Spicy Mexican Marinade

Yields about 2-1/2 cups, enough to marinate 2-1/2 lb. food

by Elizabeth Karmel
from Fine Cooking
Issue 118
Last Edit Date: 7/19/2012 2:16:08 PM

Mayonnaise is the perfect base for a marinade. Here, it takes the place of oil and keeps the marinade ingredients suspended. The lime juice cuts through the richness of the smoky chipotle marinade, and the beer adds depth of flavor. Use for steak, pork, chicken, or fish (especially tuna or halibut steaks).

more about:

1 7-oz. can chipotles en adobo
1/2 medium white onion, coarsely chopped
1/4 cup dark beer (such as Negra Modelo)
1/4 cup packed fresh cilantro
2 Tbs. fresh lime juice (from 1 medium lime)
Fine sea salt
1 cup mayonnaise; more as needed

In a blender, purée the chipotles and the adobo sauce until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl. In the blender, purée the onion, beer, cilantro, lime juice, and a large pinch of salt. Transfer the mixture to a large nonreactive bowl. Fold in the mayonnaise and 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the chipotle purée, to taste. (Refrigerate the remaining purée for another use; it will keep in an airtight container for at least 1 month.)

Make Ahead Tips

The marinade will keep, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete south-of-the-border meal, serve with our Mexican Grilled Corn on the Cob.

nutrition information (per serving):
Size : per 1 Tbs.; Calories (kcal): 45; Fat (g): 4.5; Fat Calories (kcal): 40; Saturated Fat (g): 0.5; Protein (g): 0; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 1; Carbohydrates (g): 1; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 2.5; Sodium (mg): 90; Cholesterol (mg): 0; Fiber (g): 0;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by Twinally, 5/11/2013Good flavor, but I really couldn't tasted it on the cooked chicken. Don't recommend BBQ because the marinade burns. Leftover mayo is good as a sandwich spread.

by jc0730, 8/7/2012This is easy and outstanding and has so many uses. I love spicy but I know some don't. Make sure you know, this is spicy! Leftovers would be great in tacos so make extras!

by Julswanso, 7/30/2012The recipe was fast and easy. Just the right amount of kick to this recipe. We used boneless skinless chicken breast. We finished the beer while the chicken marinated! Served it with black beans, corn and rice.