Fajitas are a mouthwatering Mexican dish that combines sizzling meats, colourful vegetables, and zesty spices, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner party or simply craving a hearty meal, fajitas are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Let's dive into the recipe along with serving suggestions, cooking tips, variations, and nutritional information.
Ingredients:
- 500g thinly sliced beef/chicken strips (skirt steak or chicken breast work well)
- 2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
Marinate the Meat: In a bowl, combine the sliced meat with lime juice, chilli powder, cumin, paprika, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté until they are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Meat: In the same skillet, cook the marinated meat until it's browned and cooked through about 5-7 minutes.
Assemble the Fajitas: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Place a spoonful of cooked meat on each tortilla, followed by sautéed vegetables. Add optional toppings according to your preference.
Serve: Serve the fajitas hot, accompanied by salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavour, add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the meat marinade.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the meat and vegetables to ensure they cook evenly and develop a nice sear.
- Warm the tortillas just before serving to make them soft and pliable.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Seafood Fajitas: Use shrimp or fish instead of meat for a lighter option.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less chilli powder, or include diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information: The calorie content of fajitas can vary depending on the choice of meat and toppings. On average, one serving of beef or chicken fajitas with vegetables and tortillas contains approximately 300-400 calories.
Conclusion: Fajitas are a versatile and flavorful dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you prefer beef, chicken, or vegetarian options, there's a fajita recipe for everyone. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, fajitas are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. So gather your favourite toppings and enjoy this delicious Mexican delight!
