These easy flank steak fajitas are bursting with flavor and ready in no time! Juicy steak, colorful peppers, and onions come together for a tasty meal everyone will love.
I love how simple this recipe is. Just slice, cook, and wrap in warm tortillas! Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun taco night with friends. Who doesn’t love a fajita party? 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is great for fajitas because it’s flavorful and tender when sliced against the grain. If you can’t find flank steak, use skirt steak or sirloin as alternatives. They also work well and are budget-friendly!
Bell Peppers: I like a mix of red and green peppers for color and sweetness. Feel free to use any bell peppers you have on hand, or even substitute with sliced mushrooms or zucchini for a veggie twist!
Onion: Yellow onion is the go-to for its sweetness, but you could opt for red onions for a sharper flavor. If you want a milder taste, consider using green onions or even leeks.
Spices: The combination of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika brings warmth to the dish. If you’re looking for a kick, add cayenne pepper. For a milder blend, you might skip the chili powder or use a mild taco seasoning mix.
How Do You Get the Steak Just Right?
Cooking flank steak perfectly is about timing and temperature. It’s important to slice it thin and against the grain; this helps keep it tender. Here’s how to get it done right:
- Preheat the skillet on medium-high heat. You want a good sear, so don’t rush!
- Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a nice brown crust, but don’t overcook it, as it can get tough.
- After cooking, let it rest for a few minutes covered with foil. This helps it retain juices, making each bite delicious.
- Lastly, slice the cooked steak against the grain for the best texture when you serve it!
How to Make Easy Flank Steak Fajitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajitas:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for cooking vegetables)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
To Serve:
- Flour or corn tortillas, warmed
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, salsa, fresh cilantro, lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful fajitas recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dinner option, perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Steak:
Start by mixing the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Then, sprinkle this spice mix evenly over the slices of flank steak. Toss the steak pieces gently to coat them well with the spices. This seasoning is what gives your fajitas that awesome flavor!
2. Cook the Steak:
In a large skillet or cast iron pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned flank steak in a single layer. Sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it is nicely browned and cooked to your liking. Remove the steak from the pan and cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the vegetables.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, drizzle in a little more olive oil if needed. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, along with the yellow onion and minced garlic. Sauté these ingredients while stirring occasionally for about 6-8 minutes until the veggies are softened and start to get a nice char, which adds great flavor!
4. Combine Steak and Vegetables:
After the veggies are cooked, return the sliced steak to the skillet. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes to combine and heat through. The lime juice will add a zesty touch!
5. Serve Your Fajitas:
Take your warm tortillas and fill them with the steak and vegetable mixture. Now add your favorite toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, slices of avocado, salsa, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges. Each bite is sure to be packed with incredible flavor. Enjoy your easy and delicious flank steak fajitas!
FAQ for Easy Flank Steak Fajitas
Can I Use Another Cut of Meat Instead of Flank Steak?
Absolutely! If flank steak isn’t available, you can substitute with skirt steak or sirloin. Both cuts work well for fajitas and have great flavor when sliced thinly.
How Can I Make These Fajitas Spicier?
If you like some heat, add minced jalapeño or serrano peppers when sautéing the vegetables. You can also increase the amount of chili powder or add cayenne pepper to your spice mix for a kick!
Can I Make These Fajitas Vegetarian?
Yes! Just skip the steak and use a mix of your favorite veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or even tempeh for a hearty option. You can also add beans for protein and flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fajitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the tortillas from drying out.
