These Easy Flank Steak Fajitas are a tasty way to enjoy a fun meal! Marinated flank steak is grilled to perfection and served with colorful bell peppers and onions.
Fajitas are great for a casual dinner. I love wrapping the filling in warm tortillas and adding my favorite toppings. You can’t go wrong with extras like guacamole or salsa!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank steak: This cut is great for fajitas because it’s tender and full of flavor. If you can’t find it, try skirt steak or sirloin for a similar taste and texture.
Bell peppers: Use a mix of colors for a vibrant dish. Red, green, yellow, or orange peppers all work well. If you’re short on fresh peppers, canned or frozen ones can also work in a pinch.
Onion: Yellow or white onions add sweetness. You can substitute with red onion for a sharper flavor, or use green onions for a milder, fresher taste.
Spices: The combination of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives a nice kick. Feel free to add cayenne for extra heat or use a taco seasoning mix if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do You Get The Flank Steak Tender and Flavorful?
Marinating the flank steak is key to enhancing its flavor and tenderness. This should ideally be done for at least 15 minutes, but 1 hour or more is even better. The acid in lime juice helps break down the meat fibers, making it more tender.
- Combine your marinade ingredients, then toss in the steak slices.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate. This allows the spices to infuse into the meat.
When cooking, always slice the cooked steak against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers and results in a more tender bite. Enjoy your fajitas with warm tortillas for a great meal!
Easy Flank Steak Fajitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- Flour or corn tortillas, for serving
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll need about 15 minutes for marinating the meat, and then the cooking process will only take around 10-15 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious option for any weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Flank Steak:
In a medium bowl, combine the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Throw in the sliced flank steak, making sure to coat it well with the spices. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour for more flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and both types of bell peppers. Sauté them until they are softened and slightly charred, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the Flank Steak:
In the same skillet, add the marinated flank steak slices along with the minced garlic. Cook the steak, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through, typically about 4-5 minutes. The garlic will add a wonderful aroma and flavor!
4. Combine and Heat:
Return the sautéed peppers and onions to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir everything together and heat through for about 1-2 minutes. Make sure everything is nicely mixed and warm.
5. Serve Your Fajitas:
Serve your flavorful flank steak and vegetables warm on tortillas. Feel free to add any of your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for that extra zing!
6. Enjoy!
Savor your delicious, homemade flank steak fajitas! They’re not just tasty but also fun to make and customize. Enjoy with family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for fajitas due to its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute it with skirt steak, sirloin, or even chicken or shrimp for a variation. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the protein you choose.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fajita mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the cooked mixture for up to 3 months—just thaw before reheating!
Can I Make the Fajitas Spicy?
Yes! To add extra heat, you can include chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper in the marinade. You could also serve with spicy salsa or hot sauce for those who enjoy a kick!
What Are the Best Toppings for Fajitas?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and fresh cilantro. You can also add sliced avocado or a squeeze of lime for added freshness. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste!
