Turkey Fajitas

Mexican Turkey Fajitas Recipe | Ingredients & Steps | Country of Origin: Mexico

Region / culture: Mexico | Servings: 4

Introduction

Turkey fajitas are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender strips of turkey with a variety of spices and vegetables, all wrapped up in a warm tortilla. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal, and can be customized with your favorite toppings and garnishes.

History

Fajitas are a traditional Mexican dish that originated in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the early 1930s. Originally made with skirt steak, fajitas have evolved over the years to include a variety of proteins, including turkey. The combination of tender turkey, savory spices, and colorful vegetables makes turkey fajitas a popular choice for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

0.75 lb (340 g) boneless, skinless turkey thigh
1 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup lemon juice
0.5 tsp chili powder
0.5 tsp oregano
0.25 tsp thyme
0.25 tsp cumin
0.25 tsp pepper
0.75 cup red onion, sliced
1 sweet red pepper, sliced
0.5 tsp tabasco sauce
8 soft flour tortillas
garnishes
salsa
sour cream
guacamole
shredded lettuce
grated cheese
jalapeño peppers

How to prepare

Cut the turkey into long thin strips, approximately 2" × 0.25".
Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over high heat.
Add garlic and the turkey strips.
Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the turkey is browned.
Add lemon juice, seasoning, onion, and red pepper.
Cook for 2–3 minutes on medium heat, stirring constantly.
Add tabasco sauce and mix well.
Lower the heat and cover to keep warm.
Heat the tortillas for 3–4 minutes in the oven or 30–40 seconds (for 8 tortillas) in the microwave.
To serve, spread 1 tbsp of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa on each tortilla.
Add a layer of lettuce and cheese, then add the turkey mixture to the middle of the fajita.
Top with jalapeños if desired.
Roll the tortilla from one side, folding over one edge to hold the mixture in place.

Variations

Substitute chicken or beef for the turkey.
Add sliced mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
Use different seasonings, such as taco seasoning or fajita seasoning mix.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the turkey into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.

- Sauté the turkey over high heat to achieve a nice browned exterior.

- Don't overcook the turkey, as it can become tough and dry.

- Customize your fajitas with your favorite toppings and garnishes for a personalized touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve turkey fajitas with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing, grilling, or broiling the turkey strips are all effective cooking techniques for turkey fajitas.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or beef instead of turkey.

- Use bell peppers or poblano peppers instead of sweet red peppers.

- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the turkey in the lemon juice and spices ahead of time for extra flavor. You can also prepare the vegetables and garnishes in advance for easy assembly.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the turkey fajitas on a platter with a colorful array of toppings and garnishes for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Turkey fajitas pair well with a cold beer, a margarita, or a glass of sangria.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover turkey fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of turkey fajitas contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of turkey fajitas contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of turkey fajitas contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of turkey fajitas contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Turkey fajitas are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (sour cream, cheese) and wheat (tortillas). It may also contain soy (vegetable oil) and tree nuts (guacamole).

Summary

Turkey fajitas are a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Turkey fajitas are a delicious and satisfying meal that is easy to make and customizable to your taste preferences. With a balance of flavors and textures, turkey fajitas are sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning how to cook from my own mother. We lived in a small town in Texas, where the flavors of Mexican cuisine were a staple in our household.

One day, a neighbor of ours invited us over for dinner and served us the most delicious dish I had ever tasted - turkey fajitas. The tender strips of turkey, seasoned with a blend of spices and sizzling on a hot skillet, were a revelation to me. I begged our neighbor for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me.

I remember rushing home that evening, eager to try my hand at making turkey fajitas for my own family. As I gathered the ingredients and followed the instructions, I could feel a sense of excitement building within me. And when I finally served the fajitas to my family, their faces lit up with joy and satisfaction.

From that moment on, turkey fajitas became a regular feature on our dinner table. I would make them for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when I wanted to treat my loved ones to a delicious meal. Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit our tastes and preferences.

I learned to marinate the turkey in a blend of lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder, allowing the flavors to seep into the meat and tenderize it. I discovered the art of cooking the peppers and onions just right, so they were caramelized and sweet, adding a burst of color and flavor to the dish.

I also learned the importance of serving the fajitas with all the traditional accompaniments - warm tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. Each element added its own unique touch to the dish, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that delighted the senses.

As the years went by, I shared the recipe for turkey fajitas with friends and family, who all raved about its deliciousness. I even taught my grandchildren how to make them, passing down the tradition to the next generation. And whenever we gather for a meal, turkey fajitas are always on the menu, a reminder of the special memory that started it all.

The recipe for turkey fajitas holds a special place in my heart, not just because of its deliciousness, but because of the memories and connections it represents. It reminds me of the love and care that goes into preparing a meal for those we hold dear, and the joy that comes from sharing good food with good company.

So whenever I make turkey fajitas now, I do so with a sense of gratitude and nostalgia, remembering that first taste of perfection that set me on a culinary journey that has brought so much happiness to me and my loved ones. And with each sizzling skillet and each satisfied smile, I am reminded once again of the power of a good recipe to bring people together and create lasting memories.