Grilled steak fajitas are a fantastic way to bring the taste of a sizzling restaurant meal right to your backyard. The combination of juicy, marinated flank steak, colorful bell peppers, and savory onions creates a delicious and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.
When making grilled steak fajitas, it's important to note that some ingredients might not be commonly found in every home. Ensure you have flank steak, which can be found in the meat section. Look for chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper in the spices aisle if they're not in your pantry.
Ingredients for Grilled Steak Fajitas
Flank steak: A lean cut of beef that's perfect for marinating and grilling.
Limes: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the marinade.
Olive oil: Helps to coat and tenderize the meat and vegetables.
Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the marinade.
Chili powder: Provides a mild, earthy heat to the dish.
Cumin: Adds a warm, smoky flavor to the fajitas.
Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor in the marinade.
Onion powder: Adds a sweet, savory depth to the seasoning.
Cayenne pepper: Brings a spicy kick to the fajitas.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Paprika: Adds a subtle sweetness and color to the marinade.
Bell peppers: Contribute to the vibrant, crunchy texture of the fajitas.
Onion: Adds a sweet, caramelized flavor when grilled.
Flour tortillas: Soft and warm, perfect for wrapping the flavorful fillings.
Sour cream: A creamy, tangy topping option.
Guacamole: Adds a rich, creamy texture and flavor.
Avocado: Another creamy, fresh topping option.
Tomatoes: Adds a fresh, juicy burst to the fajitas.
One reader, Constance Farrar says:
This grilled steak fajitas recipe is fantastic! The marinade infuses the steak with incredible flavor, and the grilled peppers add a perfect touch. Easy to follow and absolutely delicious. My family loved it!
Essential Techniques for Crafting Grilled Steak Fajitas
How to massage the marinade into the meat: Place the flank steak in the ziplock bag, seal it, and use your hands to gently press and knead the bag to ensure the marinade is evenly distributed over the meat. How to preheat the grill: Turn on your grill to high heat, aiming for a temperature of about 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow it to heat up for about 10-15 minutes before cooking. How to use tongs to toss the peppers: Use a pair of long-handled tongs to gently lift and turn the peppers on the grill to ensure they cook evenly and get a nice char. How to let the steak rest: After removing the steak from the grill, place it on a cutting board and let it sit undisturbed for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. How to cut the steak against the grain: Identify the direction of the muscle fibers in the steak and slice perpendicular to them. This helps to make the meat more tender and easier to chew.
How To Make Grilled Steak Faijtas
These generously-marinated Grilled Steak Fajitas are delicious and filling, grilled with bell peppers and onions, then served in toasted tortillas.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbsflank steak
- 2large limes
- ¼cupolive oil,plus an additional 2 tbsp
- 3cloveslarge garlic,grated
- 1tbspchili powder
- 2tspcumin,ground
- ½tspgarlic powder
- ½tsponion powder
- ¼tspcayenne pepper,optional
- 2tspsalt,divided
- ½tsppaprika
- 2large bell peppers,sliced
- 1medium onion,sliced
- 8small flour tortillas
For Optional Toppings:
- sour cream,plus extra for serving
- guacamole
- avocado,slices
- tomatoes,diced
Instructions
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Add the flank steak to a large plastic ziplock bag.
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Add the lime juice, ¼ cup of olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne to the bag as well.
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Zip up. Massage the marinade into the meat.
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Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 8 hours.
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Preheat the grill to high heat, about 450 degrees F.
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Place a grill pan or sheet on a side of the grill.
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Once the steak has been marinated, remove, and sprinkle with 1½ teaspoons of salt on both sides.
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Add the peppers and onions to a medium bowl.
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Toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
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Season with the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt and a little bit of pepper.
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Add the pepper to the grill.
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Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, and then add steak on the uncovered side of the grill. Use tongs to toss the peppers.
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Close the grill. Let the steak cook for about 4 minutes.
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Use tongs to flip the steak over.
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Toss the peppers again. Once charred enough, remove from the grill.
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Cook the steak for another 3 to 4 minutes or until it reaches the desired doneness.
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Remove the steak and peppers from the grill.
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Let the steak rest for 10 minutes.
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Use a sharp knife to cut the steak against the grain into thin slices.
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Serve in warm tortillas with favorite toppings.
Recipe Notes
For skirt steak, medium-rare to medium is the most ideal doneness, which is an internal temperature of 140 to 145 degrees F. It will increase by 5 degrees as it rests.
Nutrition
- Calories: 389.74kcal
- Fat: 19.42g
- Saturated Fat: 5.35g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.27g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.04g
- Carbohydrates: 25.79g
- Fiber: 3.11g
- Sugar: 3.77g
- Protein: 28.13g
- Cholesterol: 77.11mg
- Sodium: 550.04mg
- Calcium: 116.37mg
- Potassium: 595.74mg
- Iron: 3.95mg
- Vitamin A: 84.67µg
- Vitamin C: 60.18mg
One Simple Technique to Elevate Your Grilled Steak Fajitas
When grilling flank steak, always let it rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is tender and flavorful.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Marinate overnight: Prepare the flank steak and marinade the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Pre-chop vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onion in advance and store them in the fridge.
Use a grill pan: Cook the peppers and onions on a grill pan to save time flipping them individually.
Warm tortillas in foil: Wrap the flour tortillas in foil and place them on the grill while the steak cooks to save time.
Pre-make toppings: Prepare guacamole, sour cream, and other toppings ahead of time.
Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Steak Faijtas Recipe
flank steak - Substitute with skirt steak: Skirt steak has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it an excellent alternative for fajitas.
flank steak - Substitute with chicken breast: For a leaner option, chicken breast can be used and will absorb the marinade flavors well.
limes - Substitute with lemons: Lemons provide a similar acidity and citrus flavor, though slightly less sweet than limes.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and similar cooking properties, making it a good alternative.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can provide a similar flavor, though less intense.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can provide a milder heat and similar color, though it lacks the complexity of chili powder.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a slightly citrusy flavor that can complement the other spices well.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a similar savory depth, though it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
onion powder - Substitute with shallot powder: Shallot powder offers a milder, sweeter onion flavor that can work well in the spice mix.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with red pepper flakes: Red pepper flakes can provide a similar heat level, though they may add a slightly different texture.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will also add moisture to the marinade.
paprika - Substitute with ancho chili powder: Ancho chili powder offers a mild heat and a slightly smoky flavor, similar to paprika.
bell peppers - Substitute with poblano peppers: Poblano peppers have a slightly smoky flavor and are less sweet, adding a different dimension to the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and sweeter onion flavor, which can work well in fajitas.
flour tortillas - Substitute with corn tortillas: Corn tortillas offer a different texture and flavor, and are a traditional choice for fajitas.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor, with added protein.
guacamole - Substitute with smashed avocado: Smashed avocado can provide a similar creamy texture and fresh flavor, though it lacks the additional ingredients of guacamole.
avocado - Substitute with hummus: Hummus offers a creamy texture and a different flavor profile, adding a unique twist to the fajitas.
tomatoes - Substitute with salsa: Salsa can provide a similar fresh and tangy flavor, with added spices and herbs for complexity.
Presenting Grilled Steak Fajitas for Maximum Appeal
Select the finest flank steak: Ensure the flank steak is of the highest quality, marbled well, and fresh. This will be the star of your dish.
Prepare a vibrant marinade: Combine lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to create a marinade that will infuse the steak with bold flavors.
Marinate with precision: Place the steak in a large plastic ziplock bag, add the marinade, and massage it into the meat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Preheat the grill to perfection: Heat the grill to high, around 450 degrees F, ensuring it is ready to sear the steak and vegetables to perfection.
Season the steak expertly: After marinating, remove the steak and sprinkle with salt on both sides to enhance the natural flavors.
Prepare the vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onion into uniform strips. Toss them in olive oil and season with salt and pepper for a balanced taste.
Grill the vegetables first: Place the peppers and onions on a grill pan or sheet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, tossing occasionally to achieve a perfect char.
Grill the steak to desired doneness: Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes per side, flipping once, until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.
Rest the steak: Allow the steak to rest for 10 minutes after grilling. This step is crucial for retaining juices and ensuring tenderness.
Slice the steak against the grain: Use a sharp knife to cut the steak into thin slices against the grain, ensuring each piece is tender and easy to eat.
Warm the tortillas: Heat the flour tortillas on the grill or in a pan until they are warm and slightly charred, adding a smoky flavor.
Plate with finesse: Arrange the steak slices and grilled vegetables elegantly on a large platter. Place the warm tortillas on the side.
Offer a variety of toppings: Provide sour cream, guacamole, avocado, and tomatoes in small, stylish bowls, allowing diners to customize their fajitas.
Garnish for visual appeal: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges to the platter for a burst of color and freshness.
Serve immediately: Present the dish promptly to ensure the steak and vegetables are enjoyed at their optimal temperature and texture.
Essential Tools for Making Grilled Steak Fajitas
Large plastic ziplock bag: Used to marinate the flank steak with the lime juice, olive oil, and spices.
Grill: Essential for cooking the steak and vegetables, preheated to high heat.
Grill pan or sheet: Placed on the side of the grill to cook the peppers and onions.
Medium bowl: Used to toss the bell peppers and onions with olive oil and seasoning.
Tongs: Handy for flipping the steak and tossing the peppers on the grill.
Sharp knife: Necessary for slicing the steak against the grain after it has rested.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the steak.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the spices and seasonings accurately.
Juicer: Helpful for extracting juice from the limes.
Mixing spoon: Used to mix the peppers and onions with the olive oil and seasoning.
Serving platter: Ideal for arranging the sliced steak, grilled peppers, and onions before serving.
Tortilla warmer: Keeps the tortillas warm and pliable for serving.
Storing and Freezing Grilled Steak Fajitas for Later
- Let the steak and peppers cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the fajitas, place the sliced steak and peppers in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the fajitas in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the steak and peppers in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- For best results, store the tortillas separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.
- To reheat tortillas, wrap them in foil and place them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or heat them individually in a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Grilled Steak Fajitas
The best way to reheat leftover grilled steak fajitas is to use a skillet or griddle on the stovetop. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat, then add the sliced steak, peppers, and onions. Toss the ingredients together and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Another option is to reheat the fajitas in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover steak, peppers, and onions on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Cover the ingredients with another piece of foil to prevent them from drying out. Heat in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the fajitas in the microwave. Place the leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the steak to become tough and rubbery.
If you have leftover tortillas, wrap them in foil and place them in the oven alongside the fajita ingredients. This will help to warm and soften the tortillas, making them perfect for serving with the reheated fajitas.
To add extra flavor and moisture to the reheated fajitas, consider adding a splash of lime juice or a dollop of salsa before serving. This will help to brighten up the flavors and make the leftovers taste just as delicious as when they were first cooked.
A Surprising Fact About Grilled Steak Fajitas
A fun fact about this grilled steak fajitas recipe is that marinating the flank steak in lime juice not only adds a zesty flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. The acidity in the lime juice breaks down the tough fibers in the steak, making it more tender and flavorful when grilled.
Grilled Steak Fajitas: Budget-Friendly or Splurge-Worthy?
This grilled steak fajitas recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The main expense is the flank steak, which can be around $15-$20. Bell peppers and onions are relatively inexpensive, costing about $5 combined. Flour tortillas and optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, and avocado add another $10. Overall, the total cost is approximately $30-$35 for a household of 4. Given the flavor and satisfaction, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 out of 10.
Are Grilled Steak Fajitas Healthy or Unhealthy?
The grilled steak fajitas recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. The use of lean flank steak provides a good source of protein while keeping the fat content in check. The inclusion of bell peppers and onions adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the meal. The spices used in the marinade, such as chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper, offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier.
- Consider using whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to increase the fiber content and reduce the amount of refined carbohydrates
- Opt for low-fat or non-fat sour cream and cheese to decrease the overall fat content of the dish
- Include additional vegetables, such as grilled zucchini or cherry tomatoes, to boost the nutrient density of the fajitas
- Reduce the amount of salt used in the marinade and seasoning to help lower the sodium content
- Serve the fajitas with a side of leafy greens or a fresh salad to add more vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the meal
The Editor's Take on Grilled Steak Fajitas
This grilled steak fajitas recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The marinade, rich with lime, chili powder, and cumin, infuses the flank steak with a zesty, smoky essence. Grilling the peppers and onions alongside the steak adds a charred sweetness that complements the meat perfectly. The instructions are clear and concise, ensuring a seamless cooking process. Serving the steak in warm tortillas with optional toppings like guacamole and sour cream allows for a customizable and satisfying meal. Overall, this recipe is a fantastic choice for a vibrant and flavorful dinner.
Enhance Your Grilled Steak Faijtas Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Grilled Steak Fajitas
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Grilled Steak Fajitas
Why trust this Grilled Steak Faijtas Recipe:
This recipe for grilled steak fajitas is a surefire way to impress your guests with its bold flavors and tender flank steak. The marinade, featuring lime juice, olive oil, and a blend of spices, ensures the meat is juicy and flavorful. Grilling the bell peppers and onions alongside the steak adds a smoky depth. With clear instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe is both accessible and delicious. Trust this recipe for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
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