Copycat Chipotle Steak Recipe

Today, we’re diving into the smoky, succulent world of our Chipotle Steak Recipe. If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfectly marinated and grilled steak from Chipotle, we’ve got you covered. 

We’re about to unlock the secrets to recreating that restaurant-quality steak right in your home kitchen. Whether you want to impress at your next barbecue or simply elevate a weeknight dinner, this recipe is your ticket to deliciousness. Let’s get cooking!

What You’ll Need For Chipotle Steak

Sirloin Steak. This is a relatively lean cut of beef from the rear of the cow. It’s tender enough for quick, high-heat cooking and holds up well under the robust flavors of a marinade. The sirloin lends itself to being both flavorful and succulent, acting as an excellent canvas for the flavors introduced by the marinade. You can also try using flank steak or skirt steak.

Adobo Sauce. Adobo sauce is a spicy, tangy blend often incorporating chilies, vinegar, and spices. In this recipe, it serves as the base of the marinade, enveloping the steak in its rich and complex flavors. It adds a smoky, slightly piquant note that takes the steak to another level.

Olive Oil. A good quality olive oil acts as the liquid fat component in the marinade. It helps to tenderize the meat and carry the flavors of the other ingredients deep into the fibers of the steak. It also aids in the cooking process, allowing for a beautiful sear that locks in juices.

Cumin. This aromatic spice has earthy, warm, and slightly citrusy undertones. It brings a touch of complexity and a hint of smokiness to the dish, complementing the adobo sauce and the inherent flavors of the sirloin steak beautifully.

Oregano. Oregano adds a herbaceous kick and aromatic depth to the marinade. It’s like the backup singer that elevates the star performers, allowing other flavors to shine without overwhelming them.

Black Pepper. An indispensable spice that adds both heat and depth of flavor. The spiciness of black pepper pairs incredibly well with the smokiness of adobo and the earthiness of cumin, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

Salt. The universal flavor enhancer, salt is crucial for seasoning the steak and amplifying all the other flavors in the dish. It draws out the natural juiciness of the steak, making each bite succulent and rich.

How to Make Chipotle Steak

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Marination Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour, 25 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs sirloin steak
• 1/2 cup adobo sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Preparation: In a bowl, combine adobo sauce, olive oil, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well incorporated.
2. Marination: Place the sirloin steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Cooking: Preheat your grill or a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook the steak on the preheated grill or in the large skillet for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until your desired level of doneness is reached.
4. Rest & Serve: Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice against the grain and serve.

Tips for the Best Chipotle Copycat Recipe

Marinate Overnight for Maximum Flavor

The longer you let your steak soak up the marinade, the more intensified and integrated the flavors become. Marinating overnight allows the adobo sauce, spices, and olive oil to fully penetrate the meat fibers, making it more tender, and leading to a steak that’s not just coated in flavor, but infused with it. If you have the time, an overnight marinade can make a world of difference.

Allow Steak to Rest Post-Cooking

We know it’s tempting to dig right into that perfectly cooked steak, but patience is a virtue here. Allowing the steak to rest for about 5 minutes helps redistribute the juices that have been pushed to the center during cooking. The result? Each bite is equally juicy and succulent.

Slice Against the Grain for Tender Texture

The direction in which you slice your steak matters. Cutting against the grain—meaning perpendicular to the muscle fibers—shortens those fibers, making the meat easier to chew. This trick is especially useful for leaner cuts like sirloin, resulting in a noticeably tender bite.

Use a Meat Thermometer for Precise Cooking

The difference between a perfectly cooked steak and an overcooked one can be a matter of minutes or even seconds. A meat thermometer eliminates the guesswork, ensuring that you hit your desired level of doneness every time. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130–135°F.

Serving Copycat Chipotle Steak Recipe

Burrito Bowl

The robust flavors of Chipotle-style steak make it a perfect centerpiece for a hearty burrito bowl. Layer bite-size pieces of the grilled steak on a bed of fresh cilantro-lime rice and accompany it with black beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream. The zesty kick from the steak marries well with the creaminess of the guacamole and the freshness of the pico de gallo, making every bite a flavorful adventure.

Fajitas

Transform your typical fajita night by incorporating Chipotle-marinated steak into the mix. The spicy and tangy notes of the steak add an extra layer of complexity to the smoky peppers and onions. Serve it all up on warm tortillas with your choice of accompaniments like guacamole, shredded cheese, or a splash of lime juice. Try our Chipotle fajita veggies recipes as well!

Sandwiches

Imagine biting into a sandwich loaded with slices of spicy, tender Chipotle steak. Layer it with some avocado, lettuce, tomato, and maybe a smoky chipotle mayo (or boom boom sauce) to tie it all together. The intense flavors from the steak make the sandwich satisfyingly rich, while the bread acts as the perfect canvas, soaking up all the delicious juices and condiments.

Salad

Who says salads have to be boring? Adding slices of Chipotle steak turns any green salad into a full-fledged meal. The rich, spiced flavors of the steak work wonderfully against a backdrop of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and perhaps a handful of corn or black beans. Consider using a cilantro-lime vinaigrette to maintain the theme and amplify the dish’s flavors.

What to Serve with Chipotle Steak

Redneck Caviar (Corn Salsa)

Redneck Caviar, also known as Corn Salsa, complements the rich and spicy flavors of chipotle steak exceptionally well. The sweet corn kernels, paired with vibrant peppers and a zesty lime dressing, cut through the richness of the steak, balancing the overall flavor profile of the meal. The crunch from the vegetables also adds a textural contrast to the tender, juicy steak.

Ranch Potatoes

Nothing quite pairs with a hearty steak like well-seasoned, crispy potatoes. Ranch potatoes, seasoned with a robust blend of herbs and spices, provide a comforting, flavorful side that enhances the smoky, spicy notes in the chipotle steak. The creaminess of the ranch seasoning acts as a perfect counterbalance to the steak’s intensity, creating a well-rounded meal experience.

Smoked Corn

Smoked corn offers a unique twist on a classic side dish. The smokiness of the corn mirrors the deep, earthy flavors present in the chipotle steak. Moreover, the sweetness of the corn provides a light relief from the steak’s richness, offering a harmonious blend of flavors. When each bite combines these two elements, you achieve culinary synergy that elevates the entire meal.

Spinach

A side of sautéed or steamed spinach offers a nutritious and flavorful pairing for chipotle steak. The earthy, slightly bitter taste of spinach pairs wonderfully with the robust flavors of the steak, while its lightness prevents the meal from becoming overly heavy. Furthermore, the green color adds a visual pop to the plate, making for a balanced, visually appealing meal.

Chipotle Steak Recipe FAQs

What is the steak made of at Chipotle?

The steak at Chipotle is usually made from beef cuts like sirloin or round steak. These are marinated in a blend of adobo sauce, spices, and other ingredients before being grilled to perfection.

What is chipotle steak cooked to?

Chipotle typically cooks their steak to about medium-well, ensuring it is juicy yet fully cooked. However, it’s always a good idea to check your local Chipotle for their specific practices, as they may vary.

Why is Chipotle steak so spicy?

The spiciness in Chipotle’s steak comes from their marinade, which includes adobo sauce and various spices. These ingredients work together to give the steak its signature kick. The spiciness is intentional, aiming to provide a robust and zesty flavor profile that stands up to the other strong flavors in their bowls, burritos, and tacos.

How does Chipotle get their steak so tender?

The tenderness of Chipotle’s steak can be attributed to the marinade as well as the cooking technique. The acids in the adobo sauce help break down the muscle fibers in the steak, while spices like cumin and oregano penetrate the meat to tenderize it from the inside out. Additionally, Chipotle typically uses high-quality cuts of beef, which naturally tend to be more tender.

How do you store leftover Chipotle steak?

For optimal taste and safety of your Chipotle steak, it’s important to store your leftovers properly. You can do this by simply placing them in an airtight container to preserve the flavors and moisture, and then storing the container in the refrigerator. This will help prolong the shelf life of your steak, ensuring it remains fresh and delicious for your next meal.

More Copycat and Steak Recipes

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Auntie’s Anne’s Pretzel Recipe

Hello Fresh Tex-Mex Paste

Outback Ranch Dressing

Have questions or suggestions about this Chipotle steak recipe? Leave them in the comments below.