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๐Ÿ”ฅBest Beef Fajitas Recipe: A Tex-Mex Classic!๐Ÿ”ฅ

  • Writer: Loida Tamayo
    Loida Tamayo
  • Feb 19
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 10


Nothing says Tex-Mex like a sizzling plate of beef fajitas! This dish is packed with flavor, history, and that irresistible charred goodness we all love. Whether youโ€™re making a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, these beef fajitas are sure to impress.


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The History of Fajitas: A Tex-Mex Legend


Did you know that fajitas started as rancher food? Back in the 1930s, Mexican cowboysโ€”known as vaquerosโ€”were often given the tougher cuts of beef, like skirt steak, as part of their pay. But instead of letting these cuts go to waste, they marinated, grilled, and sliced the meat just right, creating what we now know as fajitas.


Fast forward a few decades, and fajitas became a restaurant favorite in South Texas, especially in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). Today, theyโ€™re a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine and are just as delicious whether cooked on a grill or stovetop.

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Now, letโ€™s get cooking!






Beef Fajita Marinade: The Secret to Tender & Juicy Fajitas

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The key to incredible beef fajitas is in the marinade. It not only flavors the meat but also tenderizes it, ensuring every bite is melt-in-your-mouth good.

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Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil (or oil of your choice)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1.5 tablespoons chili powder

  • ยฝ teaspoon cumin

  • 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)

  • ยผ teaspoon black pepper

  • a can of beer (optional)

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Instructions:

1.ย In a bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients.

2.ย Place 1 pound of flank steakย (or skirt steak) in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure itโ€™s well coated.

3.ย Optional tip: If you want extra tenderness, add a can of beerโ€”it works wonders!

4.ย Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutesย (but overnight is even better for deeper flavor).



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How to Cook Beef Fajitas on the Stovetop

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Traditionally, fajitas were cooked over an open flame or grill, but donโ€™t worryโ€”you can get that perfect sear right on your stovetop!

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Step 1: Heat Up Your Skillet

โ€ขย Get your pan blazing hotย over high heat.

โ€ขย A cast-iron skillet works best for that signature char and sizzle.

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Step 2: Sear the Steak

โ€ขย Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.

โ€ขย Place it in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

โ€ขย You want a nice crust on the outsideย while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

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Step 3: STOP! Rest Before Slicing

โ€ขย Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutesย before slicing.

โ€ขย Cutting too soon will let all those delicious juices run outโ€”patience is key!



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Sautรฉed Peppers & Onions: The Perfect Pairing

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While the steak rests, letโ€™s cook up those classic Tex-Mex fajita veggies!

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Ingredients for the Best Beef Fajita Recipe:

โ€ขย 3 bell peppers (sliced)

โ€ขย 1 onion (sliced)

โ€ขย 1 tablespoon oil

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Picture of a hand holding a yellow bell pepper while there is a knife slicing through the bell pepper.


Instructions:

1.ย In the same pan, add a little more oil.

2.ย Toss in the sliced peppers and onions.

3.ย Sautรฉ until theyโ€™re slightly charred but still crispโ€”this gives them that smoky, caramelized flavor!



Picture of a red skillet with slightly charred yellow and orange bell pepper and onions on top.

How to Slice & Serve Fajitas

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Once your steak has rested, itโ€™s time to slice:

โ€ขย Cut against the grainย to keep the meat tender and easy to chew.

โ€ขย Serve with warm flour tortillasย (try my homemade tortilla recipe on YouTube!)

โ€ขย Pair with rice, beans, guacamole, or your favorite fajita toppings.



Picture of a knife slicing through the steak fajitas against the grain.

Whatโ€™s YOUR Favorite Fajita Topping?

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Now itโ€™s your turn! Whatโ€™s your must-have topping for beef fajitas? Let me know in the comments!

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And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Tex-Mex at Home YouTube Channelย for more sizzling recipes. Donโ€™t forget to SUBSCRIBE and hit that bell so you never miss a

Tex-Mex classic!

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ย ๐Ÿ”ฅยกBuen provecho! ๐Ÿ”ฅ



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