What To Know
- Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to the fajita seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Whether you’re hosting a Tex-Mex feast or simply craving a weeknight meal, this recipe will delight your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.
- Yes, you can marinate the steak and roast the vegetables up to a day in advance.
Craving the tantalizing flavors of sizzling fajitas without the hassle of a grill? Look no further! This comprehensive guide will unveil the secrets to baking delectable beef fajitas in the comfort of your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound flank steak or skirt steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fajita seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine the steak, olive oil, fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Roast the Vegetables: Spread the sliced onions, green bell peppers, and red bell peppers on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
3. Bake the Steak: Remove the baking sheet with vegetables and set aside. Place the seasoned steak on a separate baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked to your desired doneness (rare, medium-rare, or medium).
4. Slice the Steak: Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it into thin strips against the grain.
5. Assemble the Fajitas: Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Place a generous portion of steak strips on each tortilla, along with roasted vegetables and chopped cilantro.
6. Serve Immediately: Serve the baked beef fajitas hot with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and shredded cheese.
Tips for Perfect Fajitas:
- Tender Steak: Use a high-quality flank steak or skirt steak for the best texture. Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes for extra flavor.
- Colorful Vegetables: Choose vibrant bell peppers for a visually appealing dish. Roast them until slightly charred for a smoky flavor.
- Seasoning Perfection: Use a pre-made fajita seasoning or create your own blend with spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm tortillas before assembling the fajitas to prevent them from cracking.
- Toppings Galore: Offer a variety of toppings to customize the fajitas to everyone’s taste.
Variations:
- Chicken Fajitas: Swap out the beef for boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Seafood Fajitas: Use shrimp, scallops, or fish fillets instead of beef.
- Vegetarian Fajitas: Omit the meat and double up on the roasted vegetables.
- Spicy Fajitas: Add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to the fajita seasoning for a spicy kick.
The Finale: A Symphony of Flavors
Baked beef fajitas are a culinary masterpiece that combines the savory flavors of tender steak, roasted vegetables, and aromatic seasonings. Whether you’re hosting a Tex-Mex feast or simply craving a weeknight meal, this recipe will delight your taste buds and leave you yearning for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long should I bake the steak for different levels of doneness?
A: For rare, bake for 10 minutes; for medium-rare, bake for 12 minutes; for medium, bake for 14 minutes.
Q: Can I use other vegetables in the fajitas?
A: Yes, you can add sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or corn to the roasted vegetables.
Q: What is the best way to slice the steak?
A: Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Q: How can I make the fajitas healthier?
A: Use leaner cuts of steak, such as top round or sirloin, and opt for whole-wheat tortillas.
Q: Can I prepare the fajitas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the steak and roast the vegetables up to a day in advance. Assemble the fajitas just before serving.
