Sizzling and Spicy Fajitas Steak

Written by: Tom Skipton

Sizzling and Spicy Fajitas Steak

For the Marinade:

1 1/2 pounds skirt steak or flank steak
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup orange juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your desired spice level)
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Fajitas:

2 large bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 small flour tortillas

For the Toppings:

Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s embark on the journey to create the perfect sizzling and spicy fajitas steak:

1. Marinate the Steak

A. PREPARE THE MARINADE

In a bowl, combine the lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a flavorful marinade.

B. MARINATE THE STEAK

Place the skirt steak or flank steak in a large, resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably up to 4 hours. The longer you marinate, the more flavor the steak will absorb.

2. Grill the Steak

A. PREHEAT THE GRILL

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C).

B. GRILL THE STEAK

Remove the steak from the marinade and grill it for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer it more well-done. The exact cooking time depends on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.

C. REST AND SLICE

Allow the grilled steak to rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Slice it thinly against the grain, which ensures tenderness.

3. Sauté the Peppers and Onions

A. SAUTÉ THE VEGETABLES

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté until they’re tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.

4. Assemble the Fajitas

A. WARM THE TORTILLAS

Heat the flour tortillas in the microwave or on the grill until they’re warm and pliable.

B. FILL AND SERVE

To assemble a fajita, place a few slices of the grilled steak on a warm tortilla, add the sautéed peppers and onions, and top with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.

5. Savor and Enjoy

A. SERVE HOT

Serve your sizzling fajitas steak immediately while they’re piping hot. Don’t forget to have extra napkins on hand—it’s going to get messy!

Variations and Tips

Marinade Variations: Experiment with different marinades by adding ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce for unique flavor profiles.
Protein Options: While traditional fajitas feature steak, you can also make chicken, shrimp, or even vegetarian fajitas using tofu or portobello mushrooms.
Toppings Galore: Customize your fajitas with toppings like pico de gallo, pickled jalapeños, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of fresh lime.
Serving Suggestion: Warm your tortillas on the grill for a smoky flavor, or char your peppers and onions on the grill to enhance their taste.
Fajita Bowls: If you prefer a lower-carb option, skip the tortillas and serve your fajitas in a bowl with rice, lettuce, and your favorite toppings.

Conclusion: Sizzle and Spice

Fajitas steak is a Tex-Mex classic that combines

Savoring the sizzling and spicy fajitas steak is a mouthwatering experience, but it’s important to be aware of the nutritional content to make informed dietary choices. Below is an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information for a serving of fajitas steak, including the steak, tortilla, and sautéed vegetables. Keep in mind that specific values may vary based on portion sizes and ingredients used.

Nutritional Information for One Serving (1 Fajita, approximately):

Calories: About 400-450 calories
Protein: 20-25 grams
Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams

Dietary Fiber: 3-4 grams
Sugars: 2-4 grams

Total Fat: 20-25 grams

Saturated Fat: 5-7 grams

Cholesterol: 40-60 milligrams
Sodium: 600-700 milligrams
Vitamins and Minerals: Fajitas are a source of various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and iron, primarily from the vegetables and steak.

Nutritional Considerations:

Calories: Fajitas can be moderate in calories, primarily due to the steak and tortilla. Keep an eye on portion size if you’re calorie-conscious.
Protein: Fajitas are a good source of protein, with the steak being the primary contributor. Protein is essential for muscle health and overall bodily functions.
Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates come from the flour tortilla. If you’re watching your carb intake, consider using smaller tortillas or opting for whole-grain versions.
Dietary Fiber: Fajitas contain a reasonable amount of dietary fiber from the sautéed vegetables and tortilla, contributing to digestive health.
Fats: The total fat content is moderate, with a portion coming from the steak and any added oils. While fats are essential for flavor and satiety, be mindful of portion size if you’re monitoring your fat intake.
Saturated Fat: Saturated fat content can vary based on factors like the cut of steak and cooking methods. Consider leaner cuts of meat or trimming excess fat for a healthier option.
Cholesterol: Cholesterol content is primarily from the steak. Opt for lean cuts and consider portion control if you’re concerned about cholesterol intake.
Sodium: Fajitas can be relatively high in sodium, especially if seasonings and sauces are used liberally. Be cautious with added salt and high-sodium seasonings.

Tips for a Balanced Fajitas Meal:

Choose lean cuts of meat like skirt steak or flank steak and trim excess fat to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol.
Use whole-grain or low-carb tortillas for a healthier carbohydrate option.
Load up on the sautéed vegetables to increase fiber and micronutrient content while reducing overall calorie intake.
Be mindful of added toppings like cheese and sour cream, as they can increase calorie and fat content.
Control sodium by using low-sodium seasonings or sauces and reducing added salt.
Balance your meal with a side of leafy greens or a fresh fruit salad to increase your vegetable and fruit intake.

Fajitas are a delightful and nutritious dish when prepared with consideration for ingredient choices and portion sizes. Enjoying them as part of a balanced diet allows you to relish the rich flavors while nourishing your body with essential nutrients.