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Steak Fajitas

These steak fajitas bring restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen with a zesty lime marinade and smoky spices that tenderize the meat beautifully. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and casual weekend gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

For the Steak & Veggies
  • pounds flank steak or skirt steak or substitute with sirloin if needed
  • 3 bell peppers (mixed colors) thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided; one for cooking veggies
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 small flour tortillas warmed
For the Marinade
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
  • ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
  • Halal sour cream
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Guacamole
  • Shredded Halal cheese
  • Fresh cilantro

Equipment

  • Cast-iron skillet or grill pan
  • Bowl or zip-top bag
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), and ½ teaspoon salt.
  2. Add the 1½ pounds of steak to the marinade, ensuring it is well-coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2-4 hours for deeper flavor).
  3. When ready to cook, preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
  4. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry. Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adding additional time if you prefer it more well done.
  5. Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute.
  6. While the steak rests, add 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same pan and sauté the sliced bell peppers and onion until they are softened and slightly charred around the edges. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips. Warm the tortillas and assemble your fajitas by layering steak, sautéed veggies, and your choice of optional toppings.

Notes

For a vegetarian twist, try substituting the steak with portobello mushrooms or extra-firm tofu and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Corn tortillas can be used instead of flour tortillas for a slightly different texture. The marinade can be prepared in advance, and be sure to let the steak rest after cooking to lock in the juices. Experiment with additional toppings like pineapple chunks for a sweet contrast to the savory flavors.