Traditional Tex-Mex Fajitas

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 15 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to make some mouthwatering Traditional Tex-Mex Fajitas that will transport you straight to the heart of Texas. This recipe combines juicy skirt steak with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for Traditional Tex-Mex Fajitas

The star of this dish is the skirt steak, known for its intense beefy flavor and tender texture when cooked properly. The lime juice and orange juice in the marinade not only add a citrusy zing but also help tenderize the meat. A couple of cloves of garlic give a savory depth, while ground cumin and chili powder bring warmth and a hint of smokiness to the dish. A little salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning. For cooking, we use vegetable oil because it has a high smoke point, which is ideal for searing the meat. The onion and bell peppers add sweetness and texture, while flour tortillas provide the perfect soft wrap. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness, and lime wedges offer an extra citrus kick when serving.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a more intense flavor, marinate the steak overnight in the fridge.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness — aim for 130°F for medium rare.
  • If you're short on time, a quick 30-minute marinade can still work wonders!

Serving Suggestions

Pair your fajitas with a side of creamy guacamole or fresh pico de gallo. For a hearty meal, serve with Mexican rice and refried beans. A cold cerveza or a margarita wouldn't hurt either for that authentic Tex-Mex experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of meat?
Absolutely! Flank steak or even chicken can be great alternatives if skirt steak isn't available.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add some sliced jalapeños to the sautéed vegetables or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.

Traditional Tex-Mex Fajitas Recipe Walkthrough

First, let's whip up a flavorful marinade. In a large bowl, mix together the lime juice, orange juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is well combined. Now, add the skirt steak to the marinade, ensuring it's completely coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour — this gives the flavors time to really seep into the meat.

When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and let it get nice and hot. Take the steak out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place it on the grill. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on how you like your steak done. Once it's cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a good 5 minutes. This resting time is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your steak juicy.

While the steak is resting, let's get those veggies going. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced onion and bell peppers. Sauté them until they're soft and have a bit of char, which should take about 5-7 minutes. That slight char adds a wonderful smoky flavor to the fajitas.

Warm your flour tortillas either in a dry skillet or a microwave, just until they're soft and pliable. Now, it's time to put it all together. Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain — this ensures each bite is tender. Fill each tortilla with a few slices of steak, a generous helping of the sautéed vegetables, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients that pack a punch in flavor.
  • Quick and easy to prepare — perfect for busy weeknights!
  • Customizable to suit everyone's taste at the table.
  • Authentic Tex-Mex flavors that satisfy every craving.

Ingredients

1 lb skirt steak
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup orange juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
8 flour tortillas
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Lime wedges, for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine lime juice, orange juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
2. Add the skirt steak to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil.
4. Remove the steak from the marinade and cook on the grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked to desired doneness.
5. Remove the steak and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
6. In the same skillet, add the remaining oil and sauté the onion and bell peppers until soft and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
8. To serve, fill each tortilla with sliced steak, sautéed vegetables, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side.

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