Fajitas Recipe
Fajitas are a beloved Tex-Mex dish known for their sizzling presentation and vibrant flavors. This versatile dish, traditionally made with grilled meat and served with tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream, is perfect for gatherings or a satisfying weeknight meal. Here’s how you can recreate this classic fajitas recipe at home:
Ingredients:
- For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Fajitas:
- 1 pound of skirt steak, chicken breast, or shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 large bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), sliced
- Tortillas (flour or corn), warmed
- Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Protein:
- Place the skirt steak, chicken breast, or shrimp in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the meat or shrimp, making sure it’s well coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Prep the Vegetables:
- Slice the onion and bell pepper into thin strips.
4. Grill or Cook the Protein:
- For Skirt Steak: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the skirt steak for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- For Chicken: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Cook the chicken breast for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Let it rest before slicing thinly.
- For Shrimp: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until opaque and cooked through.
5. Cook the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet or grill pan used for the protein, add a bit more oil if needed. Cook the sliced onions and bell peppers until they are tender and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Assemble the Fajitas:
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Place a few slices of the cooked protein onto each tortilla, then top with the cooked onions and bell peppers.
- Serve with optional toppings such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.
7. Enjoy!
- Roll up the tortillas and enjoy these flavorful fajitas with your favorite sides and toppings. They pair wonderfully with rice, beans, or a fresh salad.
Tips:
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or tofu.
- Don’t forget to warm your tortillas before serving to make them soft and pliable.
Now you’re ready to impress your friends and family with these delicious homemade fajitas! Enjoy the sizzle and aroma of this Tex-Mex classic right in your own kitchen.