Introduction
Steak fajitas are a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your table. The marinated steak, combined with sautéed peppers and onions, creates a mouthwatering filling that pairs perfectly with warm tortillas and a variety of toppings. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create your own flavorful steak fajitas at home.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Marinade:
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
– 3 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 tablespoon soy or Worcestershire sauce
For the Fajitas:
– 1 1/2 pounds skirt steak, flank steak, or flat iron steak
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
– 3 bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), thinly sliced
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
– Flour or corn tortillas, warmed
– Sour cream
– Guacamole
– Salsa
– Shredded cheese
– Fresh cilantro
– Lime wedges
Prep Time
2 hours (or overnight for best flavor)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including marinating)
Yield: Serves 4-6
To make these delicious steak fajitas, start by preparing a flavorful marinade that enhances the taste of the steak. After marinating, cook the steak to perfection and sauté fresh vegetables for a great combination. Serve everything with tortillas and your favorite toppings for a complete meal that is sure to satisfy. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), chopped cilantro, and soy or Worcestershire sauce until well combined.
Marinate the Steak:
Place the steak in a large zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for enhanced flavor.
Preheat the Skillet:
Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
Cook the Steak:
Place the steak in the hot skillet and cook to your desired doneness. For medium-rare, cook approximately 3 to 4 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium.
Rest the Steak:
Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
Sauté the Vegetables:
While the steak rests, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion, seasoning with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender yet still vibrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Slice the Steak:
After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips to ensure tenderness.
Combine and Heat Through:
Reduce the heat to medium and return the sliced steak to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for an additional minute until well combined and heated through.
Serve:
Transfer the steak and vegetable mixture to a serving platter or keep warm in the skillet. Serve with warmed tortillas and your choice of toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Enjoy!
Notes
Marination Time:
For the best flavor, marinate overnight if possible.
Steak Doneness:
For accurate cooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the desired level of doneness.
Vegetable Variations:
Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms based on preference.
Tortilla Options:
Choose between flour or corn tortillas depending on dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
Customize toppings to include other favorites such as jalapeños or diced tomatoes.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Marinade
Combine olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cilantro, and soy or Worcestershire sauce in a bowl, whisking until smooth.
Marinating the Steak
Seal steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour marinade over, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
Preheating the Skillet
Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat, ensuring it is hot before adding the steak for a proper sear.
Cooking the Steak
Sear each side of the steak in the hot skillet, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes for medium-rare, checking with a meat thermometer for doneness.
Resting the Steak
Let the cooked steak rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same skillet, stir-fry sliced bell peppers and onions over medium-high heat with olive oil, cooking until tender yet colorful, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Slicing the Steak
After resting, slice steak thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness.
Combining Ingredients
Return sliced steak to skillet with vegetables, tossing together and warming through for about a minute to meld flavors.
Serving the Fajitas
Transfer the mixture to a serving platter or keep warm, serving with warmed tortillas and desired toppings.
FAQ
What types of steak can be used for fajitas?
Skirt steak, flank steak, or flat iron steak are ideal choices for fajitas due to their flavor and texture.
How long should I marinate the steak?
At least 2 hours is recommended, but marinating overnight enhances the flavor.
What is the best way to slice the steak?
Slice the steak against the grain to ensure that each piece is tender.
Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, you can customize the vegetables based on your preference; zucchini, mushrooms, or corn are good alternatives.
How do I know when the steak is cooked to my liking?
Use a meat thermometer: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, and 140°F (60°C) for medium.
Conclusion
The Steak Fajitas recipe is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexican cuisine into your kitchen. With a savory marinade and perfectly sautéed vegetables, these fajitas are sure to impress family and friends. Whether you prefer them for a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, they offer a satisfying meal that can be customized to suit individual preferences.
Chicken Fajitas
Swap out the steak for sliced chicken breast or thighs, marinating them in a similar blend of spices and citrus juices for a lighter yet equally delicious option.
Vegetarian Fajitas
Use a mix of your favorite vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and eggplant. Marinate them in the same mixture, ensuring a delightful and hearty vegetarian meal.
Seafood Fajitas
Try shrimp or fish tacos instead of steak. A quick marinade with lime juice and spices will complement the seafood beautifully.
Spicy Chipotle Fajitas
Add chipotle peppers in adobo to the marinade for an extra kick of smokiness and heat, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Taco Salad
Use the steak and vegetables as a base for a taco salad. Top with your favorite salad greens, cheese, salsa, and avocado for a fresh twist.
Fajita Quesadillas
Take the cooked steak and veggies, place them between tortillas with cheese, and grill until crispy for a tasty quesadilla option.
Breakfast Fajitas
Incorporate scrambled eggs with your steak and vegetables for a hearty breakfast version that is full of flavor and protein.
