Spicy Steak Fajitas are a mouthwatering Tex-Mex dish featuring tender strips of sirloin steak, colorful bell peppers, and onions, all seasoned with zesty spices and served in warm tortillas. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering, these fajitas are sure to be a hit with their bold flavors and customizable toppings.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, grated
- 6 to 8 tortillas (flour or corn), warmed
Instructions:
Marinating the Steak:
- Prepare Steak Strips:
- Cut the sirloin steak into thin strips, removing any excess fat.
- Prepare Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, chili powder, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- Marinate Steak:
- Place the steak strips in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking the Fajitas:
- Preheat Skillet:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook Steak Strips:
- Remove the steak strips from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Add the steak strips to the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly charred, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Steak and Vegetables:
- Return the cooked steak strips to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Toss everything together until evenly combined and heated through.
Assembling the Fajitas:
- Warm Tortillas:
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave, oven, or skillet according to package instructions until soft and pliable.
- Fill Tortillas:
- Spoon the steak and vegetable mixture onto the center of each tortilla, dividing it evenly among the tortillas.
- Add Cheese:
- Sprinkle grated Mexican blend cheese over the steak and vegetables in each tortilla.
- Roll or Fold Tortillas:
- Roll or fold the tortillas tightly around the filling to form fajitas.
- Serve:
- Serve the Spicy Steak Fajitas immediately, garnished with additional lime wedges, chopped cilantro, sour cream, salsa, or your favorite toppings.
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice preference. For milder fajitas, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper, or omit it altogether.
- Toppings: Customize your fajitas with a variety of toppings such as diced tomatoes, sliced avocado or guacamole, shredded lettuce, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the sirloin steak with sliced portobello mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish. Marinate the mushrooms or tofu in the same marinade before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef for the fajitas? A: While sirloin steak is commonly used for fajitas due to its tenderness and flavor, you can also use other cuts such as flank steak, skirt steak, or even thinly sliced ribeye. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of the steak.
Q: Can I make these fajitas ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the steak and vegetable mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture in a skillet until warmed through, then assemble the fajitas with warm tortillas and cheese.
Q: Can I make these fajitas gluten-free? A: Yes, you can easily make these fajitas gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas and ensuring that all other ingredients, including the marinade ingredients and seasonings, are certified gluten-free. Be sure to check the labels of packaged ingredients to verify their gluten-free status.
Q: How can I add more heat to the fajitas? A: If you prefer spicier fajitas, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the marinade or add additional hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the steak and vegetable mixture during cooking.
Q: Can I grill the steak instead of cooking it on the stovetop? A: Absolutely! If you prefer the smoky flavor of grilled steak, you can grill the marinated steak strips on an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan until cooked to your desired doneness. Then proceed with cooking the vegetables in a skillet as directed.
Spicy Steak Fajitas are a versatile and flavorful dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or craving a satisfying weeknight meal, these fajitas are sure to be a hit with their tender steak, colorful peppers, and zesty seasoning. With the flexibility to adjust the spice level and toppings, you can create a personalized fajita experience that everyone will enjoy. Gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the bold flavors of these mouthwatering fajitas!
