Steak Fajitas

Ingredients

2 pounds skirt, flank, sirloin, or hanger steak , sliced into 1/2 inch strips

1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced into thin strips

1 bell pepper, deseeded and sliced into thin strips

1 medium onion, peeled and sliced into thin strips

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

pinch cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

6-8 tortillas, warmed

Optional garnish:

sour cream

Guacamole

salsa

Instructions

Place the steak into a sealable bag.

Place the peppers and onion into a separate sealable bag.

Add the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and garlic to a jar with a screw top or tight fitting lid.

Shake until well combined.

Pour 1/3 of the marinade over steak, 1/3 of marinade over vegetables and reserve the remaining marinade in the jar for using when cooking the steak fajitas.

Seal the bags tightly and refrigerate for one hour to overnight.

When ready to cook, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Pour the vegetables into the skillet and cook until just tender crisp, about 5 minutes.

Remove the vegetables from the skillet to a plate and add steak strips to the same skillet.

When the steak is cooked throughout (about 7-10 minutes), add vegetables back to the skillet along with the reserved marinade.

Serve with warm tortillas and desired optional garnishes.

Notes:

Choice of Steak: Skirt, flank, sirloin, or hanger steak are all suitable cuts for fajitas. Ensure the steak is sliced thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.

Preparation: Marinating the steak and vegetables separately allows each to absorb flavors evenly. The marinade consisting of olive oil, lime juice, spices (chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper), salt, pepper, and garlic adds depth and zing to the dish.

Marinating Time: Marinate the steak and vegetables for at least one hour, but ideally overnight for more intense flavor. This step can be done ahead for quick assembly when ready to cook.

Cooking Vegetables: Sauté the sliced peppers and onions until they are tender-crisp, ensuring they retain their bright color and crunch. Cooking them separately from the steak allows better control over their texture.

Cooking Steak: In the same skillet used for vegetables, cook the marinated steak strips over medium-high heat until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness, typically 7-10 minutes for medium.

Combining: Once the steak is cooked, add back the cooked vegetables along with the reserved marinade. This step allows the flavors to meld together and coats everything in the delicious marinade.

Warm Tortillas: Heat the tortillas before serving to make them pliable and enhance their flavor. This can be done in a dry skillet, in the oven, or directly over a gas flame.

Garnishes: Serve the steak fajitas with optional garnishes such as sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. These add creamy, cool, and spicy elements that complement the sizzling flavors of the fajitas.

Presentation: Arrange the steak and vegetable mixture in warm tortillas and serve immediately while hot. This dish is perfect for assembling at the table, allowing everyone to customize their fajitas with their favorite toppings.

Variations: Feel free to customize the fajitas with additional toppings like shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added brightness.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cut of steak for fajitas?

Yes, you can use different cuts of steak for fajitas such as skirt steak, flank steak, sirloin steak, or hanger steak.

Choose a cut that suits your taste and preference for tenderness.

Can I marinate the steak and vegetables for a shorter time?

While marinating the steak and vegetables for at least one hour is recommended to enhance the flavor, you can marinate them for a shorter time if needed.

However, longer marinating times allow the flavors to penetrate the meat and vegetables more effectively.

Can I grill the steak and vegetables instead of using a skillet?

Absolutely! Grilling the steak and vegetables adds a smoky flavor and charred texture to the fajitas.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the steak and vegetables until the meat is cooked to your desired doneness and the vegetables are tender.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the fajitas?

If you prefer spicier fajitas, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add additional spices like cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.

What are some popular garnishes for steak fajitas?

Popular garnishes for steak fajitas include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapeños.

Feel free to customize your fajitas with your favorite toppings.

Can I use a different type of meat for fajitas?

Yes, you can use skirt steak, flank steak, sirloin steak, or hanger steak for fajitas. These cuts are known for their tenderness and flavor, making them ideal for this dish.

How long should I marinate the steak and vegetables?

It is recommended to marinate the steak and vegetables for at least one hour to allow the flavors to infuse.

However, marinating overnight will intensify the taste. If you’re short on time, even a brief marinating period will enhance the flavor to some extent.

Can I cook the fajitas on a grill instead of a skillet?

Yes, grilling the steak and vegetables is a delicious option. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the steak until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Similarly, grill the vegetables until they are tender. This method will add a smoky flavor to your fajitas.

What are some popular toppings for steak fajitas?

Traditional toppings for steak fajitas include sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. You can also add shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

Customize your fajitas with your favorite toppings.