Skirt Steak Fajitas Recipe

"Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence. These fajitas are absolutely delicious, this is our new "go to" fajita recipe. The instructions here are for a grill pan, but we make these on the grill. Try to use skirt steak, it's better for this recipe. We grill the steak approximately 3 minutes per side as it is a thin cut and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Cut the veggies in half and just toss on the grill and cook until desired tenderness. While the steak is resting, warm your tortillas directly on the grill."

Step by Step Method

Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. Place steak in a shallow container, and pour marinade over it. Refrigerate, covered, 8 hours or overnight to tenderize meat. Drain the marinade from the meat. Grill the steak in a ridged grill pan over medium-high heat for 4 minutes each side. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let stand.

Step 2

In the same pan with the steak juices, add the bell peppers and onions. Saute the mixture for 3 minutes until the vegetables are limp. Thinly slice the steak against the grain on a diagonal. Spread some guacamole on a tortilla, top with a few slices of steak, peppers and onions and salsa fresca. Roll up the tortilla to enclose the filling.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.

Tips for selecting ingredients

If you don't have skirt steak, you can substitute it with flank steak.
Make sure you use fresh cilantro and jalapeno for the best flavor.

Ingredient substitutions

Substitute the beef skirt steak with beef flank steak. This substitution is beneficial as it is a more affordable cut of meat, while still providing the same flavor and tenderness.
Substitute the jalapeno with a milder pepper, such as a poblano pepper. This substitution is beneficial as it allows for a milder flavor, while still providing the same texture to the dish.

Variations

Vegetarian Fajitas Replace the steak with 2 cups of cooked black beans, 1 cup of diced sweet potatoes, 1 cup of diced bell peppers, and 1 cup of diced onions. Saute the vegetables in the same pan with the steak juices for 3 minutes until the vegetables are limp. Spread some guacamole on a tortilla, top with the vegetables, and salsa fresca. Roll up the tortilla to enclose the filling.

Mushroom Fajitas Replace the steak with 1 pound of sliced mushrooms. Saute the mushrooms in the same pan with the steak juices for 5 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. Spread some guacamole on a tortilla, top with the mushrooms, and salsa fresca. Roll up the tortilla to enclose the filling.

Serve with

RECOMMENDED DISH TITLE: Mexican Rice Pilaf
RECOMMENDED DISH DESCRIPTION: Mexican Rice Pilaf is a perfect accompaniment to Skirt Steak Fajitas as it is a flavorful side dish that complements the richness of the steak. The rice is cooked with onion, garlic, jalapeño, and a blend of Mexican spices to give it a delicious flavor.

RECOMMENDED DISH TITLE: Mexican Street Corn Salad
RECOMMENDED DISH DESCRIPTION: Mexican Street Corn Salad is a delicious and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with Skirt Steak Fajitas. The salad is made with grilled corn, mayonnaise, chili powder, and Cotija cheese, giving it a creamy and spicy flavor. It's a great way to add a little extra flavor to the meal.

FAQ

Q: What type of steak is best for this recipe?

A: Skirt steak is best for this recipe, as it is a thin cut of steak and will cook quickly and evenly. Flank steak can also be used, but it should be trimmed of fat before cooking.

Q: What is the best way to cook skirt steak?

A: The best way to cook skirt steak is to quickly sear it over high heat to achieve a nice crust, then finish it off in the oven or on the grill. It should be cooked to an internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium-rare. Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Fun facts:

Fun Fact 1: Skirt steak is a favorite cut of beef for fajitas and is often referred to as "fajita meat". It is named for its resemblance to the traditional Mexican skirt worn by women. The popularity of fajitas dates back to the 1960s when Mexican-American families in Texas began to serve them at parties and celebrations.

Fun Fact 2: The recipe for Skirt Steak Fajitas was created by celebrity chef Tyler Florence. He has appeared on numerous television shows, including Food Network's The Great Food Truck Race and The Next Iron Chef. He is also the author of multiple cookbooks, including his most recent, Tyler Florence Fresh.