Beef and Onion Fajitas

Authentic Beef and Onion Fajitas Recipe from Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Beef and Onion Fajitas are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Mexican cuisine right to your dinner table. This recipe combines the rich taste of marinated beef with the sweetness of onions and the colorful crunch of bell peppers, all wrapped in a soft tortilla. Perfect for a family dinner or a festive gathering, these fajitas are sure to be a hit with everyone.

History

The fajita originated in the early 1930s and 1940s in the ranch lands of South and West Texas. During cattle roundups, workers were sometimes paid with meat, including the less desirable cuts such as skirt steak. The workers learned to make the best of this by marinating and grilling the meat, serving it with whatever fresh vegetables were available. Over time, this humble beginning evolved into the popular fajitas we know today, with restaurants and home cooks adding their own twists to the dish.

Ingredients

Marinade

1 cup coarsely chopped white onion
10 medium garlic cloves
5 serrano peppers
0.5 cup fresh lime juice
2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp brown sugar
4 tsp chili powder

Fajitas

1.75 lb (794 g) top sirloin steak
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil
3 medium onions cut into narrow wedges
3 bell peppers cut into narrow strips
12 flour tortillas steamed
2 limes wedged
1 lb (454 g) pepper jack cheese grated
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 cup salsa

How to prepare

Combine all marinade ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Reserve half of the marinade and refrigerate.
Spread the remaining half of the marinade on the steak, coating all sides.
Cover and marinate the steak in the refrigerator for several hours.
Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade.
Grill the steak on high heat for 10 minutes.
Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over high heat, then add onions and peppers and sauté until tender.
Mix the reserved marinade into the onion mixture and heat through.
Slice the steak across the grain into narrow strips, then toss with the onion mixture in the skillet.
To assemble the fajitas, fill a tortilla with the beef and onion combination, then squirt with lime juice and top with cheese, sour cream, and salsa.

Variations

For a twist on the traditional recipe, try using chicken or shrimp instead of beef. Vegetarians can substitute portobello mushrooms or tofu for a meatless version. Adding different vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, can also add variety to the dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Beef and Onion Fajitas are as flavorful as possible, marinate the beef for at least a few hours, or overnight if possible. This not only tenderizes the meat but also infuses it with the marinade's flavors. When cooking the vegetables, make sure the pan is hot enough to sauté them quickly without making them soggy. Lastly, slicing the beef against the grain will make it more tender and easier to eat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fajitas with a side of guacamole, rice, or beans for a complete meal. For a lighter option, consider a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the beef adds a smoky flavor that enhances the fajitas. If grilling is not an option, pan-searing the meat is a good alternative. For the vegetables, high-heat sautéing ensures they are cooked quickly, retaining their crunch and vibrant colors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If serrano peppers are too spicy, jalapeños can be a milder substitute. For a lower-fat option, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and low-fat cheese. Whole wheat or corn tortillas can be used for a healthier twist.

Make Ahead Tips

The beef can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, and the vegetables can be sliced and stored in the refrigerator. Preparing these components ahead of time makes the final assembly quick and easy.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fajitas on a large platter with the tortillas, lime wedges, and toppings on the side, allowing everyone to build their own. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Pairing Recommendations

A light, crisp beer or a margarita pairs well with the flavors of the fajitas. For a non-alcoholic option, consider a sparkling limeade or iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat the beef and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth to prevent drying out. Tortillas can be warmed in the microwave or on a dry skillet.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single serving of Beef and Onion Fajitas can range from 500 to 700 calories. The variation depends on the serving size and the specific ingredients used, such as the type of cheese and tortillas.

Carbohydrates

A serving of Beef and Onion Fajitas, including the tortillas, typically contains about 35-45 grams of carbohydrates. The exact amount can vary based on the type of tortillas used and any additional toppings or sides.

Fats

The fats in this dish come primarily from the beef, olive oil, and cheese. A serving can contain approximately 20-30 grams of fat, depending on the cuts of beef used and the amount of cheese and sour cream added.

Proteins

Beef and Onion Fajitas are a high-protein meal, with a serving providing about 30-40 grams of protein. This comes from the sirloin steak as well as the cheese and sour cream.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C from the lime juice and bell peppers, calcium from the cheese, and iron from the beef. It also contains other nutrients such as potassium and magnesium.

Alergens

Common allergens in this recipe include dairy (cheese and sour cream) and gluten (in the tortillas). Individuals with allergies should look for suitable substitutions or omit these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, Beef and Onion Fajitas can be a nutritious part of a balanced diet, offering a good balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, along with essential vitamins and minerals. However, those watching their intake of fats, calories, or specific allergens should adjust the recipe accordingly.

Summary

Beef and Onion Fajitas are a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to suit any taste. With a balance of flavors, textures, and nutrients, they offer a satisfying meal that's as nutritious as it is tasty. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these fajitas are sure to delight.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little kitchen. Maria was a master in the art of Mexican cooking, and I always loved learning new recipes from her.

On that particular day, Maria had a special surprise for me. She pulled out a faded old recipe card from her recipe box and handed it to me with a mischievous smile. "This, my dear friend, is the secret to making the most delicious Beef and Onion Fajitas you will ever taste," she said.

I eagerly took the recipe card and studied it carefully. The ingredients were simple - beef, onions, bell peppers, garlic, and a blend of spices. But it was the method of cooking that intrigued me. Maria explained that the key to great fajitas was to marinate the beef in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices before cooking it over high heat. This would give the meat a delicious tangy flavor and tender texture.

I watched as Maria demonstrated the cooking process, her hands moving with practiced ease. She sliced the beef thinly and tossed it in the marinade, then sautéed it with onions and bell peppers until they were caramelized and fragrant. The sizzle of the meat on the hot skillet filled the kitchen with mouth-watering aromas, and my stomach growled in anticipation.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite of the Beef and Onion Fajitas. The flavors exploded in my mouth - the tangy lime, the savory beef, the sweet caramelized onions. It was a taste sensation like no other, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself.

Over the years, I perfected my recipe for Beef and Onion Fajitas, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I experimented with different cuts of beef, varying the spices and adjusting the cooking time until I had created a dish that was truly my own.

I shared my recipe with friends and family, who raved about its delicious flavors. It became a staple at family gatherings and dinner parties, a dish that was always requested and eagerly devoured.

But it was not just the taste of the fajitas that made them special to me. It was the memories that were attached to them - the laughter shared around the dinner table, the stories exchanged over a plate of sizzling meat and vegetables. The recipe became a symbol of friendship and love, a reminder of the bonds that were forged in the kitchen.

As the years passed, I continued to make my Beef and Onion Fajitas, passing the recipe down to my children and grandchildren. It became a family tradition, a dish that was always associated with happy times and cherished memories.

And so, whenever I make my Beef and Onion Fajitas, I am transported back to that sunny day in Maria's kitchen, where I first discovered the magic of this delicious dish. The recipe may have come from her, but it has become a part of me, a legacy that I will pass on to future generations.

For me, cooking is not just about preparing food - it is about creating something special, something that brings people together and nourishes both body and soul. And in my Beef and Onion Fajitas, I have found a recipe that embodies all of that and more. It is a dish that is not just food, but a piece of my heart and soul, a taste of love and friendship that will endure for years to come.