Delicious Steak Fajitas Recipe
Get ready to elevate your dinner game with these easy steak fajitas! Bursting with vibrant flavors from marinated steak, sizzling bell peppers, and earthy onions, this dish is sure to impress. Not only are they delightful to eat, but they also create a fun dining experience for everyone at the table. Forget the takeout and bring this restaurant-quality meal right into your home!
These steak fajitas are perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or a simple family dinner. Each bite is a burst of flavor, making every meal feel special.
Why You’ll Love These Steak Fajitas
Full of Flavor: The citrus marinade blends beautifully with the savory steak and charred veggies, creating a delectable experience for your taste buds.
Social Dining Experience: Fajitas are made for sharing! Guests can customize their plates using a variety of toppings, ensuring everyone enjoys their meal just the way they like it.
Meal Prep-Friendly: The marinade can be mixed the night before, making your meal prep a breeze. Plus, leftovers can be transformed into lunches like quesadillas or salads!
Ingredients
- Steak: Choose flat iron, skirt, or flank steak. These cuts are flavorful and tender, especially after marinating.
- Onion & Bell Peppers: A colorful mix of red, green, and yellow bell peppers adds crunch and vibrancy, while onions lend an earthy sweetness.
- Olive Oil: This forms the base of the marinade, helping to tenderize the steak and infuse it with flavor.
- Lime & Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed citrus juice brightens the flavors and aids in tenderizing the meat.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings a robust, aromatic touch to the marinade.
- Spices: A blend of salt, black pepper, cayenne, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder adds warmth and a hint of heat.
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds freshness and a pop of color for that authentic Mexican finish.
- Soy or Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and a savory umami flavor to the marinade.
- Tortillas: Flour or corn tortillas work beautifully—just warm them up to make wrapping the filling easy!
- Toppings: Customize with your favorites, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or shredded cheese.
How to Make Steak Fajitas
Making steak fajitas involves a few straightforward steps that are quick and easy. Let’s dive in!
1. Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, spices, cilantro, and either soy or Worcestershire sauce in a medium bowl until well combined.
2. Marinate the Steak
Pour the marinade into a large zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Add in your steak, making sure it’s fully coated in the marinade. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least two hours—overnight is even better for flavor!
3. Preheat Your Skillet
For optimal results, heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
4. Cook the Steak
Cook the steak in the hot skillet for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time for your preferred doneness.
5. Let It Rest
Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the meat juicy!
6. Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until they are tender and slightly charred.
7. Slice and Combine
After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. Reduce the heat on the skillet with the veggies to medium and add the sliced steak back in. Toss everything together and cook for an additional minute until well mixed.
8. Serve
Serve your delicious fajitas with warm tortillas and a dazzling array of toppings. Dig in and enjoy the fiesta!
Tips for the Best Steak Fajitas
After whipping up steak fajitas on a regular basis, I’ve learned some valuable tips that can help you create the best dish possible.
- Select the Right Steak: Flank, flat iron, and skirt steak are the best options for fajitas, resulting in maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Marinate Well: Allowing the steak to marinate overnight allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become even more tender.
- Get the Steak Nice and Dry: Patting the steak dry before cooking will help to achieve that perfect sear and prevent steaming.
- Use the Right Tools: A cast-iron skillet ensures even heat distribution, creating a perfect sear on your meat and vegetables. A meat thermometer is also handy for achieving your desired doneness.
- Prepare Ingredients Ahead: Slice your peppers and onions before cooking for a smooth and quick cooking process.
- Cook in Batches: Cooking the steak and veggies separately allows for better caramelization and prevents overcrowding in the pan.
- Add Depth: For an extra kick, consider deglazing the pan with a splash of tequila or adding portobello mushrooms for additional texture.
What to Serve with Steak Fajitas
While fajitas are amazing on their own, adding a side can make your meal even more satisfying. Here are a few ideas:
- Spanish rice
- Refried beans
- Mexican street corn
- Fresh guacamole
- Chips with salsa
- A crisp salad
For those leftover fajita fillings, get creative! Use them in quesadillas, wraps, or even mix them into scrambled eggs for a hearty breakfast.
How to Store
Now that you have some delicious fajitas, storing your leftovers properly will help you enjoy them later!
To Store
Cool the filling and place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ideally keeping it near the back of the fridge where the temperature is consistent. Store tortillas separately or warm fresh tortillas later.
To Freeze
Freeze the steak and veggies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To Reheat
Reheat the filling in a skillet with a little oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through (about 5 to 7 minutes). Alternatively, you can use the microwave—just cover the leftovers with a damp paper towel and microwave for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway.