Sizzling Homemade Fajita Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs flank steak or skirt steak
  • 3 bell peppers, various colors, sliced
  • 1 large red onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of pepper
  • 2 teaspoons of chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
  • 8 flour tortillas
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese

Steps and instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, smoked paprika, and cumin. Mix well.
  2. Spread the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the steak.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak to the skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for at least 5 minutes.
  4. While the steak is resting, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet and cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
  5. While the vegetables are cooking, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
  6. Add the sliced steak back to the skillet with the vegetables and stir to combine.
  7. Heat the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are warm and pliable.
  8. Divide the steak and vegetable mixture evenly among the warmed tortillas. Top with your choice of optional toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or shredded cheese.
  9. Serve the fajitas immediately, with extra toppings on the side.

Tools for making

  • Skillet - A large skillet is needed to cook the steak, bell peppers, and onions.
  • Small Bowl - A small bowl is required to mix the spices for seasoning the steak.
  • Tongs - Tongs are useful for flipping the steak and transferring it to a cutting board.
  • Cutting Board - A cutting board is needed to allow the steak to rest and to slice it into thin strips.
  • Sharp Knife - A sharp knife will be used to slice the cooked steak.
  • Spatula - A spatula or spoon can be used to stir the steak and vegetable mixture in the skillet.
  • Skillet - Another skillet is required to heat the flour tortillas.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken instead of steak for chicken fajitas.
  • Try using shrimp or fish for seafood fajitas.
  • Replace flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
  • Add sliced mushrooms to the vegetable mix for extra flavor.
  • Include sliced jalapenos or spicy peppers for a spicier kick.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or queso fresco.
  • Marinate the steak or chicken in lime juice and cilantro for a citrusy twist.
  • Add a dash of hot sauce or chipotle seasoning for a smoky flavor.
  • Include grilled pineapple or mango for a tropical twist.

Recipe overview

This is a flavorful and satisfying recipe for classic steak fajitas. Tender, juicy steak is seasoned with a homemade spice blend and cooked to perfection. The steak is then combined with brightly colored bell peppers and onions that have been sautéed until they are tender and slightly charred. All this is served on warm, soft flour tortillas and can be topped with your favorite fajita toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or shredded cheese. This is a crowd-pleasing meal that's perfect for a casual dinner with family or friends. It's easy to adjust the recipe to taste, adding more or less spice as desired. Expect to have your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling steak and vegetables, and to get lots of compliments from your guests!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use flank steak or skirt steak as mentioned in the recipe, but you can also use chicken, shrimp, or even tofu as a substitute.
  2. How can I make the fajitas spicier? If you prefer spicier fajitas, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapenos to the vegetable mixture.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! Simply omit the meat and increase the amount of vegetables. You can also substitute the sour cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives or skip them altogether.
  4. What can I serve with fajitas? Fajitas are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with rice, beans, salsa, guacamole, or a side salad for a complete meal.
  5. Can I make the fajitas ahead of time? While it's best to enjoy fajitas immediately after cooking, you can prepare the spice mixture and slice the vegetables and meat in advance to save time. Cook the fajitas just before serving for the best taste and texture.
  6. How can I store leftovers? If you have leftovers, store the fajita mixture and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the mixture in a skillet or microwave before assembling fresh fajitas.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting surface for slicing the steak and chopping vegetables.
  • Chef's knife - A sharp knife for slicing the steak and cutting vegetables.
  • Skillet or frying pan - A large skillet or frying pan for cooking the steak and vegetables.
  • Tongs - Useful for flipping and handling the steak while it cooks.
  • Mixing bowl - A bowl for combining the spices before seasoning the steak.
  • Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the spices.
  • Spatula - To stir and combine the steak and vegetables.
  • Skewers or toothpicks - Optional for securing the tortillas for serving.
  • Serving platter - A platter or plate for arranging and serving the fajitas.

Origin stories

The fajita, a beloved staple of Tex-Mex cuisine, has a humble origin story. The term "fajita" dates back to the 1930s in the ranch lands of South and West Texas, where during cattle roundups, workers were paid with less desirable cuts of beef, such as the skirt steak. These hardworking vaqueros would grill the meat over an open fire, and serve it rolled up in a tortilla - the birth of the first fajitas. Interestingly, the term "fajita" didn't make its way into print until the 1970s, showing that this delicious creation was a well-kept secret for many years! Today, fajitas are made with a variety of fillings, but the traditional preparation method and the spirit of communal eating remain the same.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.