Steak Fajitas Recipe

Sizzling Steak Fajitas Recipe: Bold Tex-Mex Flavor at Home

Crispy, sizzling steak fajitas dance with vibrant peppers and onions, creating a flavor explosion that transforms ordinary dinners.

Mexican cuisine brings excitement to your kitchen with this simple yet spectacular dish.

Bold spices wrap around tender meat, promising an unforgettable meal.

Each bite carries the spirit of authentic street food right to your plate.

Colorful ingredients blend seamlessly, telling a delicious story of tradition and taste.

Quick preparation means you can enjoy restaurant-quality fajitas without leaving home.

Your taste buds will thank you for this culinary adventure that combines simplicity and incredible flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Juicy Steak Fajitas

Step 1: Create Flavor Magic

Whip up a zesty marinade with:
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh lime juice
  • Minced garlic
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Soy sauce
  • Ground cumin
  • Chili powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Submerge steak completely in this flavor bomb. Let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 4 hours, allowing all those incredible spices to work their magic.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan until it’s blazing hot. Drain excess marinade from the steak and place it directly onto the sizzling surface. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until you achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust. The inside should match your preferred doneness. Once cooked, transfer to a cutting board and let it rest, allowing the juices to redistribute.

Step 3: Caramelize Veggie Companions

In the same scorching pan, toss in:
  • Colorful bell peppers
  • Sliced onions

Saute until the vegetables develop gorgeous char marks and become tender. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.

Step 4: Slice Like a Pro

Cut the steak against the grain into thin, mouth-watering strips. This technique ensures each bite is tender and packed with flavor.

Step 5: Build Your Flavor Fiesta

Warm up soft tortillas and create your personal fajita masterpiece. Layer sliced steak and caramelized vegetables. Top with:
  • Tangy sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Sliced jalapenos
  • Zesty salsa
  • Squeeze of lime

Roll, bite, and enjoy your Southwest sensation!

Quick Tips for the Best Steak Fajitas

  • Marinate Masterfully: Allow steak to soak up marinade flavors for at least 30 minutes, but don't exceed 4 hours to prevent meat from becoming too acidic.
  • Rest and Slice Strategically: Let cooked steak rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, then slice against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Adjust spiciness by adding more or less chili powder, or include fresh jalapeños for an extra kick depending on personal preference.
  • Select Quality Meat: Choose flank or skirt steak for authentic fajitas, ensuring even marinating and quick cooking for the best texture and flavor.
  • Veggie Variation: Experiment with additional vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus to create unique fajita combinations and boost nutritional value.

Keeping Steak Fajitas Fresh and Flavorful

  • Store leftover steak fajitas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Separate meat and vegetables to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Steak and vegetable components can be frozen separately for up to 3 months.
  • Warm sliced steak in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil, stirring gently to prevent overcooking. Reheat vegetables in the same pan until heated through.
  • Place fajita components on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Add a sprinkle of water to keep meat moist and prevent drying out.

What to Serve with Steak Fajitas

  • Pair bold, full-bodied red wines like Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the steak's rich flavors and stand up to the spicy seasonings.
  • Mix classic margaritas with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec to match the zesty lime marinade and provide a refreshing counterbalance to the hearty meat.
  • Select a crisp Mexican beer like Modelo or Dos Equis to cut through the fajitas' richness, while its light profile refreshes the palate between bites.
  • Add homemade salsa verde as a vibrant accompaniment, introducing tangy green chile flavors that elevate the dish's complexity and provide a bright, acidic contrast.

New Ideas for Changing Up Steak Fajitas

  • Vegetarian Fajitas: Replace steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu, marinated in the same flavorful sauce for a meat-free alternative.
  • Chicken Swap: Substitute steak with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, following the same marinating and cooking method for a lighter protein option.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and serve with corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
  • Low-Carb Version: Skip the tortillas and serve the steak and vegetables over cauliflower rice or on a bed of mixed greens for a carb-conscious meal.

Reasons to Love These Sizzling Steak Fajitas

  • The marinade transforms ordinary steak into a mouthwatering dish packed with zesty lime, robust spices, and deep umami notes that'll tantalize your taste buds.
  • Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by offering various toppings and letting everyone build their own fajitas, making it ideal for family dinners and casual gatherings.
  • Achieve professional-level cooking with simple techniques that create restaurant-worthy results, allowing home cooks to impress without complicated culinary skills.

Ingredients List for Steak Fajitas Night

Protein:
  • Steak: Rich, flavorful meat that forms the main protein of the dish, best with flank or skirt steak for tenderness and authentic fajita texture.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Lime Juice: Creates a zesty base for tenderizing and adding bright flavor to the meat.
  • Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic depth to the marinade.
  • Worcestershire Sauce, Soy Sauce: Adds umami and enhances the meat's savory profile.
  • Cumin, Chili Powder: Delivers warm, earthy southwestern spice notes.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
Vegetable Components:
  • Bell Peppers, Onions: Colorful vegetables that add sweetness, crunch, and traditional fajita character.
Serving Accompaniments:
  • Tortillas: Soft, warm wrap for serving the fajita ingredients.
  • Sour Cream: Creamy, cooling topping to balance spice.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb that adds bright, green flavor.
  • Jalapenos: Optional spicy element for heat lovers.
  • Salsa: Zesty condiment for additional flavor complexity.
  • Lime: Provides fresh, citrusy finish and brightness.
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Steak Fajitas Recipe

Steak Fajitas Recipe


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4.9 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Mexican Steak Fajitas blend spicy marinated beef with colorful peppers and onions, delivering a fiesta of flavors straight from authentic Tex-Mex cuisine. Delicious family-style cooking brings warmth and excitement to dinner, inviting you to savor each zesty, perfectly grilled bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 lb (454 g) flank steak or skirt steak

Marinade Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Vegetables and Accompaniments:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • Flour or corn tortillas, warmed
  • Sour cream
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Sliced jalapenos
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing vessel.
  2. Submerge the steak completely in the marinade within a sealed container or plastic bag, guaranteeing thorough coating. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate deeply.
  3. Preheat a large skillet or cast-iron pan to medium-high temperature, adding a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  4. Extract the steak from the marinade, letting excess liquid drip away, then carefully place it in the hot pan.
  5. Sear the steak for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side, adjusting cooking time based on desired doneness and meat thickness.
  6. Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board, loosely tent with aluminum foil, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
  7. Using the same skillet, add additional oil if necessary, then introduce sliced bell peppers and onions.
  8. Saute the vegetables over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until they develop a tender texture and slight char, seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin, uniform strips to maximize tenderness.
  10. Warm tortillas and arrange on a serving platter, then layer with seared steak strips and caramelized vegetables.
  11. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sour cream, sliced jalapenos, salsa, and a final squeeze of lime for vibrant flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Marinate longer for deeper, more intense flavor profiles by extending the marinating time up to 8 hours, but avoid going beyond 12 hours to prevent meat texture breakdown.
  • Choose flank or skirt steak cuts for authentic, traditional fajita texture and optimal tenderness when sliced against the grain.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder and adding fresh jalapeños or hot sauce for spice enthusiasts while keeping a mild version for sensitive palates.
  • Transform recipe into gluten-free option by using tamari instead of soy sauce and confirming tortilla ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Dave Mitchell

Dave Mitchell

Founder & Chief Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Grilling Techniques and Innovations​
  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Culinary Education and Workshops​
  • Food Photography and Styling

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and menu planning, with a special emphasis on grilling and outdoor cooking. ​


Dave Mitchell is the heart behind Daves Grill, a cook, writer, and lover of all things grilled. He studied Culinary Arts at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and spent years cooking, testing, and sharing recipes that actually work.

Dave started Daves Grill to keep things simple: one great recipe at a time. His food is bold, easy to follow, and made for real people with regular kitchens. From juicy steaks to quick sides, Dave’s recipes bring the heat without the hassle.

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