This delicious and vibrant steak fajita recipe takes your taste buds on a journey to Mexico. The combination of tender, juicy steak with crisp bell peppers and onions is a flavorful fiesta in your mouth. The spices such as chili powder, paprika, and cumin add a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
Most ingredients for this recipe are commonly found at home or any local supermarket. The key ingredient that might require a special visit is the skirt steak. It's a long, flat cut of beef that's perfect for this recipe because of its tenderness and rich flavor. If skirt steak isn’t available, you can also substitute it with flank steak.
Essential Ingredients for Steak Fajita
Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the steak and veggies. It has a high smoke point, making it safe and ideal for high-heat cooking.
Chili powder: Adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor to the steak.
Kosher salt: Used for seasoning the steak.
Paprika: Gives a smoky flavor and vibrant red color.
Cayenne pepper: Adds extra heat to the dish. Adjust the amount for your spice level.
Cumin: Provides a warm, earthy flavor.
Skirt steak: The main protein of the dish, known for its flavor and tenderness.
Red Onion: Adds a sweet and pungent flavor.
Bell peppers: Adds color, crunch, and sweetness to the dish.
Garlic cloves: Infuses the dish with aromatic and savory flavors.
Lime: Adds a zesty freshness that uplifts the flavors.
One reader, Gina Cornett says:
The steak fajita recipe is a game-changer! The blend of spices creates an explosion of flavor, and the juicy skirt steak paired with the colorful bell peppers and onions is a delight for the senses. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious and satisfying meal.
Techniques for Perfect Steak Fajitas
How to marinate the steak: Mix the chili powder, kosher salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin in a small bowl. Rub the mixture onto the steak and let it marinate for 30 minutes (optional).
How to cook the skirt steak: Heat half of the canola oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the skirt steak to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Remove the steak from the pan.
How to sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining canola oil, onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the pan. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
How to slice the steak: Slice the cooked steak thinly against the grain.
How to finish the dish: Return the sliced steak to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Squeeze half of the lime wedges over the pan before serving.
How To Make Steak Fajita
Skirt steaks are marinated in homemade fajita seasoning, seared, and then sauteed with bell peppers and onions to make this super easy steak fajita.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¼cupvegetable oil,divided
- 2tspchili powder
- 1tspkosher salt
- 1tsppaprika
- ¼tspCayenne pepper
- 1tspcumin,ground
- 2lbsskirt steak
- 1red onion,cut into thin strips
- 1red bell pepper,cut into thin strips
- 1green bell pepper,cut into thin strips
- 1yellow bell pepper,cut into thin strips
- 2garlic cloves,minced
- 1lime,cut into wedges
Instructions
-
Add the chili powder, kosher salt, paprika, cayenne pepper and the cumin to a small bowl and mix before rubbing on the steak and letting marinade for 30 minutes (optional).
-
Add half the canola oil to a large cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat and add the skirt steak to the pan, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes on each side before removing from the pan.
-
Add the rest of the canola oil and the onions, bell peppers and garlic to the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
-
Slice the steak against the grain thinly, add it back into the pan and squeeze half the lime wedges over the pan before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 414.08kcal
- Fat: 29.13g
- Saturated Fat: 8.30g
- Trans Fat: 1.11g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15.90g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.65g
- Carbohydrates: 8.36g
- Fiber: 2.22g
- Sugar: 2.50g
- Protein: 31.62g
- Cholesterol: 98.28mg
- Sodium: 441.74mg
- Calcium: 33.51mg
- Potassium: 605.47mg
- Iron: 3.47mg
- Vitamin A: 68.57µg
- Vitamin C: 102.99mg
Pro Tip for Mastering Steak Fajitas
When preparing your skirt steak, it's crucial to slice it against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the long muscle fibers in the meat. This technique breaks up the fibers and makes the steak much easier to chew and digest. Additionally, marinating the steak with spices not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat. For a more intense flavor, consider letting the steak marinate for a few hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.
Time-Saving Tips for Steak Fajita Recipe
Prep ahead: Marinate the steak and chop the vegetables the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pan cooking: Use a large skillet to cook the steak and vegetables together, saving time on cleaning up.
Thinly slice: Slice the steak thinly against the grain for quicker cooking and easier eating.
High heat: Cook the steak and vegetables on medium-high heat for faster cooking and better flavor development.
Efficient slicing: Slice all the vegetables in a similar size for even cooking and quicker preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Steak Fajita Recipe
vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich flavor and is a healthier alternative to vegetable oil.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika and cayenne mix: This combination can provide a similar level of heat and flavor to chili powder.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and flavor to kosher salt and can be used interchangeably.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a deeper, smokier flavor to the dish.
cayenne pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Both provide heat and can be used interchangeably in recipes.
cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander has a similar earthy and citrusy flavor that can complement the dish.
skirt steak - Substitute with flank steak: Flank steak has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable alternative for fajitas.
red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions can provide a slightly milder flavor compared to red onions.
red bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers have a similar sweetness and crunch to red bell peppers.
green bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers can add a mild heat and earthy flavor to the dish.
yellow bell pepper - Substitute with red bell pepper: Red bell peppers can provide a slightly sweeter flavor compared to yellow bell peppers.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a convenient alternative to fresh garlic cloves.
lime - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can provide a similar level of acidity and citrus flavor to the dish.
Presenting Your Steak Fajitas
Elevate the steak: Present the steak slices in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping each other to create a visually appealing arrangement that showcases the texture and color of the meat.
Colorful bell pepper medley: Arrange the sautéed bell peppers and onions in a vibrant and visually appealing manner, creating a colorful and inviting display on the plate.
Garnish with lime wedges: Place the lime wedges strategically around the dish, adding a pop of freshness and a burst of citrus flavor to complement the savory steak and peppers.
Artful drizzle of oil: Use a delicate hand to drizzle a small amount of high-quality oil in a decorative pattern around the plate, adding a touch of elegance and richness to the presentation.
Balance and symmetry: Ensure that the components of the dish are arranged with balance and symmetry, creating a visually harmonious presentation that reflects attention to detail and culinary finesse.
Finishing touch with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a few fresh herb leaves over the dish, adding a final touch of color, aroma, and flavor to enhance the overall presentation and appeal.
Essential Tools for Making Steak Fajitas
- Cast-iron skillet: A heavy-duty pan that distributes heat evenly and is perfect for searing and cooking the steak.
- Small bowl: Used for mixing the spices to create the marinade for the steak.
- Tongs: Essential for flipping and handling the steak while cooking.
- Cutting board: Used for slicing the vegetables and the cooked steak.
- Sharp knife: Necessary for slicing the steak thinly and cutting the vegetables.
- Citrus juicer: Used to extract the juice from the lime for seasoning the fajitas.
- Measuring spoons: For accurately measuring the spices for the marinade.
Storing and Freezing Steak Fajitas
- Let the steak fajitas cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, simply warm them up in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
- If you want to freeze the fajitas, place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Frozen steak fajitas can be stored for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat frozen fajitas, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then warm them up in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
- For best results, store the tortillas separately from the fajita filling to prevent them from getting soggy.
- If you have leftover bell peppers and onions, you can store them in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and use them in other recipes like omelets, salads, or sandwiches.
How To Reheat Leftover Steak Fajitas
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover steak fajita in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat the fajitas in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through. This method helps to retain the moisture in the steak and prevents it from drying out.
If you have a microwave, you can reheat your leftover steak fajita quickly. Place the fajitas on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the fajitas are heated through. Be careful not to overheat the steak, as it can become tough and chewy.
For a crispy texture, you can reheat your leftover steak fajita in a skillet. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fajitas to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
If you have a lot of leftover steak fajita, you can reheat them in a slow cooker. Place the fajitas in the slow cooker and add a splash of beef broth or water to keep them moist. Cook on low for 1-2 hours, or until the fajitas are heated through.
For a quick and easy method, you can reheat your leftover steak fajita in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the fajitas in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the fajitas are heated through and slightly crispy.
Interesting Fact About Steak Fajitas
Skirt steak is a flavorful and tender cut of beef that is often used in fajita recipes. It is best to slice skirt steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.
Is Making Steak Fajitas at Home Cost-Effective?
This steak fajita recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as skirt steak, bell peppers, and onions, are reasonably priced and readily available. The use of simple spices like chili powder, paprika, and cumin adds flavor without significantly increasing the cost. The dish offers a satisfying and flavorful meal for a family of four at an approximate cost of $25-$30. The versatility of the recipe and the relatively low cost of ingredients make it a practical and budget-friendly choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Are Steak Fajitas Healthy or Unhealthy?
The steak fajita recipe, while delicious, has some aspects that could be considered unhealthy:
- The recipe uses a significant amount of oil for cooking, which can add extra calories and fat to the dish.
- Skirt steak, although flavorful, is a fattier cut of beef, which can contribute to higher levels of saturated fat in the diet.
- The recipe lacks a significant source of fiber, as it doesn't include any whole grains or beans, which are typical in traditional fajitas.
However, the recipe does include some healthy elements:
- The use of colorful bell peppers and onions provides a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- The lime juice adds a burst of vitamin C and can help enhance the absorption of iron from the steak.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of oil used in cooking, or opt for a healthier oil like olive oil or avocado oil.
- Choose a leaner cut of beef, such as sirloin or flank steak, to reduce the overall fat content.
- Incorporate whole grain tortillas or lettuce wraps to increase the fiber content of the dish.
- Add more vegetables to the fajitas, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or squash, to boost the nutrient density.
- Serve the fajitas with a side of black beans or brown rice to provide additional fiber and complex carbohydrates.
- Use Greek yogurt or avocado as a topping instead of sour cream to reduce the saturated fat content while still providing a creamy element.
Editor's Opinion on This Steak Fajita Recipe
The steak fajita recipe is a classic and flavorful dish that combines tender skirt steak with a medley of colorful bell peppers and onions. The spice rub adds depth and heat, while the lime brightens the flavors. For an even more intense flavor, marinating the steak for 30 minutes is recommended. The cooking process is simple and yields delicious results. However, consider adjusting the seasoning to suit personal preferences. Overall, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a casual gathering or a weeknight dinner.
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Why trust this Steak Fajita Recipe:
This steak fajita recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, crafted by a seasoned chef with a passion for grilling and Mexican cuisine. The marinade, featuring a blend of chili powder, paprika, and cumin, infuses the skirt steak with robust flavors. The sizzling bell peppers and onions add a colorful and aromatic dimension to the dish. Trust in the quality of this recipe, as it has been meticulously tested and perfected to ensure a delightful dining experience.
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