Steak Fajitas Recipe
If you’ve ever tasted sizzling Steak Fajitas at a Mexican restaurant, you’ll know just how irresistible they are. Tender, juicy steak, vibrant bell peppers, and onions, all cooked to perfection and served with warm tortillas—what’s not to love?
I remember the first time I made Steak Fajitas at home; I was amazed by how simple yet flavorful the dish was.
Not only did it taste just like the ones I’d order at a restaurant, but it was also incredibly satisfying to make my own fajitas from scratch. Since then, it’s become a favorite in my household, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you.
In this recipe, I’ll walk you through every step, from marinating the steak to grilling it and creating the perfect fajita toppings. The great thing about this dish is that you can customize it with your favorite toppings, making it as mild or spicy as you like.
Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions that will have you creating the most mouthwatering steak fajitas in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Deliciously Tender Steak
The steak is marinated in a flavorful combination of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and spices. This marinade not only imparts amazing flavors but also tenderizes the meat, making it juicy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Perfectly Grilled Vegetables
The fajita vegetables—bell peppers and onions—are sautéed until they’re just tender but still crisp, retaining their natural sweetness and crunch. They add a vibrant pop of color and flavor to the dish.
Customizable
One of the things I love about Steak Fajitas is that they’re completely customizable. You can swap out the steak for chicken, shrimp, or even vegetables for a vegetarian version. You can also choose your favorite toppings, from guacamole and sour cream to cheese and salsa.
Easy to Make
While Steak Fajitas may sound like an elaborate meal, they’re actually quite easy to make at home. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your kitchen.
Fun and Interactive Meal
Fajitas are typically served with tortillas on the side, allowing everyone to assemble their own meal. This makes it a fun and interactive dish, perfect for family dinners, taco nights, or casual gatherings with friends.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and honey (if using). This mixture will infuse the steak with a smoky, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will make a noticeable difference.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice the Veggies: While the steak is marinating, slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. You can use any colors of bell peppers you prefer, but I recommend using a mix of red, yellow, and green for a pop of color.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a stovetop grill pan, preheat it over medium-high heat as well. The key to a good sear is a hot grill or pan, so make sure it’s heated properly before cooking the steak.
- Grill the Steak: Remove the steak from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Place the steak on the preheated grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F.
- Rest the Steak: Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the steak tender and juicy.
- Slice the Steak: After the steak has rested, use a sharp knife to slice it thinly against the grain. This will ensure that the steak is tender and easy to chew.
Step 4: Assemble the Fajitas
- Warm the Tortillas: While the steak is resting, warm the tortillas. You can do this by placing them on a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side or wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 20-30 seconds.
- Assemble the Fajitas: On each tortilla, layer a few slices of grilled steak, sautéed bell peppers, and onions. Top with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and your choice of toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, and salsa.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the fajitas immediately with lime wedges on the side. Let everyone assemble their own fajitas and enjoy the sizzling flavors!
Variations
1. Make It Spicy
If you like a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños to the vegetables or sprinkle some chili flakes on top of the finished fajitas. You can also use a spicy salsa or hot sauce as a topping.
2. Use Chicken or Shrimp
While flank steak is traditional, you can easily swap it out for chicken or shrimp. Simply marinate boneless chicken breasts or shrimp in the same marinade and cook them similarly, adjusting the cooking time as necessary.
3. Add More Veggies
For a more vegetable-packed fajita, you can add mushrooms, zucchini, or even corn to the mix. These vegetables work well when sautéed and add an extra layer of flavor and texture to the dish.
4. Go Low-Carb
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can skip the tortillas and serve the steak and veggies on a bed of lettuce for a fajita salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make the fajita marinade ahead of time?
Yes, the fajita marinade can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s also a great idea to marinate the steak overnight for extra flavor.
2. Can I make the fajitas vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make vegetarian fajitas, you can substitute the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms, tofu, or a mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. The marinade will still work wonderfully for these plant-based ingredients.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Leftover steak fajitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the steak and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat, and warm the tortillas separately. You can also store the steak, vegetables, and tortillas separately for easier reheating.
How to Serve
Steak Fajitas are best served fresh and hot, right off the grill. They make an excellent meal for family gatherings, dinner parties, or a casual taco night. Pair them with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh guacamole salad. If you have any leftovers, they’re great for meal prep or can be used in wraps or salads the next day.
Enjoy these sizzling fajitas with your loved ones and savor every bite of juicy steak, sautéed peppers, and perfectly toasted tortillas.
Steak Fajitas Recipe
Ingredients
For the Steak and Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs flank steak or skirt steak
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes freshly squeezed
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey optional, for a touch of sweetness
For the Fajita Vegetables:
- 2 bell peppers thinly sliced (use a mix of colors for a vibrant presentation)
- 1 large onion thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Flour tortillas or corn tortillas, if preferred
- Sour cream optional
- Fresh cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges
- Guacamole optional
- Shredded cheese optional
- Salsa optional
Instructions
- Marinate Steak: Mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, pepper, and honey. Coat the steak with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Sauté Veggies: Slice bell peppers and onion. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté vegetables until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
- Grill Steak: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill steak for 4-5 minutes per side until desired doneness. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
- Assemble Fajitas: Layer grilled steak, sautéed veggies, and toppings (cilantro, lime juice, sour cream, guacamole) on warm tortillas.
- Serve & Enjoy: Serve with lime wedges and enjoy your flavorful, sizzling fajitas!