Mexican Marinated Chicken or Pork
Scale Recipe
Adjust ingredient quantities for your desired serving size
For the Marinated Meat
The corn starch helps the spices cling to the meat like barnacles to a hull, creating a better crust when cooking
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken or pork (boneless, skinless)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon corn starch
Instructions
- Combine all marinade ingredients (garlic through corn starch) in a bowl and mix well to form a paste.
- Slice chicken or pork into thin strips, approximately 1/4 inch thick for even cooking.
- Add meat to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook meat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked (165°F for chicken, 145°F for pork).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving in tacos, burritos, or bowls.
Prep: 15 min • Cook: 15 min • Wait: 2 hours
Notes
This versatile filling keeps well in the ship’s stores for up to 4 days when properly chilled. The longer marinating time rewards patience - like waiting for favorable winds, the extra time yields richer flavor. For a smokier taste worthy of a coastal cantina, finish the meat on a hot grill rather than the stovetop.