Grilled Steak Fajitas

Grilled Steak Fajitas Recipe - Authentic Mexican Flavors

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Grilled Steak Fajitas are a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight meal. This recipe features tender ribeye steak seasoned with a blend of spices, grilled peppers, onions, and served in warm tortillas. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

Fajitas have a long history that dates back to the ranches of West Texas in the early 1930s. Mexican cowboys, known as vaqueros, would grill skirt steak over an open flame and serve it with tortillas and condiments. The dish eventually made its way into American cuisine and has since become a popular Tex-Mex staple.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of lean ribeye steak (may substitute strip, sirloin or shell)
1 tsp of black pepper
0.5 tsp of cumin
0.5 tsp of chili powder
1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
1 medium-hot poblano pepper (dark green and triangular)
1 medium yellow onion
8 fat-free flour tortillas
tomatoes (optional)

How to prepare

Dust a 1 lb (454 g) ribeye steak with freshly ground black pepper, cumin, and chili powder at least two hours before dinner.
Allow the steak to sit in the refrigerator to allow the flavors of the spices to penetrate the meat.
Cut the peppers into large segments, removing the ribs and seeds.
Next, slice the onion into thick slices, being careful not to separate the rings.
Prepare the grill and adjust the heat accordingly.
Place the peppers and onion slices on the grill and cover it.
Roast the peppers by turning them frequently until they are covered with dark spots, but not burnt.
Cook the onion slices until they turn brown, making sure not to char them.
Remove the peppers and onion slices from the grill.
After allowing the peppers to cool for 3-4 minutes, remove the waxy-papery skins.
Slice the peppers crosswise into strips.
Next, break the onion slices into rings.
Mix the peppers and onions in a serving bowl.
Place the ribeye on the grill, turning it frequently.
Warm eight fat-free tortillas on the edge of the grill, keeping them away from direct heat to prevent them from drying out or turning crisp.
After cooking, remove the steak from the grill and cut it diagonally into thin slices.
Roll several slices of steak along with a portion of the peppers and onions into tortillas and serve.

Variations

Use chicken or shrimp instead of steak for a different protein option.
Add some sliced mushrooms or zucchini to the grilled vegetables for extra texture.
Experiment with different seasonings such as paprika, garlic powder, or oregano for a unique flavor profile.

Notes

Cooking Tip: It is important to let the dry rub of spices penetrate the meat. It not only tenderizes the meat, but also adds extra flavor. For a short cut, peppers don't have to be peeled.
To help keep the meat moist when grilling, use the cover on your grill during part or all of the cook time to help lock in flavorful juices. If your grill doesn't have a cover, improvise by putting a large, disposable foil roasting pan over the food.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the steak well in advance to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Grill the peppers and onions until they are charred but not burnt for maximum flavor.

- Warm the tortillas on the edge of the grill to prevent them from drying out.

- Slice the steak thinly against the grain for a tender and juicy bite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Grilled Steak Fajitas with a side of guacamole, sour cream, and salsa for a complete meal. You can also add some shredded cheese or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling is the best cooking technique for this recipe as it imparts a smoky flavor to the steak and vegetables. Make sure to preheat the grill and adjust the heat accordingly for perfectly cooked fajitas.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ribeye steak, you can use flank steak or skirt steak as a substitute. You can also use different colored bell peppers or add jalapenos for extra heat.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the steak and prepare the vegetables in advance to save time on the day of cooking. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced steak, grilled peppers, and onions on a platter and serve with warm tortillas on the side. Garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Grilled Steak Fajitas pair well with a cold beer, margarita, or a glass of red wine. You can also serve them with a side of Mexican rice or black beans for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Grilled Steak Fajitas contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Grilled Steak Fajitas contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Grilled Steak Fajitas contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Grilled Steak Fajitas contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Grilled Steak Fajitas are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (tortillas) and may contain soy (depending on the seasoning used).

Summary

Grilled Steak Fajitas are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Grilled Steak Fajitas are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a blend of tender steak, grilled peppers, and onions, all wrapped in warm tortillas, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine with this easy and flavorful recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Grilled Steak Fajitas. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small town in Mexico. My family had a tradition of gathering every Sunday for a big family dinner, and I was always eager to help my mother in the kitchen.

One Sunday, as I was helping my mother prepare the ingredients for our meal, she asked me to go to the market to pick up some fresh vegetables and meat for the fajitas. As I wandered through the market, I came across a stall where a kind elderly woman was grilling up some marinated steak with peppers and onions. The aroma was intoxicating, and I couldn't resist asking her for the recipe.

The woman smiled warmly and handed me a piece of paper with the ingredients and instructions written in beautiful script. She explained that the key to a delicious fajita was in the marinade, which consisted of lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. She also shared with me her secret for perfectly grilled steak – allowing it to marinate for at least an hour and grilling it over high heat to achieve a nice char.

I rushed home with the recipe in hand, eager to share my newfound knowledge with my mother. Together, we prepared the steak fajitas following the instructions from the kind woman at the market. The result was a mouthwatering, flavorful dish that quickly became a family favorite.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect the recipe for Grilled Steak Fajitas, adding my own twist and variations. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its deliciousness. It has become a staple at our family gatherings, a dish that everyone looks forward to.

One memorable occasion, my grandmother came to visit from the countryside. She was a renowned cook in her village, known for her traditional dishes and secret recipes. She took one bite of my Grilled Steak Fajitas and her eyes lit up with delight.

"Mi nieta, you have truly mastered the art of fajitas," she exclaimed. "The flavors are perfect, just like the ones I used to make back in the old days."

I beamed with pride at her words, knowing that I had earned her approval. She shared with me some of her own tips and tricks for making fajitas, such as using a cast iron skillet to achieve a nice sear on the steak and sautéing the peppers and onions until they were caramelized and tender.

As the years went by, I continued to make my Grilled Steak Fajitas for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time, I would think back to that fateful day at the market when I stumbled upon the recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire. I have passed down the recipe to my children and grandchildren, who now make their own version of the dish with their own unique flair.

Even now, as I sit in my kitchen preparing a batch of Grilled Steak Fajitas for dinner, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the kind woman at the market who shared her recipe with me all those years ago. It is a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that last a lifetime. And for that, I am forever grateful.