Homemade Steak Fajitas

Ingredients:

For the Marinade & Steak:

• 1 ½ pounds flank steak or skirt steak
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 2 limes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Fajitas:

• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 large yellow (or onion) or a mix of onions, thinly sliced
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional: 1 jalapeño, sliced (for extra heat)

To Serve:

• Warm flour or corn tortillas
• Toppings such as:
  
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Guacamole
  • Fresh salsa or pico de gallo
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Steak:
   
   • In a bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Add the steak, ensuring it’s well coated in the marinade. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably up to 4 hours (avoid marinating longer than 8 hours to prevent the acid from toughening the meat).
3. Prepare the Vegetables:
   
   • While the steak marinates, slice the bell peppers, onions, and jalapeño (if using).
   • Toss the sliced vegetables with a tablespoon or two of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper.
5. Cook the Steak:
   
   • Preheat a grill or a large skillet (cast-iron works best) over medium-high heat.
   • Remove the steak from the marinade (discard the marinade) and cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the time to your desired doneness.
   • Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Then slice it thinly against the grain.
7. Sauté the Vegetables:
   
   • In the same skillet (or on the grill, using a grill basket) add the sliced peppers and onions.
   • Sauté over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp, with slightly charred edges.
9. Assemble the Fajitas:
   
   • Warm your tortillas (in a dry skillet, microwave, or directly on the grill for a few seconds).
   • Place a generous portion of sliced steak on each tortilla, and top with a mix of the sautéed vegetables.
   • Add any desired toppings such as a dollop of sour cream, guacamole, fresh salsa, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
    
    • Serve the fajitas hot with extra lime wedges on the side.
    • Enjoy this flavorful and colorful meal that’s perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together.