Steak Fajitas with Peppers and Onions

Steak Fajitas with Peppers and Onions is a classic Tex-Mex dish known for its bold flavors, sizzling presentation, and vibrant colors. Tender strips of marinated steak are cooked with sweet bell peppers and onions, then wrapped in warm tortillas for a satisfying and comforting meal. This recipe beautifully balances savory, tangy, smoky, and slightly spicy elements, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms simple, everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. The steak becomes incredibly flavorful from the marinade, the peppers and onions add natural sweetness, and every bite feels fresh and hearty. It is also customizable, quick to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it delivers the authentic sizzling fajita experience at home with minimal effort. The aromatics, spices, and charred edges of the steak replicate the flavors of your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant. It is versatile, nutritious, and suitable for family dinners, parties, or even weeknight cooking when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time : 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 2 hours marinating time)

Cooking Time : 15 minutes

Servings : 4 servings

Calories : Approximately 420 calories per serving

Course : Main Course

Cuisine : Tex-Mex

Ingredients

For the Steak and Marinade

• 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Peppers and Onions

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

• 8 small flour tortillas
• Salsa or pico de gallo
• Sour cream
• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro

Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the steak marinade and coat the steak fully. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
2. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over high heat. Cook the steak for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
3. Remove the steak from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
4. Add olive oil to the same skillet and sauté peppers and onions until softened and slightly charred.
5. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
6. Combine the steak with the cooked peppers and onions.
7. Warm the tortillas and assemble fajitas with your favorite toppings.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Place the steak in a bowl or resealable bag. Add olive oil, lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

Heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat. Cook the marinated steak for 3–4 minutes on each side until seared and cooked to your preferred doneness.

Step 3: Rest and Slice

Transfer the steak to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add olive oil. Add sliced peppers and onions, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft and lightly charred.

Step 5: Combine

Add the sliced steak back into the skillet with the vegetables and toss to combine.

Step 6: Prepare Tortillas

Warm tortillas on a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds.

Step 7: Serve

Assemble fajitas by filling tortillas with steak, peppers, onions, and your preferred toppings.

How to Serve

Serve the fajitas hot with warm flour tortillas. Provide toppings like salsa, sour cream, cilantro, cheese, guacamole, and lime wedges so everyone can customize their own fajitas. Pair with rice, beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
• Use a cast-iron skillet to achieve the best sear on both steak and vegetables.
• Do not overcrowd the pan; cook steak in batches if necessary.
• Add jalapeños if you want extra heat.
• Use homemade tortillas for the best flavor.

Variations

Chicken Fajitas

Replace steak with boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Marinate and cook the same way.

Shrimp Fajitas

Use peeled shrimp and marinate for only 10–15 minutes. Cook quickly over high heat.

Vegetarian Fajitas

Replace steak with portobello mushrooms, tofu, or a mix of extra vegetables.

Spicy Fajitas

Add chipotle peppers or increase chili powder for more heat.

Citrus Fajitas

Add orange juice to the marinade for a brighter flavor.

Freezing and Storage Time

Storage

• Store leftover steak and vegetables in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Store tortillas separately to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

• Freeze the cooked steak and vegetables in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or cast-iron pan
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Sharp knife
• Resealable bag for marinating

Conclusion

Steak Fajitas with Peppers and Onions is a delicious, colorful, and satisfying Tex-Mex meal that brings bold flavors to your table with minimal effort. The tender marinated steak paired with sweet peppers and onions creates an irresistible combination that works for busy weeknights, gatherings, or meal prep. With many variations and simple ingredients, this recipe is one you will return to again and again.