How about a skillet full of tender, seared to perfection strips of marinated steak? Of course they are incomplete without vibrant, colorful peppers, some lime, plenty of cilantro and a little avocado. You would be pleasantly surprised that this beautiful platter can happen in less than half an hour. Yes fajitas are, believe it or not, a “quick throw together” meal. And though it’s most commonly eaten with tortillas, this platter also has low carb and gluten free options. And most importantly, it’s addictively delicious.

Fajitas, to me, are one of the most fun meals you can enjoy with your friends and family. The fun aspect comes in when you take this beautiful colorful platter to the table, followed by the excitement when you dig into it in various ways.

Some might reach out for various tortillas to stuff them in. Some may have their fajita meat with some Mexican rice. Or some might just try it with a side of fresh pico de gallo. Whatever the way, surely that platter will empty pretty fast.

It’s quite a simple straightforward affair. Though some tips and tricks will make it the best succulent, juicy fajita meat you will ever cook in your very own kitchen.

First comes first, what meat is the BEST for fajitas?

You can make it with any beef cut if you slice it thin. That being said, we feel the best and most common cut to use for the fajitas is either flank steak or skirt steak. Both of them are relatively thin cuts of beef. All you need to do is cut them into relatively slender strips, cutting against the grain. This results in tender juicy meat.

Second comes the your homemade blend of Fajita seasoning

Nothing beats the freshness and flavors that comes from blending a few spices from your pantry, minus the additives, preservatives and excess salt that comes in store bought seasonings. It takes just a few minutes to whip up your very own seasoning and it’s well worth it.

Third, you want to marinate your steak in this special marinade

For the best tasting fajitas, the steak needs to be marinated at least 2, or better yet 8 hours. I like to start my marination in the morning and cook it in the evening. This allows all the flavors to seep into the meat. It also tenderises it for a lovely melt in your mouth result.

The fourth secret for a juicy tender result is how you cook it

You don’t want rubbery, dried out, meat in your fajita platter. And that would happen if you overcook the steak. It needs your rapt attention. These strips just need a quick sear, 2-3 minutes stirring continuously for medium rare. We also feel cast iron is the best skillet to use, as it distributes the high heat quite well.

This is what you need to make this fajita platter

• Steak – We are using flank steak today.
• Bell peppers – Cut into strips. Any color you have available. The more the colors, the prettier it looks.
• Onions – Also cut into strips.
• Fajita seasoning – Chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper and red chili flakes.
• Lime juice
• Garlic – Chopped
• Worcestershire sauce
• Cilantro – Chopped
• Olive oil

Lets see how easy it is

Mix all of the ingredients for your homemade fajita seasoning in a bowl. You might not use all of this today, but it can be stored in an airtight container or even plastic bag for future use.

In a big bowl, mix the steak strips with 2-3 Tbsp of fajita seasoning along with garlic, cilantro, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce and olive oil. Marinate as long as you can.

When you are ready to cook, heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium high heat and saute the onions and bell peppers for 5-6 minutes. Stir in a little fajita seasoning so they get some Mexican flavors too. You need to retain a little crunch, so don’t overcook them. Remove to a plate.

In the same pan, heat some more oil (you can actually try butter too, yum). Add in the marinated meat and give it a quick sear on both sides.

And that’s it. Build up your platter with your fajita meat and pepper and onion mixture.

Some optional toppings that goes great with this platter

1. Fresh pico de gallo goes great. Today we made some with cherry tomatoes.
2. Any other salsa, like our salsa taquera.
3. Onions and peppers are standard fajita accompaniments. But if you feel like any other sautéed veggies, go for it.
4. Avocado slices or guacamole. For a tangier version, try our guasacaca.
5. Sour cream.

What to serve fajitas with

• The most common way is, of course, heap them in tortillas. Both flour or corn tortillas taste equally amazing.
• If you are looking for a low carb option, try it with Mexican style cauliflower rice or Mexican coleslaw. You can also try some low carb tortillas, or wrap them in lettuce cups… all yum.
• Make a giant burrito. Go all out with little cilantro lime rice, beans, salsa, guac and cheese all wrapped in a huge tortilla.

Once it’s cooked, it’s your platter. Enjoy it whichever way you want. You will always end up with huge compliments and love from your near and dear ones with this one.

Let’s kick off this new year with hope, love and togetherness. To all of our subscribers and followers, Jason, Noah and I Wish you a very happy and prosperous new year. Be with us on this amazing journey. Some good things are coming soon on GypsyPlate. We love you all!!

Flank Steak Fajitas, on my Gypsy Plate… enjoy!

Looking for more great beef recipes? Try my…
Bistec Encebellado (Steak & Onions)
Mongolian Beef
Greek Steak Salad Bowl
Grillades & Grits

Flank Steak Fajitas

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

These flank steak fajitas are the perfect easy option when that Mexican food craving hits. Perfectly marinated, melt in your mouth tender beef strips with colorful peppers. You're in for a fun meal with this one!

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Ingredients

For Homemade Fajita Seasoning

• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 Tbsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

For Steak Fajitas

• 1.5 lbs flank or skirt steak, cut into thin strips
• 1 onion, sliced into strips
• 1/2 each of colored bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, green), cut into strips
• 4-5 garlic, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Mix all fajita seasoning ingredients in a bowl.
2. Marinate steak with 2-3 Tbsp of fajita seasoning, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, Worcestershire sauce and olive oil and refrigerate for 2-8 hours.
3. When ready to cook, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in skillet and sauté onion and bell peppers along with 1 tsp of fajita seasoning. Cook for 5-6 minutes till they get soft yet retain the crunch. Remove to plate.
4. Heat 2 tbsp oil or butter in the same skillet and stir in marinated steak strips.
5. Keep on stirring on high flame to give it a quick sear. You can stir in 1 Tbsp of fajita seasoning for extra flavors. Cook for 2-3 minutes for medium rare.
6. Arrange the fajitas along with peppers and optional toppings in skillet or platter and serve.

Notes

1. Sometimes we add honey or orange juice in the marinade to add more flavors.
2. Serving options: Tortillas, burritos, tostadas, Mexican rice, salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, cauliflower rice, low carb wraps

Nutrition Information

Yield 6 Serving Size 1
Amount Per Serving Calories 386Total Fat 26gSaturated Fat 8gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 17gCholesterol 67mgSodium 603mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 2gSugar 2gProtein 29g

Nutrition information calculated by Nutritionix.

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