Grilled Beef Fajitas [Recipe]

Savor the smoky, bold flavors of perfectly grilled beef fajitas with this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe! Our step-by-step guide takes you through choosing the best cut of meat, marinating with a blend of lime, garlic, and spices, and grilling to tender perfection. Skirt steak is seasoned with a zesty marinade that brings out its natural flavors, while a quick grill on high heat adds a rich char. Paired with charred bell peppers and onions, these beef fajitas are juicy, flavorful, and ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Wrap them up in warm tortillas, garnish with fresh cilantro, and enjoy a taste of Tex-Mex right at home!

Ingredients:

1 ½ lbs beef skirt steak (flank steak works as a substitute)
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 2 limes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp kosher salt
1 fresh jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for extra heat)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Tortillas (corn or flour)
Bell peppers and onions, sliced (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

Skirt steak is the top choice for fajitas, known for its rich flavor and tender texture when marinated and grilled. Flank steak is another good option if skirt steak is unavailable, but skirt steak has a slightly better fat content, enhancing the flavor when grilled.

2. Prepare the Marinade

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Pro tip: Adding a finely diced jalapeño gives the marinade extra heat, which complements the smoky flavors of grilled fajitas.

3. Marinate the Meat

Place the steak in a large zip-lock bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the steak. Seal the bag or cover the dish, ensuring the steak is evenly coated.
Marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, or for best results, leave it overnight. This allows the lime juice to tenderize the meat and the spices to infuse deep flavor.

4. Prepare the Grill

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Let it heat up for about 10 minutes to ensure it’s hot enough for a nice sear.
Oil the grates to prevent sticking and achieve those perfect grill marks.

5. Grill the Steak

Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust according to your desired level of doneness.
Avoid moving the steak around too much; letting it sit will give it that great char. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare or 140-145°F for medium.

6. Rest and Slice

Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
Slice the steak thinly against the grain to enhance tenderness.

7. Serve with Grilled Veggies

While the meat is resting, toss bell peppers and onions in a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill for about 3-4 minutes, until softened and lightly charred.
Serve the sliced beef with warm tortillas, grilled vegetables, and garnish with chopped cilantro.

Tips for the Best Beef Fajitas

Use fresh lime juice in the marinade for maximum flavor and tenderization.
Don’t skip resting the meat after grilling, as it’s key for tender, juicy fajitas.
If possible, grill over charcoal or wood to add extra smokiness that pairs well with the marinade spices.

Enjoy these mouthwatering grilled beef fajitas with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Serve with a side of rice and beans for a complete meal!

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