Fajita Recipe

Fajitas are a beloved Tex-Mex dish known for their sizzling flavors and customizable fillings. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, mastering the art of fajita-making can elevate your culinary repertoire. Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating delicious fajitas that will delight your family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) of skirt steak or chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 bell peppers (preferably red and green), thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Warm flour tortillas, for serving

Optional toppings:

• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Protein:

• In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Add the sliced steak or chicken to the marinade, ensuring it’s well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

1. Prepare the Vegetables:

• Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper.
• Sauté the vegetables until they are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

1. Cook the Protein:

• In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed.
• Cook the marinated steak or chicken in batches until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side for steak or 5-6 minutes for chicken. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.

1. Assemble the Fajitas:

• Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they are soft and pliable.
• Fill each tortilla with slices of cooked steak or chicken, sautéed peppers, and onions.
• Add your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and jalapeños.

1. Serve and Enjoy:

• Roll up the tortillas, securing them with foil or serving them open-faced on a plate.
• Serve immediately while hot, with extra toppings on the side for everyone to customize their fajitas.

Tips for Success:

• Slice Meat Thinly: This ensures quick cooking and tender results.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the meat in batches if needed to avoid steaming instead of searing.
• Use Fresh Lime Juice: It adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the marinade.
• Customize Your Toppings: Fajitas are all about personalization, so set out a variety of toppings for everyone to enjoy.

Mastering the art of making fajitas allows you to bring the vibrant flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine to your table. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend fiesta, this recipe is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy the sizzle and the savory goodness of homemade fajitas!