Nothing beats the taste of good old authentic Mexican or Tex-Mex food. Savory and filling, dishes like tacos and enchiladas are a hit among different demographics. Another dish that gets a lot of love? Fajitas.
Similar to tacos, fajitas are made with strips of grilled meat, peppers, and onions served on flour or corn tortilla and with side dishes. Grilling the strips of skirt steak, as well as the peppers and onions give this Tex-Mex dish a distinct smoky and savory flavor.
What Makes the Best Fajita?
“Fajita” comes from “faja,” the Spanish word for “strip” or “belt.” This refers to the thin cuts of skirt steak the dish was originally made with. As the main ingredient – the quality of steak you choose can make or break your fajita.
The Meat
Skirt steak is a juicy cut of meat with marbled fat content. It’s also one of the most flavorful steak cuts. Because of its ability to soak up marinade well, skirt steak is the cut of steak that the best fajita wraps are made with.
But you can use not just skirt steak for this Tex-Mex dish. In fact, you’re not even limited to steak as the choice of meat for fajitas. Here are other steak cuts and meats you can use to make flavorful fajitas:
- Flank steak – Similar to the skirt cut, this part is a bit thicker and requires more cooking time. Seared on a hot skillet, the outside of the strips of flank steak will caramelize and lock in more flavor.
- Hanger steak – Cut from the upper belly of the cow, this type of meat is tender and flavorful, making it perfect for slicing into strips for fajitas.
- Chicken – Strips of marinated chicken breast seared on a skillet make for lighter and easier-to-prepare fajitas that are just as tasty and flavorful as the steak variety.
- Vegetables – If you don’t eat meat, then perfectly seasoned and grilled vegetables make for a great alternative, too!
The Marinade
The marinade is another component that can turn your fajitas from so-so to savory. You need to let the meat soak overnight so it can fully absorb the flavors from the marinade.
These are your must-haves for a great fajita steak marinade:
- Beer
- Lime juice
- Worcestershire sauce
- Hot sauce
- Cumin
- Canola oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Kosher salt
- Chili powder
- Onion and garlic
Mix these ingredients together, coat the meat with it, and let it sit overnight. Trust us: once the fajitas are cooked, every bite will be an explosion of flavors.
Best Fajita Side Dishes
Fajitas are good on their own, but when served with some side dishes, they become outright phenomenal. Try these side dishes the next time you make fajitas:
- Guacamole – A staple in Mexican cuisine, guacamole goes well with every dish, including fajitas! It’s easy to make, and a spoonful added on top can take your fajitas to the next level.
- Fresh salsa – Make salsa from only fresh ingredients, including sweet onion and freshly squeezed lime juice, and you’ve got a refreshing appetizer for any fajita dish.
- Refried beans – Rich and creamy, this dip makes for a great addition to your fajita wrap. You can spice it up with some cumin or add the flavorful goodness of cheese.
Fajitas are one of the most versatile dishes you can make. It’s perfect for any time of day. What’s more, you can get creative with the ingredients, so you have a variety of flavor combination options!