Mexican Steak Fajitas

Updated May 10, 2023

There's something special about fajitas that makes them a favorite among many Mexican food lovers. Perhaps it's the sizzling sound they make when served, or the colorful display of toppings and sides that accompany them. Whatever it is, there's no denying that fajitas are a delicious and satisfying meal that is enjoyed all around the world.

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History of Fajitas

The origin of fajitas is somewhat debated, but most sources agree that they were created by Mexican ranch workers known as vaqueros in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the early 1930s. These vaqueros would be given the tougher cuts of meat, such as skirt steak, which they would marinate and cook over an open flame. The term "fajita" is derived from the Spanish word "faja," which means "strip" or "belt," referring to the strips of meat that were used.

Fajitas were originally a regional specialty in Texas and Northern Mexico, but they quickly gained popularity and spread throughout the United States and beyond. Today, fajitas can be found on menus in Mexican restaurants all over the world, and there are countless variations on the original recipe.

Cooking Tips

Cooking fajitas is relatively simple, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that they turn out perfectly. First and foremost, it's important to use the right cut of meat. Skirt steak is the traditional choice for fajitas, but you can also use Flank steak, Sirloin tip steak or even chicken if you prefer.

When cooking the meat, it's best to do so low and slow. This means cooking it over a lower heat for a longer period of time to ensure that it's tender and juicy. You can also marinate the meat beforehand to add flavor and tenderness.

Another important tip is to let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is juicy and flavorful.

Finally, don't forget to add plenty of colorful toppings and sides to your fajitas, such as sautéed onions and peppers, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. These add both flavor and texture to the dish and make it even more enjoyable to eat.

Ingredients

To make fajitas, you will need a few key ingredients. Here's a list of what you'll need and what each ingredient does to elevate the dish:

• FFF Beef Steak: Use skirt steak, flat iron, sirloin tip or carne asada. Beef is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
• Cilantro: This herb adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish and is a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine.
• Garlic: Garlic adds depth and flavor to the marinade and the meat itself.
• Liquid Aminos or Soy Sauce: These add a savory, umami flavor to the marinade.
• Olive oil: This helps to tenderize the meat and adds flavor to the marinade.
• Orange Juice: This adds a sweet, citrusy flavor to the marinade.
• Lime juice: Lime juice adds a tart, acidic flavor to the marinade and helps to tenderize the meat.
• Cumin: This spice adds a warm, earthy flavor to the marinade.
• Chili powder: Chili powder adds a smoky, slightly spicy flavor to the marinade.
• Onion powder: Onion powder adds a sweet, savory flavor to the marinade.
• Red pepper flakes: These add a bit of heat to the marinade and the dish as a whole.
• Kosher salt: This is used to season the meat and the marinade.
• Black pepper: Black pepper adds a bit of spice and depth of flavor to the marinade.

In addition to the ingredients, you'll also need a few tools to make fajitas:

• Cast iron pan: A cast iron pan is perfect for cooking fajitas because it retains heat well and can handle high temperatures.
• Ziplock bag: This is used to marinate the meat overnight.
• Tongs: Tongs are essential for flipping and turning the meat as it cooks.
• Cutting board and knife: You'll need these to slice the meat and chop any toppings or sides.
• Grill or stove: You'll need a heat source to cook the fajitas.

How to Season a Cast Iron Pan

When it comes to cooking fajitas, having the right tools is essential to achieving the perfect flavor and texture. One of the most important tools you'll need is a cast iron pan (unless you opt for the grill, of course). Not only does a cast iron pan provide an even heat distribution, but it also imparts a delicious seared flavor to the meat and veggies.

But before you start cooking with a new cast iron pan, it's important to season it first. This involves coating the pan with a layer of oil and baking it in the oven at a high temperature. This process creates a natural non-stick surface and helps prevent rust and corrosion. Here's how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash your cast iron pan with warm, soapy water and dry it thoroughly with a clean towel.
3. Coat the pan with a thin layer of vegetable oil, making sure to cover the entire surface, including the handle and edges.
4. Place the pan upside down on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 1 hour.
5. After 1 hour, turn off the oven and let the pan cool completely before removing it.
6. Once cooled, use a paper towel to wipe off any excess oil.

Now that your cast iron pan is seasoned, you're ready to start cooking your fajitas. Just remember to preheat the pan before adding the meat and veggies. Preheating ensures that the pan is evenly heated, which helps prevent the food from sticking.

How to Make Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients and tools, it's time to start cooking! Here are the steps to make delicious fajitas:

1. First, gather all your ingredients and tools. You'll need a cast iron pan, a Ziplock bag, a bowl, and a cutting board.
2. Combine the cilantro, garlic, liquid aminos (or soy sauce), olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl and mix well.
3. Cut the FFF Steak into strips, then place the meat in a Ziplock bag with the marinade. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag, then seal it tightly.
4. Allow the meat to marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
5. When you're ready to cook, take the meat out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
6. Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the strips of meat (discarding any excess marinade) and cook for a few minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
7. While the meat is cooking, slice up some onions and peppers into thin strips.
8. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
9. In the same pan, add the sliced onions and peppers and cook until they start to soften and brown, stirring occasionally.
10. Serve the meat and veggies on a warm tortilla with your favorite toppings and sides, such as guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and lime wedges.

How to Store

If you have any leftover fajitas, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to eat them, you can reheat them in a pan or in the microwave until heated through.

Variations on the Recipe

One of the great things about fajitas is that they are easily customizable to your taste preferences. Here are a few variations on the classic recipe that you might want to try:

• Chicken fajitas: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs instead of beef for a lighter, healthier option.
• Add more veggies: Use portobello mushrooms or other veggies like zucchini, squash, and bell peppers for an even more nutritional dish.
• Steak fajitas: Try using a different cut of steak, like ribeye or sirloin, for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Questions and Answers

Q: Can I use a different cut of meat besides beef for fajitas?
A: Yes, you can use chicken or even seafood to mix up your fajita recipe.

Q: What is the best way to cook the onions and peppers for fajitas?
A: You can cook the onions and peppers in the same pan as the meat for added flavor. Heat the pan over medium-high heat and add sliced onions and peppers. Cook for a few minutes until they start to soften and brown, stirring occasionally.

Q: Can I use a different type of tortilla for fajitas?
A: Yes, you can use any type of tortilla you like, such as corn or flour tortillas. You can also use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Q: Can I freeze leftover fajitas?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover fajitas for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in an airtight container in the freezer.

Full Recipe

Here is the full recipe for delicious fajitas:

Ingredients

• 2 pounds FFF beef steak
• 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup liquid aminos (or soy sauce)
• 1/3 cup olive oil, extra virgin
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 4 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Combine the cilantro, garlic, liquid aminos (or soy sauce), olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper in a bowl and mix well.
2. Cut the FFF beef steak into strips and place them in a Ziplock bag with the marinade. Allow the meat to marinate overnight in the fridge, or for at least 4 hours.
3. When you're ready to cook, take the meat out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
4. Heat a cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the strips of meat (discarding any excess marinade) and cook for a few minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
5. While the meat is cooking, you can also grill up some onions and peppers in the same pan to add some flavor and color to the dish.
6. Once the meat is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
7. Serve the meat and veggies on a warm tortilla with your favorite toppings and sides, such as guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and lime wedges.

Fajitas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to your taste preferences. Whether you prefer beef or chicken, fajitas are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking tools, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that your whole family will love.

Enjoy!