Authentic Steak Fajitas

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Authentic Steak Fajitas have become legendary in our house, and for good reason.

You’ll want to marinate the steak overnight. Before grilling, make sure you have the classic fajita accompaniments: best-ever guacamole, pico de gallo, easy refried beans, and homemade flour tortillas. These fajitas are the real deal!

A cast iron fajita skillet of steak fajitas with limes and green onions nearby.

HOW TO MAKE AUTHENTIC STEAK FAJITAS

We’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves to truly put these steak fajitas over the top on the delicious meter.

We’ll go over them in detail, but we feel a good steak fajita is better than the sum of its parts. Stay with us…you’ll see what we mean.

Watch us who you how to make authentic steak fajitas at home!

 

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MEAT FOR STEAK FAJITAS

Skirt steak is the traditional (and original) cut of meat that was used when steak fajitas were first developed by Mexican ranchers in South and West Texas in the early 1930s. It was an inexpensive piece of meat that is high in flavor but not tender, at all.

As fajitas made the quantum leap from obscure campfire fare in South Texas to universal appeal in the 1970s and 80s, different types of meat began to appear on restaurant menus.

Though skirt steak was still most common, other tender were used as well, ranging from ribeye, sirloin to strip. When prepared properly, we still love the original…skirt.

Two large cuts of skirt steak on a butting board next to cut limes and scallions.

MARINATING THE MEAT IS ESSENTIAL

In order to break down the connective tissue in skirt steak, it is imperative to marinade the meat in a citrus-based marinade for hours, preferably over-night.

We use fresh lime juice as the basis for our marinade. Fresh aromatics such as scallions (green onions), garlic, cilantro and coriander deepen the flavor as it marinates.

EXPERT TIP: If you can, turn the meat over at least once while marinating. Maybe once before bedtime and then again the next morning. This will help to completely re-distribute the marinade and further help to tenderize the meat.

A pair of tongs lifting a cut of skirt steak up that has been marinating in a white dish.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR THE FAJITA SEASONING

Authentic steak fajitas are nicely seasoned. You can certainly purchase decent fajita seasoning from most well-stocked markets, but when you make your own, you know EXACTLY what’s going onto your steak.

For our homemade fajita seasoning, we simply mix together:

  • Chili powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Beef bouillon cube, crushed
  • Onion and garlic powders
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Cumin
  • Corn starch

A hand holding a scoop of homemade fajita seasoning over a glass bowl.

HOW TO CARAMELIZE ONIONS

One of the key components of our authentic steak fajitas are caramelized onions.

Start these early. Simply take two large white, or yellow onions, and slice them. Don’t worry, two may seem like a lot, but they cook down considerably.

Cook them in a large skillet with oil for about 20 to 30 minutes, until very, very soft and turning a nearly dark golden brown.

EXPERT TIP: To bring out the umami taste in these onions, add a few splashes of low-sodium soy sauce while they are cooking. Trust us on this. The taste, matched against the sweetness of the caramelized onions is off the charts delicious.

A large skillet with a wooden spoon stirring caramelized onions

When you are ready to cook the meat, we recommend firing up your gas or charcoal grill to nice and hot. Alternatively, you can cook the meat in a large (preferably cast iron skillet).

Remove the meat from the marinade and you can generously sprinkle the fajitas seasoning all over the meat before you place on the grill, ors right after its heat the grates (or pan).

You want the meat to get a nice char on the outside, but stay pink on the inside. Internal temp of 140°F is a beautifully medium cooked steak. And the smell….um…

Two cuts of marinated skirt steak cooking on a gas grill for authentic steak fajitas.

HOW TO SLICE STEAK FAJITA MEAT

This is important for creating a tender bite of fajita, every time. Cut against the grain.

You will see the strands of meat that run the length of the steak, this is called ‘the grain.’ You want to cut the meat in the opposite direction of the grain.

You will probably need to cut the skirt steak in half, before slicing against the grain.

A large knife cutting a cooked skirt steak against the grain on a cutting board.

Before you slice the meat, be sure you’ve got the fajita accompaniments ready to go and on the table. We always serve our authentic steak fajitas with:

Easy refried beans
Guacamole
Sour cream
Shredded cheddar cheese
Pico de gallo
Salsa
Homemade flour tortillas

HOW TO SERVE AUTHENTIC STEAK FAJITAS

It’s almost showtime, folks! After you’ve got all the fixins’ ready to go, and you’ve slice your meat, and the onions are cooked…heat a fajita skillet/pan, or any sturdy skillet, over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. We want that pan hot! (But be careful when handling! Don’t burn yourself!).

Next, transfer the onions to the hot skillet and then top with meat and immediately bring to the table.

You want these fajitas to sizzle! The meat mixed in with the sizzling hot onions just adds even more flavor!

Steak fajitas on a bed of caramelized onions on a fajita pan.

AUTHENTIC STEAK FAJITAS FAQs

  • What if I can’t find skirt steak? You can certainly use ribeye, or sirloin, or a strip steak, but that’s going to cost a little more, but won’t require as long as a marinating period (only about 2 to 4 hours would be needed). Flank steak works really well, and should be marinated for at least 6 hours. Avoid London broil or brisket for steak fajitas.
  • Can I do chicken instead of steak? Of course! We love our chicken fajitas! It’s a similar recipe, just require less marinating. You can also grill deveined and cleaned shrimp to use, or go completely vegetarian with grilled mushrooms and peppers!
  • How far in advance can I marinate the meat? We wouldn’t recommend more than 18 hours. Otherwise, the meat will begin to break down and not have the desired texture. You can make the marinade up to several day in advance.
  • Can the recipe be doubled or tripled? Of course! Just plan accordingly! You may not use all of the fajita seasoning, but what you don’t use will keep for weeks in a container with a tight-fitting lid.

Ready for authentic steak fajitas? YES!!

A hand holding an authentic steak fajita filled with beans, guacamole, sour cream, steak and pico de gallo.

All right folks, it’s fajita time! This is hands-down one of our very favorite meals to prepare, and we get massive rave reviews every time we serve it.

And when you make them, be sure to take a picture, post on Instagram, and tag @howtofeedaloon and #howtofeedaloon!

Authentic steak fajitas on a large fajita pan with sliced limes and scallions nearby.

Authentic Steak Fajitas

These Authentic Steak Fajitas are the real deal. Be sure to use skirt steak, marinate it overnight, saute the onions until nicely caramelized, and use fresh flour tortillas with homemade pico de gallo. Just amazing.
4.34 from 6 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Entree
Cuisine: Asian / Mexican, TexMex
Keyword: authentic steak fajitas, grilled meat, grilled skirt steak, Skirt steak
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Marinating time: 8 hours
Total Time: 9 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 432kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs skirt steak
  • Juice 3 limes you'll need about ½ cup
  • 2 scallions diced
  • 3 cloves garli minced
  • 3 tbsp cilantro fresh, choped
  • 2 tsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • ¼ tsp coriander ground, optional
  • 2 large onions sliced
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil or lard
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

FAJITA SEASONING

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 beef bouillon cube crushed
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • ¼ tsp cumin ground

THE FIXIN'S

  • 10 flour tortillas warmed
  • Refried beans warmed
  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Shredded cheddar
  • Pico de gallo
  • Salsa

Instructions

  • Whisk together the lime juice, scallions, garlic, cilantro, oil, red pepper flakes, coriander.
  • Place the meat in a large dish, flat. Pour the marinade over the steak, cover, and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours, flipping 1 or 2 times.
  • Heat the oil (or lard) in a large non-stick skillet. Add the onions.
  • Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occassionaly
  • Add the soy sauce and cook for another 20 minutes, caramelizing the onions. They should turn soft and and a nice brownish color. Set aside.
  • Mix together all ingredients of the fajita seasoning in a medium bowl. 
  • Prepare a medium-hot grill.
  • Remove the steak from the marinade and liberally sprinkle the seasoning all over the meat.
  • Use tongs to place the seasoned meat over direct heat. Cook until lightly charred on the outside, but still pink on the inside. Approx. 4 minutes per side. Internal temperature should be between 135°F and 145°F.
  • Bring in the steak and cut into 1/4 inch strips against the grain.
  • Place your fajita pan (or sturdy skillet) on the stove over medium high heat to heat completely. About 4 to 5 minutes.
  • Add the caramelized onions to the hot pan (be careful...they will sizzle!)
  • Then place the meat on the onions. Bring to the table and squeeze fresh lime over the fajitas.
  • Serve with warmed tortillas and all the fixin's.

Video

Notes

If using skirt steak, marinate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight.  If using a more tender cut of meat, such as ribeye, you will only need to marinade for a couple hours.
The onions can be made in advance (up to 1 day) and re-heated in a large skillet.
Cut the cooked meat against the grain.  Look for strand in the meat.  You'll want to cut perpendicular to these strands.  You may need to cut the steak in half first.  You don't want the strips to exceed 1 to 2 inches. 
Re-heat fajitas and onions in a skillet over medium heat.  They are delicious the next day!

Nutrition

Serving: 8g | Calories: 432kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 1932mg | Potassium: 536mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 624IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 4mg
Tried this recipe? Take a Picture!Mention @HowToFeedALoon or tag #HowToFeedALoon!

13 Comments

  • 5 stars
    You two are great to watch and learn from, thank you so much for all the great recipes! Any time I need something, I just check in with you two!

    Awesome stuff 🙂

    • Hi Brenda! You just made our day! Heck, you made our week! We are so so thrilled you are enjoying our recipes and videos! Thank you so so much for your support and great review. That truly means the world to us! Please stay in touch! All the best, Kris & Wesley

    • Hi Marlo!! We are SO THRILLED you loved the steak fajitas! Those have been one of our all-time favorites for many years! Thank you so much for letting us know and for the great review. That means the world to us! Please stay in touch! All the best, Kris & Wesley

  • 5 stars
    Flavor kapow! I loved these fajitas! I truthfully don’t like the store bought packages of seasoning for fajitas, your homemade seasoning was fab! I only had 2 hours to marinade and they still turned out incredible.

    Re : Robert’s rating, I 100 % disagree. Food and recipes evolve over time. That’s the beauty of cuisine. Lots of people no longer even eat red meat and still do their rendition of fajitas. Anyway, loved it! Thanks guys! Xx

    • Thank you, Lonnie!!! We are so glad you enjoyed our fajitas recipe. It’s been a favorite of ours for a long time and so happy to hear you enjoyed it, too. And THANK YOU for letting us know and for the GREAT review!!! We truly appreciate that! All the best, Kris & Wesley

  • 5 stars
    Loved these! I don’t necessarily feel that the 1 star reviewer actually tried this recipe before writing their review because it’s a great recipe that I really enjoyed. Thank you for sharing your version of the fajita! I thought it was very delicious and easy to follow! 🙂

    • Hi Demi! Thank you so much! We’re glad you enjoyed our fajitas recipe! We do love it, too!! And thank you SO MUCH for letting know and for the wonderful review! That means the world to us! All the best, Kris & Wesley

  • 1 star
    Fajitas are skirt steak and skirt steak only!

    Skirt steak comes from the diaphragm of the cow and is a very flavorful and tender cut that does not need marinades. There are two skirts the inside- which is tough and chewy and the outside- which is the original and preferred cut.

    If you look at a skirt steak it resembles a sash or belt which is what the word “Faja” means. When you grill the skirt steak and cut it into pieces you now have little sashes of ‘Fajitas’

    My father (Google: Sonny Falcon) introduced Fajitas to the world 50 years ago at a Diez y sues
    Celebration in Kyle, TX (September 1969) and the rest is Tex Mex history. There is only one
    True Fajita and there are no such thing as ribeye, sirloin, chicken, pork, shrimp or any other Fajita than the the original. I’ve lived it my entire life and learned from the Fajita King himself and even more proud to call him My Father.

    • Hi Robert!

      Thanks for the very informative comment and very cool to read about your father. He was truly the Fajita King! We don’t disagree, skirt steak is the way to go, and our favorite, no doubt.

      Sorry you felt the need to give us such a poor rating, not sure what that’s based on, but that’s your prerogative! I’m sure they don’t compare to your dad’s fajitas, but after living and eating fajitas all my life in the great state of Texas, we feel ours are pretty awesome, too!

      Best,
      Kris & Wesley

    • Hi Stefanie! We do have a recipe on the blog for Mexican rice, but I am planning on re-visiting the recipe in the next couple weeks, and probably tweak the recipe, take new photography, and even do a video for it. It will definitely be restaurant-quality. Can you wait for a couple weeks? If not, the one we have now is still quite good.

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