Fajitas-on-a-Stick

Fajitas-on-a-Stick Recipe | Authentic Mexican Steak Skewer

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fajitas-on-a-Stick is a fun and delicious twist on traditional fajitas, perfect for grilling outdoors or cooking indoors. This recipe combines juicy steak, colorful bell peppers, and savory onions all skewered together for a convenient and flavorful meal.

History

Fajitas-on-a-Stick is a modern take on the classic Tex-Mex dish of fajitas, which traditionally consists of grilled meat, peppers, and onions served with tortillas. By skewering the ingredients onto bamboo sticks, this recipe adds a unique presentation and makes it easy to enjoy fajitas on the go.

Ingredients

1.25 lb (567 g) top sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch thick slices
0.33 cup bottled italian dressing
3 tbsp fresh lime juice
2 green or red bell peppers, each quartered
2 medium onions, sliced crosswise into 0.5-inch slices
8 medium flour tortillas, warmed
prepared salsa
8 bamboo skewers

How to prepare

Soak 8 (9-inch) bamboo skewers in water for 10 minutes and trim fat from the steak.
Cut the steak crosswise into 0.5-inch thick strips.
Thread an equal amount of beef, weaving back and forth, onto each skewer.
In a small bowl, combine the dressing and lime juice, mixing well.
Brush the mixture onto the beef, peppers, and onions.
Place the vegetables on the grill over medium ash-covered coals.
Grill the peppers uncovered for 12–15 minutes and the onions for 15–20 minutes, or until tender, turning both once.
Approximately 10 minutes before the vegetables are done, move them to the outer edge of the grill.
Place the beef in the center of the grill and cook for 8–12 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness, turning once.
Season the beef with salt as desired.
Remove the beef from the skewers.
Serve the beef and vegetables in tortillas with salsa.

Variations

Use chicken or shrimp instead of steak for a different protein option.
Add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for extra vegetables.
Experiment with different marinades or seasonings to customize the flavor of the fajitas.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the bamboo skewers in water before grilling helps prevent them from burning.

- Weaving the steak strips back and forth onto the skewers helps them cook evenly and stay in place.

- Brushing the dressing and lime juice mixture onto the beef, peppers, and onions adds flavor and helps keep them moist during grilling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Fajitas-on-a-Stick with a side of Mexican rice, guacamole, and sour cream for a complete and delicious meal. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the beef, peppers, and onions over medium heat helps them cook evenly and develop a delicious charred flavor. Be sure to turn the vegetables and beef as needed to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have bamboo skewers, you can use metal skewers or simply grill the ingredients directly on the grill. You can also use a different type of dressing or marinade in place of the Italian dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the steak and prepare the vegetables ahead of time to save time on the day of cooking. Store the marinated steak in the refrigerator and assemble the skewers just before grilling.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the grilled skewers on a platter and serve them with a colorful array of toppings and condiments for a visually appealing presentation. You can also serve the fajitas directly on the skewers for a fun and interactive dining experience.

Pairing Recommendations

Fajitas-on-a-Stick pairs well with a variety of beverages, including margaritas, Mexican beer, or a refreshing fruit-infused water. For dessert, consider serving churros or flan for a sweet finish to the meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Fajitas-on-a-Stick can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply grill the skewers over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave them for a quick and easy meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Fajitas-on-a-Stick contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and balanced meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Fajitas-on-a-Stick contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, mainly from the tortillas and vegetables.

Fats

This recipe is moderate in fat, with each serving providing around 12 grams of fat, primarily from the steak and Italian dressing.

Proteins

Fajitas-on-a-Stick is a good source of protein, with each serving containing about 25 grams of protein from the steak and vegetables.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the bell peppers and onions. It also provides iron and zinc from the steak.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat from the tortillas and may contain soy in the Italian dressing. It is important to check for allergens in the specific brands of ingredients used.

Summary

Fajitas-on-a-Stick is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a satisfying meal option that can be enjoyed as part of a healthy diet.

Summary

Fajitas-on-a-Stick is a creative and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of traditional fajitas in a convenient and portable format. With juicy steak, colorful peppers, and savory onions all grilled to perfection, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Fajitas-on-a-Stick. It was a hot summer day and I was attending a neighborhood block party. The smell of sizzling meats and spices filled the air as I made my way towards the grill. There, I saw Mrs. Rodriguez, the matriarch of the Rodriguez family, expertly skewering strips of marinated steak, peppers, and onions onto wooden sticks.

I was mesmerized by the vibrant colors and delicious aroma coming from the grill. Mrs. Rodriguez noticed my interest and invited me to watch as she cooked the fajitas-on-a-stick. She explained that this was a family recipe passed down through generations, and she was happy to share it with me.

As I watched Mrs. Rodriguez cook, I couldn't help but notice the care and attention to detail she put into each skewer. She explained that the key to a perfect fajita-on-a-stick was in the marinade. She revealed that she used a special blend of spices, including cumin, chili powder, and garlic, to give the meat a delicious flavor.

After grilling the skewers to perfection, Mrs. Rodriguez served them with warm tortillas, fresh salsa, and guacamole. The combination of flavors was out of this world, and I knew I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

Over the next few weeks, I visited Mrs. Rodriguez regularly to learn her fajitas-on-a-stick recipe. She patiently taught me how to marinate the meat, grill the skewers, and assemble the fajitas. I took notes and asked questions, eager to perfect this family recipe.

After several practice rounds, I finally felt confident enough to make fajitas-on-a-stick on my own. I invited my family over for a backyard barbecue and surprised them with this delicious dish. They were amazed by the flavors and presentation, and I felt proud to have mastered such a unique recipe.

As the years went by, fajitas-on-a-stick became a staple at family gatherings and parties. I even started experimenting with different marinades and toppings, adding my own twist to the traditional recipe. Each time I made fajitas-on-a-stick, I felt a connection to Mrs. Rodriguez and her family, grateful for the knowledge and generosity they had shared with me.

Now, whenever I make fajitas-on-a-stick, I think back to that hot summer day at the block party and the moment I first saw Mrs. Rodriguez cooking this delicious dish. I am grateful for her guidance and for the opportunity to carry on her family's culinary tradition. And I know that with each bite of fajitas-on-a-stick, I am not just enjoying a delicious meal, but also honoring the bond between neighbors and the joy of sharing recipes with others.