Best Steak Fajita Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about cooking up a vibrant plate of Best Steak Fajita Recipe for dinner. I still remember the first time I made them; the aroma filled my kitchen and drew my family in like a magnet. It was a warm summer evening, and I decided to throw together a little fiesta. The sizzle of the steak, the vibrant colors of the peppers, and the zesty lime juice created a symphony of flavors that danced on our taste buds. Each bite was a reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. These fajitas have become a staple in my home, a dish that brings everyone to the table, sharing stories and laughter. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe never fails to impress.
Recipe Snapshot
25 mins
10 mins
15 mins
Medium
350 kcal
30 g
Whole30, Vegan, Gluten-Free
15 g
Chef’s Knife, Skillet, Whisk, Peeler
The Appeal of This Best Steak Fajita Recipe
Flavor Explosion
One of the key reasons I adore this Best Steak Fajita Recipe is the explosion of flavors with every bite. The combination of spices like chili powder and cumin creates a warm, smoky backdrop that perfectly complements the juicy flank steak. Each ingredient plays its part in a beautiful culinary harmony.
Quick and Easy
With minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for those busy evenings when time is short. I can whip up a batch of delectable fajitas in just a short while, allowing me to enjoy the moments with my family instead of spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatility
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or spices based on what you have on hand. Whether you prefer more bell peppers or a hint of heat with some cayenne pepper, the possibilities are endless.
Healthy and Wholesome
Not only are these fajitas delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrients. The colorful array of vegetables adds essential vitamins and minerals, making it a guilt-free indulgence. You can feel good about serving this dish to your loved ones.
Impressive Presentation
There’s something visually stunning about a platter of Best Steak Fajita Recipe. The vibrant colors of the fresh ingredients, the sizzling steak, and the warm tortillas create a feast for the eyes. It’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes, perfect for impressing guests.
Family-Friendly
Finally, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Whether you have picky eaters or adventurous foodies at your table, everyone seems to love these fajitas. They can even be a fun activity for the family, allowing everyone to build their own!
Ingredients for Best Steak Fajita Recipe

When it comes to the Best Steak Fajita Recipe, the ingredients are what truly make it shine. Each component has been carefully selected to enhance the overall flavor and texture of the dish. The star of the show, the flank steak, is incredibly tender and absorbs all those wonderful spices. Fresh bell peppers and onions bring color and sweetness, while the spices add that essential kick. A splash of lime juice brightens everything up and ties all the flavors together.
- 2 teaspoons chili powder – Adds a warm, smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Provides an earthy depth.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – For a sweet, peppery touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a subtle sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – Adjust to your desired spice level.
- Salt – To taste.
- 2 pounds flank steak – Trimmed and sliced lengthwise for maximum tenderness.
- 1/4 cup minced cilantro – Fresh herb that brightens the dish.
- 1/4 cup lime juice – Adds acidity and enhances flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – For cooking and adding richness.
- 3 large bell peppers – Any color, cut into strips for sweetness and crunch.
- 1 large red onion – Provides sweetness and texture.
- Tortillas – Warmed, for serving and wrapping.
- Sour cream and hot sauce, cilantro, and lime wedges – For serving, enhancing flavors.
How to Make Best Steak Fajita Recipe

Making the Best Steak Fajita Recipe is as much about the process as it is about the ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying a delicious meal.
- First, in a small bowl, you’ll want to whisk together the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. This spice mix is the heart of your fajitas, bringing all those fantastic flavors together. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Next, grab a large zipper-top plastic bag and add the flank steak, cilantro, lime juice, and the freshly made fajita seasoning. Seal the bag and give it a good massage until the steak is evenly coated with all that delicious goodness. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to an hour if you prefer refrigerating it.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Wait until the oil shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough. Carefully add the marinated steak to the skillet, letting it cook without moving it around. You want to achieve a nice sear on one side, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. Flip the steak and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until it’s browned on both sides.
- Using tongs, stand each piece of steak on its cut side and cook, turning as needed. You’re aiming for that perfect medium-rare, which registers at an internal temperature of 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit. If you prefer it a bit more done, look for 140 to 145 degrees. This step usually takes about 3 to 8 minutes more, depending on the thickness of your steak.
- Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy. Remember not to discard the fat left in the skillet.
- Now, while the steak is resting, return to the skillet with the residual fat. Add the bell peppers and onions, cooking until they’re tender, which takes about 5 minutes. The vegetables will absorb the flavors left from the steak, enhancing their sweetness.
- Once the veggies are done, push them to one side of the skillet. Add the sliced steak back in, allowing everything to warm through together in the skillet. This step is all about melding the flavors, so let it cook for a minute or two.
- To serve, warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with a generous amount of the steak and vegetable mixture. Top with sour cream, hot sauce, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
- Enjoy every flavorful bite of your homemade Best Steak Fajita Recipe! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with fun and flavor.
Things Worth Knowing
- Resting the Steak: Allowing the steak to rest after cooking is crucial. This step ensures that the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and juicy when sliced.
- Choosing the Right Cut: While flank steak is recommended, you can experiment with other cuts like skirt or rump steak to see which one you prefer for your fajitas.
- Marinating Time: For the best flavor, allow the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinate it overnight for an even richer taste.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix in other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for an added variety in texture and flavor.
- Serving Style: Serve your fajitas with a variety of toppings such as guacamole, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños to cater to everyone’s tastes.
Substitutions and Tips

When making the Best Steak Fajita Recipe, consider these tips to enhance your experience and get the most out of your dish. Each suggestion is designed to help you enjoy your meal even more, whether through storage, serving ideas, or tips to adapt the recipe to your taste.
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the flavors intact for those who want to enjoy them later.
- Freezing: Although fajitas are best fresh, you can freeze the cooked steak and vegetables in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just reheat before serving.
- Pairing: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad to complement the flavors of your fajitas.
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables to the mix, such as zucchini or mushrooms, to tailor the dish to your liking.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred heat level. You can always add more spice later, but it’s hard to take it away once it’s in there!
- Tortilla Choices: Try using different types of tortillas, like whole wheat or corn, for a unique flavor and texture.
What Complements This Best Steak Fajita Recipe
When serving the Best Steak Fajita Recipe, consider these perfect pairings that enhance the overall dining experience.
- Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy Mexican rice pairs beautifully with fajitas, soaking up the delicious juices.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with avocado and lime vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the warm fajitas.
- Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and balances the flavors of the fajitas.
- Salsa: Serve with fresh pico de gallo or a smoky salsa to elevate the taste further.
- Occasions: These fajitas make for an excellent dinner party dish or a fun family meal, perfect for sharing and enjoying together.
- Storage Tips: For any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for longer storage.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Best Steak Fajita Recipe is truly a celebration of flavor and freshness. It’s a dish that brings everyone together and creates memorable moments around the table. I encourage you to try making it for your next family dinner or gathering with friends; you won’t be disappointed. Enjoy the process of creating this delightful meal, and savor every bite!

Best Steak Fajita Recipe
Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Peeler
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or less to taste
- salt to taste
- 2 pounds flank steak trimmed and sliced lengthwise
- 1/4 cup minced cilantro
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 large bell peppers cut into strips
- 1 large red onion peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
- tortillas warmed, for serving
- sour cream for serving
- hot sauce for serving
- cilantro for serving
- lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste.
- To a large zipper-top plastic bag, add steak, cilantro, lime juice, and fajita seasoning. Mash until steak is evenly coated. Marinate at least 30 minutes (room temperature) or up to 1 hour (refrigerated).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add steak and cook, without moving, until crispy and browned on one side, about 3 to 5 minutes. Flip and cook until browned on the second side, about 3 to 5 minutes longer.
- Using tongs, stand each piece on a cut side and cook, turning as necessary, until all cut sides are browned and until meat registers 130 to 135 degrees F (for medium rare) or 140 to 145 degrees (for medium), 3 to 8 minutes.
- Transfer steak to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes before cutting into strips (do not discard fat in skillet). Slice steak pieces thin against grain.
- Meanwhile, to the skillet with the fat over medium-high heat, add bell peppers and onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Push peppers and onions to one side and add sliced steak back to skillet for serving. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Fajita seasoning: This recipe uses my favorite homemade blend. For this recipe, I’ve portioned out exactly what you need to make this recipe if you don’t already have a jar on hand.
- Steak: The recipe calls for flank steak, but you can use rump or skirt steak, too.
- Yield: Although you start with 2 pounds of raw steak, you’ll have closer to 1 or 1 ½ pounds of cooked steak after cooking. This recipe will make at least 4 servings (1 c. EACH steak and vegetables per serving).
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.


