Introduction
Steak Fajitas are a crowd-pleasing dish that brings sizzling, flavorful steak together with vibrant veggies, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. This recipe is perfect for anyone craving the bold, smoky flavors of fajitas without the need for a grill. The tender steak, caramelized bell peppers, onions, and zesty seasonings combine to create a delicious, customizable meal that works for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a fun weeknight treat. I love how easy it is to make, yet it delivers an unforgettable, restaurant-style experience right at home. Plus, it’s versatile—load it up with your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, or cheese!
Print
Steak Fajitas – Sizzling, Flavorful, and Perfectly Tender
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Steak fajitas are a vibrant, flavorful Tex-Mex dish with tender strips of steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and all the classic fajita toppings, served sizzling on a hot platter with warm tortillas.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss the steak strips in the marinade, making sure they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion, cooking until softened and slightly charred, about 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove the peppers and onions from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the marinated steak and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Return the peppers and onions to the skillet with the steak, tossing to combine and heat through for another 1–2 minutes.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave, then serve the fajita mixture in the tortillas with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro.
Notes
- For extra flavor, grill the steak instead of pan-frying it.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Feel free to switch the steak with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Steak Fajitas are packed with juicy, flavorful steak and crisp veggies, all cooked to perfection. The marinade infuses the steak with smoky, tangy flavors, and the combination of caramelized peppers and onions adds the perfect balance of sweetness. This recipe is quick, simple, and ideal for both weeknight dinners and entertaining. It’s also fully customizable with your choice of toppings and fillings, making it easy to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Steak Fajita Marinade:
- Flank Steak: A tender cut that absorbs the marinade well and cooks quickly.
- Lime Juice: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the steak.
- Olive Oil: Moisturizes the steak and helps distribute the spices.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and savory flavor.
- Cumin: Gives a warm, earthy spice to the marinade.
- Chili Powder: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- Paprika: Enhances smokiness and adds color.
- Salt and Pepper: Balance and season the steak.
For the Fajitas:
- Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, and green bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch.
- Onion: Sweet onions complement the peppers and add flavor depth.
- Flour Tortillas: Soft tortillas to wrap the fajita fillings.
- Optional Toppings: Sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, salsa, and fresh cilantro.
Directions
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Marinate the Steak:
- In a bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well combined.
- Add the flank steak to a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, and toss to coat. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Steak:
- Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated steak and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side (for medium-rare), or longer depending on your preferred level of doneness.
- Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
3. Cook the Veggies:
- In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, and toss in the sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and slightly charred.
4. Assemble the Fajitas:
- Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds.
- To assemble, place a few slices of steak on each tortilla, then top with the sautéed peppers and onions.
- Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, cheese, salsa, and fresh cilantro.
Equipment needed :
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is 10 minutes, marinating time is 30 minutes, cooking time is 15-20 minutes, and resting time for the steak is 5 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store any leftover steak and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variations and Customizations
Steak Fajitas are incredibly versatile. You can swap flank steak for skirt steak, sirloin, or even chicken breast for a different protein. For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce. You can also use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free version.
For additional flavor, try adding a sprinkle of fresh lime juice and cilantro to the fajitas before serving. You can even add some grilled corn, black beans, or avocado to make your fajitas even heartier.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate values per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 370 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Marinate for Flavor: Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it marinate for a few hours will give you even more depth of flavor.
Searing the Steak: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak to get a nice sear and lock in the juices.
Slice Against the Grain: Always slice the steak against the grain to ensure the meat is tender and easy to chew.
Add Veggies Last: If you prefer your veggies a bit firmer, add them toward the end of the cooking process. This will preserve some of their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, chicken works perfectly in fajitas. Just marinate and cook the same way, ensuring it’s cooked through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can marinate the steak ahead of time (up to 4 hours) and prep the veggies earlier in the day. However, it’s best to cook everything just before serving.
Can I use corn tortillas?
Absolutely! For a gluten-free version, use corn tortillas instead of flour.
How do I make these fajitas spicier?
Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade, or top your fajitas with hot sauce.
Can I make fajitas without a cast-iron pan?
Yes, any large skillet will work. A cast-iron pan gives a great sear, but you can use a regular non-stick or stainless steel skillet.
Conclusion
Steak Fajitas are a flavorful, fun, and customizable dish that brings bold flavors to the table with minimal effort. The marinated steak, sautéed peppers, and onions are simple yet satisfying, and the warm tortillas create the perfect vessel for these vibrant fillings. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, these fajitas are guaranteed to impress.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!