Quick & Flavorful Grilled Steak Fajitas

Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 4 · Technique: Grilling · Storage: Airtight in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Quick Answer

Grill marinated steak and sautéed veggies, then assemble in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for delicious steak fajitas.

As the chill of fall settles in here in New York City and the aroma of spices fills the air, I find myself dreaming of cozy gatherings and hearty meals. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, there’s a special excitement about bringing family and friends together over delicious food. One dish that never fails to impress is grilled steak fajitas. It’s a feast for the senses, offering sizzling flavors and colorful presentations that make any occasion feel festive.

A Festive Gathering Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
• Flavorful marinade that tenderizes the steak and enhances every bite.
• Colorful and vibrant presentation that impresses guests.
• Flexibility to customize with your favorite toppings and sides.
• Leftovers are delicious and can be reused in various meals.

Ingredients

Gather the following fresh ingredients for a delightful grilled steak fajitas experience:

For the Steak Marinade:

• 1 pound of flank steak (or skirt steak)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Fajitas:

• 1 large red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 large green bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 large onion (sliced)
• Fresh tortillas (flour or corn, your choice)
• Optional toppings: guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro

How to Make Grilled Steak Fajitas (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps to create mouth-watering grilled steak fajitas that everyone will love.

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Start by placing your flank steak in a shallow dish. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined and fragrant. Pour this luscious marinade over the steak and let it sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor infusion.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. As it’s heating, the anticipation builds—the scents of the marinade linger in the air, making my stomach rumble with excitement.

Step 3: Grill the Steak

Remove the steak from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Place it on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer it more well done. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges have a beautiful char, and the center has a slight jiggle, guaranteeing juiciness. Once grilled, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin strips.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

While the steak is resting, it’s time to bring those colorful peppers and onions to life! In a cast-iron skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onion, sautéing until they are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma is simply irresistible.

Step 5: Assemble the Fajitas

Warm your tortillas on the grill or in a pan. Then, layer in the steak strips and sautéed veggies. Top with your choice of guacamole, salsa, cheese, and fresh cilantro to make each bite more delightful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Marinade: Don’t rush this step; the marinade is crucial for tenderizing the meat and infusing flavor.
• Overcooking the Steak: Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure; 130°F for rare, 140°F for medium-rare, and 150°F for medium.
• Neglecting the Resting Time: Letting the steak rest is essential to allow the juices to redistribute, making for a juicier bite.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Experiment with different spices in your marinade; maybe a touch of lime zest or a dash of cayenne for extra heat will suit your palate.
• For a complete meal, serve with a side of Mexican rice or black beans.
• If you don’t have a grill, a stovetop grill pan works wonderfully to achieve those grill marks and smoky flavor.

Variations

• Substitute flank steak with chicken, shrimp, or portobello mushrooms for different protein options.
• Try different bell pepper colors for a more vibrant dish.
• Incorporate other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

How to Serve

• Wrap the grilled steak and veggies in warm tortillas for classic fajitas.
• Serve alongside guacamole, salsa, and shredded cheese as toppings.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a burst of freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Marinate the steak up to 4 hours in advance for better flavor.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers on low heat in a pan to maintain moisture.
• Freezing: Steak can be frozen after marinating; defrost in the refrigerator before grilling.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

While testing this recipe, I discovered that every element, from the marinade to the fresh toppings, contributes to a vibrant and satisfying experience. It’s a reminder that the simplest gatherings can be made extraordinary with just a little effort in the kitchen.

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 2 fajitas

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 25g protein · 30g carbs · 15g fat

Amberly Vahn

Quick & Flavorful Grilled Steak Fajitas

Grill marinated steak and sautéed veggies, then assemble in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for delicious steak fajitas.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Group: steak marinade

• 1 lb. flank steak
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• ½ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. black pepper

Group: fajitas

• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• Fresh units tortillas, your choice
• Optional toppings: guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro

Equipment

• Grill
• Cast-iron skillet
• Shallow dish
• Tongs

Method

 

1. Marinate the steak by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour over steak and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
3. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes, then slice against the grain.
4. Sauté the sliced peppers and onions in a cast-iron skillet until tender and caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Assemble the fajitas with steak strips and sautéed veggies in warm tortillas. Add your favorite toppings.

Notes

Let the steak rest after grilling to ensure juiciness and better flavor absorption.

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