For the Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak, skirt steak, or thinly sliced sirloin
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 2 limes
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Fajitas:
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 8-10 flour tortillas
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, salsa
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, jalapeño, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Place the steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, to marinate.
2. Grill or Cook the Steak:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and let excess marinade drip off.
- Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare or adjust the time according to your preferred level of doneness.
- Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
3. Sauté Peppers and Onions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of oil.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet.
- Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly softened and caramelized.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
- Heat a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until they’re pliable and slightly toasted. You can also wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven.
5. Assemble the Fajitas:
- Place a few slices of the grilled steak onto a warmed tortilla.
- Add a spoonful of the sautéed peppers and onions on top of the steak.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and any optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, or salsa.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Roll up the tortilla, enclosing the filling.
- Serve the spicy steak fajitas immediately while warm, with additional toppings on the side if desired.
These spicy steak fajitas are perfect for a festive gathering or a flavorful weeknight dinner. Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of jalapeño or chili powder to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy the delicious blend of flavors and textures in every bite!