerge the chiles in water and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow them to simmer for 20 minutes, which will soften the chiles and enhance their flavor. Reserve 1 cup of the soaking liquid to be used in the marinade.
Prepare the Marinade
- In a blender, combine the softened guajillo chiles, reserved liquid, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Blend until a smooth consistency is achieved. The marinade should be slightly thick yet pourable.
Marinate the Steak
- Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the steak, ensuring it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
Sear the Steak
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of avocado or vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the marinated steak.
- Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Continue cooking, flipping every 1-2 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 130°F to 140°F (54°C to 60°C) for medium-rare doneness.
Rest and Slice
- Transfer the cooked steak to a plate and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Allow the steak to rest for 10 minutes, which helps retain its juices and enhances tenderness.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips for optimal texture and flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the steak warm as a standalone dish or alongside warm tortillas, rice, roasted vegetables, or guacamole for a well-balanced meal.
Notes
- Confirm that avocado or vegetable oil has no cross-contamination.
- If serving with tortillas, choose certified gluten-free corn tortillas.
- Check the kosher salt or any pre-mixed seasoning for potential gluten additives.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
