Fajitas with Beef
Fajitas with Beef are a celebration of flavor, combining tender marinated steak with creamy guacamole and sweet corn, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. This classic Mexican dish is known for its vibrant colors and exciting tastes, making it a perfect meal for family gatherings or casual dinners among friends.
Creating fajitas at home is not just about the ingredients; it’s an engaging experience that invites everyone to join in. From the moment you start marinating the beef to the last step of assembling your fajitas, you’ll discover the joy of cooking and sharing. These beef fajitas are versatile, making them an excellent dish for any occasion, ensuring satisfaction with every bite.
Why make this recipe
The allure of fajitas lies in their simplicity and the way they bring people together around the table. These beef fajitas are packed with protein and flavor, making them both a hearty and satisfying meal. The combination of juicy steak and fresh ingredients offers a delicious contrast to the warmth of the tortillas. This dish is perfect for when you’re craving something flavorful yet easy to prepare. Making your own fajitas allows you to control the seasoning, ensuring that you get the perfect mix that suits your taste buds.
Moreover, these fajitas are great for meal prepping or serving a crowd. The quick marinade and fast cooking time mean you can whip them up in no time. Not only do they taste fantastic, but fajitas also provide an interactive dining experience, allowing each person to customize their own dish with fresh guacamole and corn.
How to make Fajitas with Beef
To prepare delectable fajitas with beef, it all starts with marinating the steak. The marinade, a blend of flavorless cooking oil, Cajun spices, and a sprinkle of salt, is key to infusing the meat with bold flavors. Allowing the steak to marinate for just 15 minutes is crucial; it tenderizes the meat and enhances its taste. When it’s time to cook, a high heat pan will ensure a perfect sear, resulting in a beautiful crust and juicy interior.
Once the steak is cooked to perfection, the next step is warming the tortillas. Baking them briefly in the oven brings out their delightful softness and makes them easy to handle. Finally, it’s time to assemble the dishes. Each fajita is a work of art, layered with guacamole, sweet corn, and succulent pieces of steak, creating a symphony of textures and tastes that are simply irresistible. You can feel free to tweak the amounts of each ingredient to match your preference or to accommodate additional fillings you might enjoy.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp flavorless cooking oil
- 2 tsp Cajun spices
- Salt, to taste
- 14 oz (400 g) lean steak, cut into strips
- 8 wheat tortillas
- 1 cup (320 g) guacamole
- 2 cups (240 g) cooked corn
Directions
- Mix the cooking oil, Cajun spices, and salt in a bowl. Add the steak strips and coat well. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat a pan over high heat and cook the steak for about 2 minutes until browned and cooked.
- Warm the tortillas by baking at 300°F (150°C) for 4 minutes. Assemble each tortilla by adding about 2 tbsp of guacamole, 1/4 cup of corn, and steak. Repeat for all tortillas.
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 minutes
• Baking Time: 4 minutes
• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Servings: 8
How to serve Fajitas with Beef
Serving fajitas with beef is a joyful experience that engages all senses. Start by laying out the ingredients on a large platter – the warm tortillas, saucy steak, vibrantly colored corn, and creamy guacamole. Each guest can build their fajitas just the way they like, adding any additional toppings such as salsa, cheese, or fresh herbs like cilantro. This create-your-own meal setting allows everyone to customize their dining experience, ensuring that no one feels left out.
Consider pairing your fajitas with sides such as Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad to create a full meal. A chilled drink like horchata or a classic margarita can elevate the experience even further, encouraging a festive ambiance. These beef fajitas are not just a main dish; they are an invitation to gather around the table, share stories, and enjoy each other’s company.
How to store Fajitas with Beef
If you find yourself with leftovers after a delicious meal of fajitas with beef, storing them properly ensures you can enjoy that flavor again. Allow any leftover steak to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Kept this way, the beef can last in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days.
Tortillas can also be stored separately, either in a sealed plastic bag or wrapped in foil to keep them from drying out. You might want to separate the fillings if possible, as keeping them separately helps maintain the textures and flavors. If you wish to freeze the beef, place it in a freezer-safe container; it will last for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to make Fajitas with Beef
To elevate your beef fajitas, consider using a combination of peppers, like bell peppers and jalapeños, to add extra color and flavor. Marinating the steak longer than 15 minutes can deepen flavors even further, but be cautious not to over-marinate as it can make the meat tough. When cooking, ensure the pan is very hot to achieve a good sear on the steak, which enhances its taste and texture.
Feel free to experiment with the spices! While Cajun spices bring an exquisite flavor, blending with different spices like cumin or chili powder can personalize your fajitas. Lastly, fresh accompaniments such as lime wedges or diced onions and tomatoes can add a refreshing finish, rounding out the dish beautifully.
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Protein: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken or shrimp instead of beef?
A: Yes, chicken or shrimp can be a delightful alternative and will work well with the same marinating process.
Q: Is there a way to make a vegetarian version of fajitas?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the steak with a variety of grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini.
Q: What can I serve with my fajitas?
A: Fajitas pair wonderfully with sides like Mexican rice, beans, or a fresh salad. Don’t forget the jalapeños and sour cream for added flavor!
Fajitas with Beef
Ingredients
Marinade and Steak
- 3 tbsp flavorless cooking oil
- 2 tsp Cajun spices
- Salt, to taste
- 14 oz lean steak, cut into strips
Tortillas and Fillings
- 8 pieces wheat tortillas
- 1 cup guacamole (320 g)
- 2 cups cooked corn (240 g)
Instructions
Preparation
- Mix the cooking oil, Cajun spices, and salt in a bowl. Add the steak strips and coat well. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
Cooking
- Heat a pan over high heat and cook the steak for about 2 minutes until browned and cooked.
- Warm the tortillas by baking at 300°F (150°C) for 4 minutes.
Assembly
- Assemble each tortilla by adding about 2 tbsp of guacamole, 1/4 cup of corn, and steak. Repeat for all tortillas.
