Sizzling Steak Fajitas (Print version)

Tender marinated beef with colorful peppers and onions in warm tortillas

# What You'll Need:

→ Marinade

01 - 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak, sliced into thin strips
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - ½ tsp chili powder
08 - ½ tsp salt
09 - ¼ tsp black pepper

→ Fajitas

10 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
11 - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
12 - 1 green bell pepper, sliced
13 - 1 large onion, sliced
14 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ Serving

15 - 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
16 - Sour cream (optional)
17 - Salsa (optional)
18 - Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
19 - Lime wedges (optional)
20 - Sliced avocado or guacamole (optional)
21 - Shredded cheese (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Add steak strips and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor penetration.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange marinated steak in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until well-browned and cooked through. Transfer steak to a plate and cover loosely to retain heat.
03 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Introduce sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften and develop slight char marks.
04 - Return seared steak to the skillet with vegetables. Toss everything together to combine. Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes until the entire mixture sizzling hot.
05 - Transfer to a serving platter and serve immediately with warm tortillas. Accompany with your choice of toppings.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The marinade does double duty infusing meat with flavor while you prep vegetables
  • Everything comes together in one skillet so cleanup is practically nonexistent
02 -
  • Crowding the pan when searing steak will make it steam instead of brown so work in batches
  • Letting the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking keeps it tender
03 -
  • Slice your meat against the grain into thin strips before marinating for the most tender result
  • Do not skip the smoked paprika it is what gives you that authentic fajita flavor profile
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