Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Steak Fajitas with Fresh Lime Marinade and Colorful Bell Peppers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 33 reviews

This Steak Fajitas recipe features tender skirt or flank steak marinated in a zesty lime and cilantro blend, then cooked with colorful bell peppers and onions. Served with warm flour tortillas and classic toppings like pico de gallo, sour cream, grated cheese, and guacamole, these fajitas are a vibrant, flavorful meal perfect for a casual dinner or gathering.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Fajitas

  • 1 1/4 to 1 ½ pounds skirt steak or flank steak
  • 2 red, yellow, or orange bell peppers, seeds and stem removed, sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 1 green bell pepper, seeds and stem removed, sliced 1/4-inch thick
  • 1 large yellow onion, halved and sliced

Fajita Marinade

  • Zest of 1 lime (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle or ancho chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Assembly

  • 8 small fajita-sized flour tortillas
  • Pico de gallo
  • Sour cream
  • Grated cheese or queso fresco
  • Guacamole

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the lime zest, fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, liquid smoke (if using), ground cumin, kosher salt, chipotle or ancho chili powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk together until well blended to create a flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the Steak: Place the skirt or flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour most of the marinade over the steak, reserving about 2 tablespoons for later use. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
  3. Prepare the Vegetables: While the steak marinates, slice the bell peppers into 1/4-inch strips and halve plus slice the yellow onion. Set aside for cooking.
  4. Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved olive oil. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your desired doneness. Remove from the skillet and let it rest for at least 5 minutes to retain juices.
  5. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, sautéing over medium-high heat until they are tender-crisp and slightly charred, about 6-8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and a splash of the reserved marinade for extra flavor. Stir well and cook for another minute.
  6. Slice the Steak: After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain into strips for tender bite-sized pieces.
  7. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side or wrap in foil and heat in a warm oven until pliable and hot.
  8. Assemble the Fajitas: To serve, layer sliced steak and sautéed vegetables onto each warm tortilla. Top with pico de gallo, sour cream, grated cheese or queso fresco, and guacamole as desired. Fold or roll up and enjoy the vibrant flavors.

Notes

  • For even more tender steak, marinate for up to 4 hours but no longer to avoid a mushy texture.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet if possible to achieve the best sear and char on the steak and vegetables.
  • If preferred, substitute corn tortillas for a gluten-free option and adjust prep accordingly.
  • Leftover fajita components make great fillings for burritos or toppings for salads.
  • Adjust the cayenne and chili powder amounts to control the spiciness to your liking.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Fajitas
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex