Craving that deliciously smoky and spicy chipotle steak you get at Chipotle, but want to make it yourself at home? This easy copycat chipotle steak recipe will help you recreate Chipotle’s famous steak bowls and tacos using simple ingredients.
With just a few basic ingredients like flank steak, adobo sauce, lime, and cilantro, you can easily replicate the flavors of Chipotle’s popular carne asada steak. This copycat recipe produces tender, juicy, and flavorful steak packed with the smoky, mildly spicy taste you love from Chipotle. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Why Follow This Chipotle Copycat Steak Recipe?
Before jumping into the recipe, you may be wondering what makes this copycat version so special and worth trying at home. Here are some of the biggest benefits of using this chipotle steak recipe:
It’s inexpensive. Buying and cooking flank steak yourself saves money compared to buying a steak bowl at Chipotle every time you crave it.
It’s customizable. You control the flavors and can tweak them to your tastes. Add more spice, different toppings, etc.
You can cook to your preferred doneness. Chipotle only serves well-done steak. Make yours rare, medium-rare or well-done.
It’s faster than going out. You can whip up this easy recipe in 30 minutes anytime.
Impress your friends and family. Serve your restaurant-quality chipotle steak at your next taco night or barbecue.
With this easy best chipotle steak recipe copycat, you can enjoy tender, flavorful chipotle steak any night of the week! Keep reading for the complete recipe details.
What Cut of Steak Does Chipotle Use?
Most Chipotle locations use flank steak for their carne asada. This is a lean, versatile and relatively inexpensive cut.
Flank steak has tons of rich beefy flavor, but can turn tough and chewy if overcooked. The key is slicing it thinly across the grain after cooking.
While you can use other cuts of steak like skirt or hanger steak, flank steak gives the closest match to Chipotle’s carne asada.
How Long Should You Marinate the Steak?
To get the most flavor into the meat, marinate the steak for at least 1-2 hours. For best results, marinate overnight in the fridge up to 24 hours.
The longer the steak sits in the spicy adobo marinade, the more moisture and flavor it will absorb. But even just 30 minutes of marinating makes a difference.
What Temperature Should You Cook the Steak To?
Chipotle cooks their steak well-done, but you can adjust the doneness to your taste at home. Use these guidelines:
Rare – 120-125°F (49-52°C)
Medium Rare – 130-135°F (54-57°C)
Medium – 140-145°F (60-63°C)
Medium Well – 150-155°F (66-68°C)
Well Done – 160°F (71°C) and above
For medium rare, cook to 135°F. For well done, cook to at least 155-160°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
How Do You Keep the Steak Juicy?
To prevent the steak from drying out as it cooks:
Don’t overcook it. Cook to medium rare or medium doneness at most.
Make sure to slice against the grain after cooking.
Allow the steak to rest at least 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Pound the steak lightly to tenderize before marinating.
Use a cooking fat like olive oil to keep the meat from sticking.
What Sides Go Well with Chipotle Steak?
Some delicious sides to pair with the zesty chipotle steak include:
Mexican rice
Black or pinto beans
Corn salsa or roasted corn
Lettuce for taco salads or bowls
Diced tomatoes, onion, cilantro
Lime wedges
Tortillas for tacos, burritos or bowls
Avocado
Queso fresco or shredded cheese
Sour cream
Roasted peppers and veggies
Now that you know more about the secrets behind Chipotle’s addicting steak, keep reading for the full copycat recipe so you can make it at home.
Copycat Chipotle Steak Recipe Ingredients
1-1.5 lbs flank steak
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
3-5 chopped chipotle peppers from can of chipotles in adobo sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Lime wedges, for serving
Corn or flour tortillas, warmed, for serving
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving
Diced onion, for serving
Shredded cheese, sour cream, etc., for serving
How to Make Copycat Chipotle Steak
Step1:
Place the flank steak in a gallon size zip top bag or flat dish. Pound gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it’s an even 1/2 inch thickness. This helps it cook faster and more evenly.
Step2:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, lime juice, olive oil, chopped chipotle peppers, garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano and some salt and pepper.
Step3:
Reserve about 1/4 cup of marinade to brush over the cooked steak.
Step4:
Pour the remaining marinade over the steak. Seal the bag, or cover the dish, and marinate for at least 1-2 hours up to overnight. Flip the bag or steak halfway through marinating.
Step5:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush with a little oil to prevent sticking.
Step6:
Remove steak from marinade and pat dry. Discard used marinade.
Step7:
Cook steak for 3-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check temperature.
Step8:
Remove steak from skillet and let rest 5 minutes. Slice thinly across the grain.
Step9:
Brush reserved marinade over sliced steak. Serve with warmed tortillas, lime wedges, cilantro, onion and other desired toppings. Enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Copycat Chipotle Steak
Look for chipotle chiles canned in adobo sauce for the easiest addition of smoky, spicy flavor.
Don’t overcook the steak! Medium rare to medium is ideal.
Make sure to slice against the grain after cooking for tender steak bites.
Add any extra desired seasonings to the marinade like oregano, cumin, garlic, etc.
Use a grill pan or outdoor grill for great charred flavors.
Pound the steak to an even thickness so it cooks evenly.
Make it your own with added toppings like guacamole, queso, pickled onions, etc.
How and where to store chipole steak?
Leftover chipotle steak holds up well in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored properly. Place any unused raw steak in an airtight container or zip top bag and store in the fridge for 2-3 days max. For cooked chipotle steak, let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container.
Make sure to slice the steak against the grain before refrigerating to maximize tenderness. Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat leftover steak in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through before serving again. With proper storage, you can enjoy the flavors of this easy chipotle steak all week long.
FAQs For Chipotle Steak Recipe
Here are some commonly asked question that are from chipotle users
What kind of steak does Chipotle use?
Chipotle uses flank steak for their signature carne asada meat. Flank steak is a lean, inexpensive cut that provides great beefy flavor. When sliced against the grain after cooking, flank steak produces the tender bites of steak that mimic the texture of Chipotle’s steak perfectly.
What can I use instead of flank steak?
Skirt steak or hanger steak are the closest alternatives. You can also use sirloin tip or flat iron steak.
Can I cook it from frozen?
Yes, but add 1-2 extra minutes per side to the cooking time if cooking from fully frozen.
What if I can’t find chipotle peppers in adobo?
Use 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika instead.
Can I grill the steak instead?
Yes, grilling over direct high heat will give great charred flavor. Cook to desired doneness.
What if my steak is too spicy?
Reduce the amount of chipotle peppers used in the marinade. Start with 2 and add more to taste.
More Copycat Chipotle Recipes to Try
If you love replicating the flavors of Chipotle Mexican Grill at home, try these other copycat recipes:
Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl
Chipotle Guacamole
chipotle steak burrito
Creamy Cilantro Lime Rice
Spicy Chicken Tacos
Chipotle’s Corn Salsa
With these copycat recipes, you can recreate all your favorite Chipotle menu items right in your own kitchen for a fraction of the cost. Make weeknight dinners more exciting and get that crave-worthy Chipotle flavor anytime.
Don’t forget to check our Chipotle nutrition calculator if you want to keep an eye on the nutritional content of your homemade Chipotle-inspired dishes.”
Summary
This copycat Chipotle steak recipe reveals how to recreate their signature carne asada at home with just a few ingredients. Simply marinate flank steak in a smoky, spicy blend of adobo sauce, cilantro and lime.
Cook over high heat for a tender and juicy chipotle-flavored steak. With just 30 minutes of easy prep and cooking, you can make authentic tasting Chipotle steak bowls and tacos customized to your taste for a fraction of the cost.
Tip:
f you want to learn more about Chipotle recipes, you can visit Reddit and search for “Chipotle steak recipe copycat Reddit.” On Reddit, there are active discussions and debates surrounding creating the best copycat Chipotle steak recipe at home. Reddit provides a platform to explore various user-generated Chipotle steak copycat recipes and engage in constructive conversations comparing preparation techniques, ingredients, cooking methods, and more.
