Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Sizzling Beef Fajitas with Fresh Guacamole, a perfect combination of tender marinated beef, colorful sautéed peppers, and onions, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Paired with creamy, homemade guacamole, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that's ideal for a lively dinner or a fun weekend meal with family and friends.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes to marinate)
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Number of servings: 4
- Serving size: 2 fajitas
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
Ingredients:
For the beef fajitas:
- 450g (1 lb) flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml), divided
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (5g)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (2.5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (2.5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (2.5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5g)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.2g)
- Juice of 1 lime (15 ml)
- 8 small flour tortillas
For the guacamole:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 small tomato, diced
- 1/4 cup (30g) red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime (15 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (2.5g)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.2g)
Method of Preparation:
- Marinate the beef: In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Add the thinly sliced steak to the marinade, tossing to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
- Prepare the guacamole: While the beef is marinating, prepare the guacamole. Halve the avocados, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a medium bowl. Mash the avocado with a fork until smooth but still slightly chunky. Stir in the diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Cook the vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly charred. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the beef: In the same skillet, add the marinated steak strips, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear the beef for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet and toss with the beef to combine.
- Warm the tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side or until soft and pliable. Alternatively, wrap them in foil and warm them in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.
- Assemble the fajitas: To serve, place a few strips of beef and some sautéed vegetables onto a warm tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of fresh guacamole. Roll up the tortilla and enjoy!
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Slice the steak thinly: Slicing the steak thinly against the grain ensures tender, juicy pieces of meat in every bite.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables: Keep the peppers and onions slightly crisp for a pleasant texture contrast with the tender beef.
- Make ahead: Marinate the steak and prepare the guacamole in advance to save time when cooking.
- Customize the toppings: Add sour cream, shredded cheese, or pico de gallo to the fajitas for extra flavor.
- Use cast-iron: A cast-iron skillet retains heat well and creates a nice char on the steak and vegetables.
FAQs:
- Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye can be used in place of flank steak for these fajitas.
- What can I serve with beef fajitas? Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Is there a gluten-free option? Use corn tortillas or gluten-free flour tortillas to make the fajitas gluten-free.
- How can I make the fajitas spicier? Add more chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade, or extra jalapeños in the guacamole for more heat.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftover beef and vegetables separately from the tortillas in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat before assembling the fajitas.
These Sizzling Beef Fajitas with Fresh Guacamole bring together bold flavors and vibrant colors for a meal that's as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for a family dinner or casual get-together, these fajitas are sure to impress with their tender beef, crisp vegetables, and creamy guacamole. Pair them with your favorite Mexican-inspired sides for a festive and satisfying dining experience.