๐ฅBest Beef Fajitas Recipe: A Tex-Mex Classic!๐ฅ
- 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 youโre making a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, these beef fajitas are sure to impress.
The History of Fajitas: A Tex-Mex Legend
Did you know that fajitas started as rancher food? Back in the 1930s, Mexican cowboysโknown as vaquerosโwere 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, theyโre a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine and are just as delicious whether cooked on a grill or stovetop.
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Now, letโs 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 itโs well coated.
3.ย Optional tip: If you want extra tenderness, add a can of beerโit works wonders!
4.ย Let the steak marinate for at least 30 minutesย (but overnight is even better for deeper flavor).
How to Cook Beef Fajitas on the Stovetop
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Traditionally, fajitas were cooked over an open flame or grill, but donโt worryโyou can get that perfect sear right on your stovetop!
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Step 1: Heat Up Your Skillet
โขย Get your pan blazing hotย over high heat.
โขย A cast-iron skillet works best for that signature char and sizzle.
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Step 2: Sear the Steak
โขย Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
โขย Place it in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
โขย 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
โขย Once cooked, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutesย before slicing.
โขย Cutting too soon will let all those delicious juices run outโpatience is key!
Sautรฉed Peppers & Onions: The Perfect Pairing
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While the steak rests, letโs cook up those classic Tex-Mex fajita veggies!
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Ingredients for the Best Beef Fajita Recipe:
โขย 3 bell peppers (sliced)
โขย 1 onion (sliced)
โขย 1 tablespoon oil
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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 theyโre slightly charred but still crispโthis gives them that smoky, caramelized flavor!

How to Slice & Serve Fajitas
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Once your steak has rested, itโs time to slice:
โขย Cut against the grainย to keep the meat tender and easy to chew.
โขย Serve with warm flour tortillasย (try my homemade tortilla recipe on YouTube!)
โขย Pair with rice, beans, guacamole, or your favorite fajita toppings.

Whatโs YOUR Favorite Fajita Topping?
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Now itโs your turn! Whatโs 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. Donโt forget to SUBSCRIBE and hit that bell so you never miss a
Tex-Mex classic!
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ย ๐ฅยกBuen provecho! ๐ฅ
More Tex-Mex Recipes to Try:
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