Steak fajitas are one of those dishes that instantly bring a smile to your face and a warm feeling in your heart. Picture this: tender, marinated steak sizzling on a hot skillet, the aroma wafting through the kitchen as vibrant bell peppers and onions join the mix. It’s a delightful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends. In this Steak Fajitas Recipe, you’ll discover how the balance of citrus and spices enhances the meat’s flavor, resulting in a meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. Plus, it’s customizable! Whether you prefer guacamole or sour cream, you can add your favorite toppings. Let’s jump right into this fun cooking adventure that results in a fabulous meal!
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this Steak Fajitas Recipe lies in the balance of citrus and spices. The marinade, featuring orange juice and lime, infuses the steak with an incredible flavor that you can’t resist. Together with garlic and a hint of cumin, the marinade creates a taste sensation that’s both zesty and savory.
Now, cooking the meat over high heat is crucial. It helps achieve a perfect sear while keeping the steak juicy and tender. The grill or skillet locks in those mouthwatering juices, making each bite a memorable experience.
Why You’ll Love This Steak Fajitas Recipe
One of the best things about this recipe is the quick prep and cooking time. On busy weeknights, you can whip up these fajitas in no time, allowing you to spend more time with family and less time in the kitchen.
And let’s not forget about versatility. You can customize your fajitas with your favorite toppings, from fresh salsa to creamy avocado. This means everyone at the table can personalize their meal to suit their taste, making it a fun experience.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make your flavorful steak fajitas:
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 2 tablespoons avocado oil, plus 4 tablespoons divided
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1/2 teaspoon cumin
– 2 teaspoons onion powder
– 1/2 large jalapeno, chopped
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 3 pounds steak (skirt steak, tri-tip steak, or sirloin steak)
– 2 teaspoons garlic salt, divided
– 1/2 large red bell pepper, sliced
– 1/2 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1/2 large orange bell pepper, sliced
– 1/2 large green bell pepper, sliced
– 1/2 large red onion, sliced
– Flour tortillas
– Sour cream
– Shredded cheese
– Shredded lettuce
– Salsa
– Guacamole
Marinating the Steak
To start, combine the orange juice, lime juice, avocado oil, minced garlic, cumin, onion powder, jalapeno, and cilantro in a medium mixing bowl. Mix well until everything is combined. Then, add the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated with the marinade.
Once that’s done, seal the bag tightly and let it marinate in the refrigerator. Aim for at least 4 hours, but if you can, let it soak up those flavors for up to 24 hours. It’s well worth the wait for optimal flavor.
Cooking Fajitas
When you’re ready to cook, take the marinated steak out of the fridge. Allow it to come to room temperature; this step ensures even cooking. Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Now, cook half of the steak at a time for the best results. Season each piece with 1 teaspoon of garlic salt on both sides. Sauté for about 3 minutes on each side until it reaches medium-rare, or cook longer if you prefer it done more. Once it’s cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the pan and let it rest. Cover it with aluminum foil for about 5 minutes; this resting time enhances tenderness.
Next, add the remaining oil to the skillet and sauté the sliced onions and bell peppers. Season with the remaining garlic salt, and cook for about 6 minutes, until the veggies are tender and slightly caramelized.
To Serve
Now, the fun part! Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin pieces. Serve it wrapped in warm tortillas, alongside the sautéed veggies. Don’t forget to set out your choice of toppings, like sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh lettuce, and salsa. Everyone can build their perfect fajita just the way they like it!
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, pair these delicious fajitas with sides like Mexican rice or black beans. You could also enjoy them with corn on the cob or crispy tortilla chips dipped in salsa for a delightful crunch.
Tips for Success
To ensure your steak is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer. Aim for 130°F for a lovely medium-rare. Another tip is not to overcrowd the skillet while cooking the steak. Overcrowding can cause the meat to steam instead of sear, which might leave you with less crispy edges.
Variations
If you’re looking for some variations, consider substituting chicken or shrimp for the steak. These choices provide a lighter option while still maintaining great flavor. You might also try adding other spices, like smoked paprika, to create an interesting twist on the classic recipe.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the meat and veggies in a skillet. This method helps maintain their texture and flavor, letting you savor those delicious fajitas once more.
FAQs
1. Can I use other cuts of beef for fajitas?
Absolutely! Ribeye or flank steak work wonderfully as alternatives.
2. How can I customize my fajitas?
Feel free to add toppings like diced tomatoes, avocado, or different salsas to make it your own.
3. Is it necessary to marinate the steak?
While marinating enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat, you can skip it in a pinch.
4. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes! Cook the steak and veggies ahead of time, and store them separately until you’re ready to heat and serve.
5. What’s the best way to reheat fajitas?
Reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. This helps retain their texture and flavor, bringing a fresh taste to leftovers.
Steak fajitas embody a vibrant blend of flavors and aromas, creating a dish that brings people together around the dinner table. With fresh ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, it invites creativity and custom options. Each bite carries the heart of Tex-Mex cuisine, making it a beloved choice for both everyday meals and festive gatherings. Enjoy crafting your very own steak fajitas, and relish the experience of sharing this delicious food with those you love!
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Steak Fajitas
Steak Fajitas are a delightful dish combining marinated steak with vibrant bell peppers and onions, perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Quick and customizable!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil, plus 4 tablespoons divided
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/2 large jalapeno, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 3 pounds steak (skirt steak, tri-tip steak, or sirloin steak)
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt, divided
- 1/2 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 large yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 large orange bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 large red onion, sliced
- Flour tortillas
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Salsa
- Guacamole
Instructions
- Combine orange juice, lime juice, avocado oil, garlic, cumin, onion powder, jalapeno, and cilantro in a bowl.
- Add steak, coat with marinade, and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.
- Let the steak reach room temperature before cooking.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook steak in batches, seasoning with garlic salt, for about 3 minutes on each side.
- Remove steak and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Sauté onions and bell peppers in remaining oil until tender.
- Slice steak and serve in tortillas with sautéed veggies and toppings.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness; aim for 130°F for medium-rare.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure a good sear on the steak.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 20
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 100
