Beef Fajita Skillet (Print Version)
Sizzling one-pan Tex-Mex creation: tender beef, colorful peppers, onions with bold spices. Quick, flavorful weeknight meal.
# What You Need:
→ Beef
01 - 1.1 pounds flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, sliced
05 - 1 large onion, sliced
→ Marinade & Seasonings
06 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
07 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1½ teaspoons ground cumin
09 - 1½ teaspoons chili powder
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
12 - ½ teaspoon salt
13 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
14 - Juice of 1 lime
→ Optional for Serving
15 - Warm corn or flour tortillas
16 - Sour cream
17 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Salsa or pico de gallo
19 - Sliced avocado or guacamole
# Directions:
01 - In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add the beef strips and toss to coat thoroughly. Allow to marinate for a minimum of 10 minutes, or up to 1 hour for optimal flavor infusion.
02 - Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the marinated beef in a single layer. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until well-browned but just cooked through. Remove the seared beef from the skillet and set aside.
03 - Using the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly charred.
04 - Return the seared beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss to combine thoroughly and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, ensuring everything is heated through.
05 - Serve the sizzling beef fajitas immediately with warm tortillas and your preferred optional toppings.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You'll be amazed how quickly this comes together, making it perfect for those frantic weeknights when takeout beckons.
- The combination of tender beef, sweet peppers, and smoky spices is just incredibly satisfying, a flavor explosion in every bite.
02 -
- Never overcrowd your skillet when searing the beef; working in batches ensures a beautiful, caramelized crust instead of steamed, gray meat.
- A little char on the peppers and onions isn't a mistake; it's a desired texture and flavor that makes fajitas truly authentic and delicious.
03 -
- Slice your beef against the grain at a slight angle to ensure maximum tenderness and a pleasant chew.
- For an extra layer of flavor, lightly char your tortillas directly over a gas flame or in a dry hot skillet for a few seconds per side.