Easy Beef Steak Fajitas (2024)

5.0 from 34 votes

Steak fajitas are a beloved Mexican dish that is so popular on menus across the country. These delicious and flavorful homemade fajitas are made with steak, peppers, onions, and spices. They are typically served with warm flour tortillas, guacamole, and other toppings or with a Mexican rice on side.

Making beef fajitas at home is an easy and fun way to enjoy this classic dish. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that your whole family will love.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1.25 pound sirloin steak (or you can use another cut like skirt steak or flank steak) at room temperature
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 large sweet onion, sliced (can be white or red onions)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make Easy Steak Fajitas Recipe

Begin by heating a large cast iron skillet over high heat and adding 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

In a small bowl, combine the steak seasonings:1 teaspoon cumin,½ teaspoon chili powder,½ teaspoon paprika,¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper. Place steaks on a cutting board and pat dry with paper towels. Generously sprinkle the mixture on both sides of the steak.

Place the seasoned steak in the hot skillet, searing each side for 3-5 minutes or until it achieves the desired doneness (approximately 3 minutes per side for medium rare). Transfer the cooked steak to a plate and set it aside to rest while you prepare the onions and bell peppers.

Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-high heat and add another tablespoon of olive oil.

Sauté the sliced onions and minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. Add the sliced bell peppers and continue sautéing for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they reach your preferred level of doneness.

Once the steak has rested, slice it into thin strips or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Add the steak into the sautéed onions and bell peppers for the most delicious Mexican food recipe and cook for another minute, depending on the thickness of the steak strips and the heat of your skillet.

How to Serve Steak Fajitas

Warm Tortillas:Heat your tortillas using a hot skillet or the oven. Place them in a covered dish or a tortilla warmer to keep them warm until serving. Place the steak and vegetables on the tortillas and squeeze fresh lime juice over them. Garnish with cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Provide Fresh Toppings: Set up a toppings station with fresh ingredients such as: Salsa, Guacamole or sliced avocados, Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend), Chopped cilantro, Lime wedges, Sour cream

Create a Fajita Bar: Arrange the components in a visually appealing manner, creating a fajita bar where guests can assemble their own fajitas to their liking.

Serve with Side Dishes: Consider serving complementary side dishes such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Tips for Best Steak Fajita Recipe

Choose the Right Cut: The type of steak you use for your fajitas is important, as it can affect the overall taste and texture of the dish. Two popular cuts of beef that are commonly used for steak fajitas are skirt steak and flank steak. Both of these cuts are lean and flavorful, and they work well with a variety of seasonings and marinades.

When selecting your steak, look for a cut that has good marbling and is not too thick. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and is tender and juicy. Additionally, you may want to consider using a homemade spice blend to season your steak, which can add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Preheat the Skillet or Grill:Make sure your cooking surface, whether it’s a skillet or grill, is preheated to high before cooking the steak. This ensures a good sear and locks in the juices.

Slice Against the Grain:Once the steak is cooked to your liking, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Be sure to cut against the grain to maximize tenderness.

Cook Peppers and Onions Separately:While it’s common to cook steak, peppers, and onions together, consider cooking them separately to control the doneness of each ingredient. This allows you to achieve the perfect texture for both the steak and vegetables.

Warm Tortillas Properly:Whether using corn or flour tortillas, warm them before serving. You can do this on a hot skillet for a short time on each side or briefly in the oven.

Add Fresh Ingredients:Enhance the flavors with fresh toppings like salsa, guacamole, cilantro, lime wedges, and shredded cheese. These add freshness and balance to the dish.

Experiment with Garnishes:Customize your fajitas with additional toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, or sliced jalapeños to suit your taste preferences.

Serve Immediately:Fajitas are best enjoyed right after cooking while the ingredients are hot and the flavors are vibrant. Serve them immediately for the best experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prepare a marinade for steak fajitas?

Preparing a steak fajita marinade is easy and can add a lot of flavor to your dish. You can make a marinade by mixing together citrus juice, oil, garlic, and spices. Some common spices used in steak fajita marinades include cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

What are the best cuts of steak for making fajitas?

The best cuts of steak for making fajitas are those that are tender and flavorful. Skirt steak is a popular choice for fajitas, but flank steak and sirloin steak are also good options. Make sure to slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Which seasonings are essential for authentic steak fajitas?

The seasonings that are essential for authentic steak fajitas include cumin, chili powder, and paprika. These spices give the dish its distinctive flavor. Other common seasonings include red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.

What toppings are traditionally served with steak fajitas?

Traditionally, steak fajitas are served with toppings such as pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, grated cheese and sour cream. Salsa and guacamole are also popular toppings. You can also add sliced jalapeños for some extra heat.

How do you properly grill steak for fajitas?

To properly grill steak for fajitas, preheat the outdoor grill to high heat. Brush the steak with oil and season it with salt and pepper. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain.

Easy Beef Steak Fajitas Recipe

Recipe by Adore Foods

Ingredients

US Metric

2 tbsp 2 olive oil, divided
1.25 pound 1.25 sirloin steak (or you can use another cut like skirt steak or flank steak)
1 tsp 1 cumin
1/2 tsp 1/2 chili powder
1/2 tsp 1/2 paprika
1/4 tsp 1/4 cayenne pepper
1 large 1 sweet onion, sliced
3 3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 1 green bell pepper, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat and then add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Mix the steak seasonings together in a small bowl and then sprinkle it on both sides of the steak.
Add the steak to the hot skillet and sear on both sides for 3-5 minutes, or until it browns and reaches desired doneness (about 3 minutes on each side for medium rare). Transfer to a plate and set aside while cooking the onions and bell peppers to allow the meat to rest before slicing.
Using the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
Saute the sliced onions and minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, just until the onions start to soften and the garlic is fragrant. Then add the sliced bell peppers and continue to sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, until it reaches desired doneness. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Once the steak has finished resting, slice it into thin strips or chop it into bite sized pieces. Mix it in with the sautéed onions and bell peppers.