Looking to take your grilled or smoked beef to the next level? This Spicy Chipotle BBQ Beef Marinade delivers a perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and tangy sweetness. Whether you're marinating a juicy steak, brisket, or ribs, this marinade infuses deep, rich flavors that enhance the natural taste of the beef. The chipotle peppers add a smoky spice, while the BBQ sauce and honey bring a sweet, savory depth. Perfect for summer cookouts, weeknight grilling, or even meal prepping flavorful beef for tacos and sandwiches!
Spicy Chipotle BBQ Beef Marinade
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Marinating Time 1 day d
Total Time 1 day d 5 minutes mins
Course Recipe Component
Cuisine American, Mexican
- 3 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce finely chopped
- 2 tbsp adobo sauce from the chipotle can
- ½ cup BBQ sauce your favorite variety
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- Juice of 1 lime
In a mixing bowl, whisk together all the ingredients until well combined.
Place your beef cut (steaks, ribs, brisket, etc.) in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
Pour the marinade over the beef, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Seal the container/bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
When ready to cook, remove the beef from the marinade and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling or smoking.
Grill, smoke, or pan-sear your beef to desired doneness, basting occasionally with extra marinade for extra flavor.
Best Pairings
This Spicy Chipotle BBQ Beef pairs amazingly with:
- Grilled corn on the cob with butter and lime
- Creamy coleslaw for a refreshing contrast
- Garlic mashed potatoes or Mexican-style rice
- Crispy onion rings or sweet potato fries
- A smoky Mezcal cocktail or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon
FAQs
1. What’s the best cut of beef for this marinade?
This marinade works great on ribeye, flank steak, skirt steak, brisket, short ribs, or even chuck roast for shredding.
2. Can I use this for chicken or pork?
Yes! It’s fantastic on chicken thighs, pork chops, or even shrimp—just adjust marinating time (chicken 1-6 hours, shrimp 30 minutes).
3. Is this marinade very spicy?
It has medium heat, but you can adjust by reducing the chipotle peppers or adding extra honey to balance the spice.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This marinade keeps well in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container.
