Description
Sizzling “steak fajitas” bring Mexican street cuisine straight to kitchen counters with bold, zesty flavors. Peppers, onions, and perfectly seasoned beef create a quick, mouthwatering meal you can easily master at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1.5 lbs beef skirt steak or flank steak
- 0.5 lb chicken breast (optional)
Vegetables:
- 2 large bell peppers (mixed colors)
- 1 large yellow onion
- 3 cloves garlic
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lime
- 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp sour cream (optional)
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Slice skirt steak and chicken breast (if using) into thin, uniform strips against the meat grain to ensure tenderness and easy eating.
- Mince garlic and chop bell peppers and onions into thin, even strips to promote consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
- Combine fajita seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl, then thoroughly coat meat strips with the spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and just before smoking point, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Carefully add meat strips to the hot skillet, allowing them to sear without overcrowding, which creates a beautiful caramelized exterior. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove seared meat and set aside, then in the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, onions, and garlic until slightly softened and edges begin to caramelize, about 4-5 minutes.
- Return meat to the skillet, combining with vegetables and allowing flavors to meld for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Squeeze fresh lime juice over the fajita mixture to brighten and enhance the overall taste profile.
- Warm tortillas in a separate pan or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh cilantro, optional sour cream, and shredded cheese, allowing diners to assemble their own fajitas.
Notes
- Slice meat against the grain to guarantee maximum tenderness and prevent tough, chewy bites.
- Marinate meat for 30 minutes in advance to infuse deeper flavor and enhance meat’s natural juiciness.
- Use high-heat cooking method like cast-iron skillet to achieve perfect caramelization and restaurant-quality sear.
- Opt for gluten-free tortillas and omit cheese for dairy-free alternative, making recipe adaptable for various dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg