Introduction
Fajitas are a delightful Mexican dish that combines marinated grilled meat, vibrant vegetables, and soft tortillas. This recipe takes it up a notch with a zesty marinade featuring lime and cilantro that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the meat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking to enjoy a delicious meal at home, these fajita tacos are sure to satisfy.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Marinade:
– ¾ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about 6-8 limes)
– 2 cups roughly chopped cilantro leaves and stems (about 1 bunch)
– 2 jalapeños, roughly chopped (seeds intact)
– ½ white onion, roughly chopped
– 5 large cloves of garlic, roughly chopped
– 1 tablespoon Kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– ¼ cup canola or avocado oil
For the Fajitas:
– 2 pounds sirloin steak or boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 8 flour or corn tortillas
– ½ white onion, cut into ¼” strips
– ½ red bell pepper, cut into ¼” strips
– ½ green bell pepper, cut into ¼” strips
– Additional 4 tablespoons canola or avocado oil
Prep Time
1 hour (plus additional marinating time for enhanced flavor)
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (or longer if marinated)
Yield: Serves 4-6 people
Enjoy your delicious homemade fajita tacos, bursting with flavor and ready to be customized with your favorite toppings!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
In a blender or food processor, combine ¾ cup freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 cups roughly chopped cilantro leaves and stems, 2 chopped jalapeños, ½ chopped white onion, 5 chopped garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon Kosher salt, 1 tablespoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, and ¼ cup canola or avocado oil. Blend until smooth.
Marinate the Meat:
Place 2 pounds of sirloin steak or boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the meat, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably longer for enhanced flavor.
Cook the Meat:
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the meat from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Cook the meat in the skillet until it reaches the desired doneness, about 3-4 minutes per side for steak or until fully cooked for chicken. Remove from the skillet and let it rest.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Add ½ sliced white onion, ½ sliced red bell pepper, and ½ sliced green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
Assemble the Tacos:
Slice the rested meat against the grain into thin strips. Warm 8 tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with slices of meat and sautéed vegetables.
Serve:
Serve the fajita tacos immediately with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or shredded cheese.
Notes
Marinating Time:
For the best flavor, marinate the meat for at least 1 hour, but longer marinating (up to 24 hours) is recommended.
Cooking Method:
Feel free to grill the meat instead of cooking it in a skillet for a smoky flavor.
Vegetable Variations:
You can add or substitute other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms based on your preference.
Tortilla Options:
Both flour and corn tortillas work well; choose based on your dietary needs and taste.
Serving Suggestions:
Consider serving with additional toppings like lime wedges, fresh salsa, or diced avocado for extra flavor.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Marinade
Combine all marinade ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth to ensure even flavor distribution.
Marinating the Meat
Place the meat in a resealable bag or dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to intensify flavor.
Cooking the Meat
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated meat, ensuring to achieve the desired doneness—about 3-4 minutes per side for steak or until fully cooked for chicken. Allow meat to rest before slicing.
Sautéing the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add oil and sauté sliced onions and bell peppers until they are tender and develop a slight char, enhancing their sweetness and flavor.
Assembling the Tacos
Slice the rested meat against the grain into thin strips. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave, then fill with meat and sautéed vegetables.
Serving the Fajitas
Serve the assembled tacos immediately with preferred toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or shredded cheese.
FAQ
Can I use other types of meat for fajitas?
Yes, you can substitute the sirloin steak or chicken thighs with other proteins like shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
How long can I marinate the meat?
You can marinate the meat for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor. However, even 1 hour will impart a good taste.
What toppings go well with fajitas?
Popular toppings include sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro.
Can I make the marinade in advance?
Yes, the marinade can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days before use.
Are fajitas gluten-free?
Flour tortillas contain gluten, but you can use gluten-free corn tortillas as an alternative to make them gluten-free.
Conclusion
The marinated fajitas, featuring tender meat and vibrant vegetables, offer a delightful explosion of flavors that satisfy any cravings. The combination of lime, cilantro, and spices in the marinade infuses the meat with a zesty and aromatic profile, while the sautéed vegetables add a perfect crunch and sweetness to each bite. Enjoy these fajitas with your favorite toppings for a wholesome meal that brings a taste of fiesta to your dining table.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos
Marinate shrimp in the same cilantro lime marinade for a quick and flavorful seafood twist on fajitas. Sauté bell peppers and onions and serve in warm corn tortillas for a fresh experience.
Vegetarian Fajitas
Use a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and eggplant, marinated in a similar marinade. Serve them in tortillas topped with avocado or a spicy crema for a delightful vegetarian option.
Steak Burrito Bowl
Transform your fajita ingredients into a burrito bowl. Serve sliced steak or chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa, topped with the sautéed veggies, black beans, corn, avocado, and your preferred salsa.
Chicken Quesadillas
Use leftover marinated chicken or steak, combine with cheese, and grill between tortillas. Serve with guacamole and pico de gallo for a cheesy variation on the classic fajitas.
Spicy Cilantro Lime Rice
Prepare rice cooked in the remaining marinade mixing in cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeños for a flavorful side that pairs perfectly with your fajitas.
Lime Cabbage Slaw
Create a refreshing slaw using shredded cabbage, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This crunchy addition complements the fajitas beautifully and adds a refreshing contrast.
