Delicious Chipotle Steak Fajitas to Satisfy Your Cravings
As I sat outside by the grill, I couldn’t help but think about how much I love a good steak fajita. The explosion of flavors and the satisfying crunch of fresh vegetables wrapped in a warm flour tortilla make for an unforgettable dining experience. And what better way to take it up a notch than adding smoky chipotle chiles in adobo sauce to the mix?
My recipe for chipotle steak fajitas is not your average choice for dinner. These fajitas are packed with bold and spicy flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight. From the perfectly cooked strips of juicy flank or skirt steak to the vibrant red onions and peppers, and the irresistible aroma of chili powder, oregano, garlic, and lime – this dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re hosting a summer party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply craving grilled meat and vegetables that pack a punch, these chipotle steak fajitas are the perfect solution. So fire up the grill or preheat your oven, grab some fresh ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious meals you’ll ever have!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons why you’re going to love this chipotle steak fajitas recipe.
Firstly, this recipe combines tender slices of steak with an authentic southwestern flavor. Using a combination of adobo sauce and chipotle pepper, the marinade adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor to the steak. This simple addition provides a rich and bold taste that you won’t find in any other fajita recipe.
Secondly, the ingredients used in this recipe are perfect for any family dinner or weekend BBQ. It’s a recipe designed to satisfy everyone’s taste buds without compromising on the quality of ingredients.
Thirdly, the cooking process for this dish is straightforward, easy-to-follow, and it can be whipped up in no time. The best part? You can also prepare it in advance and quickly reheat it at mealtime.
Lastly, this recipe offers plenty of freedom for substitutions and variations based on your preferences. Add some guacamole or sour cream on top of your fajita bowls or go all out and create cheese-steak quesadillas.
With all these amazing features and great flavors to enjoy, there’s no reason not to love this chipotle steak fajitas recipe.
Ingredient List
Gather Your Ingredients for Chipotle Steak Fajitas Recipe
Before starting the marinade, prepare all the ingredients in a neat and organized manner. The recipe contains ingredients that can typically be found at a local grocery store. Below is a list of what you need to make the perfect Chipotle Steak Fajitas Recipe:
- Flank steak or skirt steak – 2 pounds
- Red onion – 1 medium, sliced
- Red bell pepper – 1 medium, sliced
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Lime juice – juice of 2 limes
- Chipotle chile in adobo – 2 chipotle chiles
- Garlic cloves – 3 minced cloves
- Chili powder – 1 tablespoon
- Dried oregano – 2 teaspoons
- Dark beer – ¼ cup (optional)
For the fajita marinade:
- Olive oil – â…“ cup
- Lime juice – juice of 1 lime
- Chipotle chile in adobo – 1 chipotle chile (use 2 if you prefer more spice)
- Garlic cloves – 2 minced cloves
Optional toppings and sides:
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Flour tortillas
It is essential to have all your ingredients ready before starting to cook your delicious steak fajitas.
The Recipe How-To
Preparing the Fajita Marinade
To make the marinade, I mix together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of lime juice, 1-2 minced canned chipotle chile peppers in adobo sauce, 2 garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of salt. I prefer using a food processor or blender to ensure that my marinade is fully combined.
Marinating the Steak
Once the marinade is ready, I place either lean and flavorful flank steak or skirt steak in a large resealable plastic bag or dish. I pour the marinade over the steak, making sure that it’s evenly coated. Then, I let the steak marinate for at least two hours, turning occasionally so that each side gets an equal amount of exposure.
Cooking the Vegetables and Steak
Before grilling the meat, I preheat my grill to high heat that’s been oiled with sunflower oil or any other high smoke point oil. Once hot, I remove any excess marinade from the steak, and then place it on a hot grill to cook three to four minutes per side on high heat until I achieve my desired level of doneness (about 130°F for medium-cooked steak). As someone who loves a little spice in my meals, I drizzle some adobo sauce over the meat while grilling.
In another section of my grill, I sauté thinly sliced bell peppers and red onions in a pan with a tablespoon of olive oil until they’re crisp-tender before serving them in the fajitas.
Assembling Your Fajitas
After your vegetables and steak are cooked, let your steak sit for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips. To assemble your steak fajitas, you’ll be needing: warm flour tortillas, sliced steak, bell pepper/onion mixture, sour cream, grated cheese, and salsa. Then pile on all your toppings generously into your soft warm tortillas.
That’s it! You’re done enjoying those delicious smoky and spicy flavors rolled up into one delectable dish that even your guests would surely crave for.
Substitutions and Variations
Variety is the spice of life, and when it comes to the chipotle steak fajitas recipe, you can add your own twist to it. You don’t have to follow this recipe to the letter. Experiment with different ingredients and find your own combination. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:
1. Meat – instead of flank steak or skirt steak, try using chicken, pork, shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
2. Vegetables – red onion and red bell pepper add great flavor and crunch to the fajitas but feel free to mix things up with zucchini, mushrooms or corn.
3. Salsa – while homemade salsa is always the best choice, you can also use store-bought salsa in a pinch, or try different varieties such as mango salsa.
4. Cheese – add some shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled queso fresco for an extra touch of richness.
5. Sour cream – if you don’t have sour cream on hand, Greek yogurt is a healthy substitute that will give creamy tang without all the calories.
6. Tortillas – flour tortillas are the go-to choice for fajitas but corn tortillas also work well and can be gluten-free.
7. Spice level – dial up or down the heat by adding more or less chipotle chile in adobo sauce.
These are just some ideas, but feel free to get creative and make this chipotle steak fajitas recipe your own. Experimentation is key when it comes to cooking, so have fun with it!
Serving and Pairing
After successfully preparing the tantalizing Chipotle Steak Fajitas recipe, it’s time to garnish it and serve it in an appetizing way that will elevate its delicious flavors. One great way to serve up these hearty steak fajitas is to place sliced pieces on some warm and soft flour tortillas. Top it off with your favorite cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some flavorful salsa, for an ultimate Tex-Mex culinary experience that is sure to leave your taste buds dancing.
If you fancy something a little different, why not try using a red onion and red bell pepper relish as an alternative garnish? Seared vegetables are cooked in chipotle adobo sauce before being lovingly placed on top of your sizzling steak fajitas. The toppings’ sweetness blends perfectly with the savory steak for a mouthwatering dish.
The perfect drink pairing to accompany this succulent Chipotle Steak Fajita meal is an ice-cold dark beer. The bitterness of the beer intertwines flawlessly with the kick of the chipotle seasoning yet complements the tender marinated beef steak.
Overall, this recipe provides a balanced meal that’s full of flavor, texture, and aroma. It’s easy to make and impresses guests every time. Enjoy these tasty steak fajitas with your favorite side dishes like rice or grilled veggies for a wholesome gourmet experience.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
For the busy BBQ chef, having a meal that can be made ahead of time and easily reheated is a lifesaver. Fortunately, with these Chipotle Steak Fajitas, you can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
To prepare the steak fajitas in advance, simply follow steps 1 through 4 of the recipe how-to section. Once the steak and vegetables are cooked, let them cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store the steak fajitas in the fridge for up to three days.
When it’s time to reheat the steak fajitas, there are two ways to go about it. The first option is to reheat them on the stove. Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat and add some olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add the steak and vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
The second reheating option is to use your oven or microwave. For microwave reheating, place an individual portion of the fajitas on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 1-2 minutes until warm all the way through. If you choose to use an oven or toaster oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place fajitas on a baking sheet and reheat for 5-10 minutes.
Just remember, when reheating leftovers, it’s important to make sure they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (73°C) before serving. Additionally, you might want to add some more fresh toppings like salsa, cheese or sour cream for extra flavor and moisture.
Overall, these Chipotle Steak Fajitas are perfect for meal prep because they can be made ahead of time and reheated quickly when you need a delicious meal on-the-go.
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Chipotle Steak Fajitas come out perfectly, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind.
First, be sure to slice your steak against the grain. This will help to ensure that your steak is juicy and tender. Cutting against the grain means that you’re cutting the fibers of the meat, which helps it to break down more easily.
Second, don’t overcook your steak. Overcooked steak can become tough and chewy, ruining the texture and taste of the dish. Cook it just until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Third, let your steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more flavorful and tender.
Fourth, make sure that your pan or grill is hot before adding the steak. A hot cooking surface will help to sear the outside of the meat, locking in flavor and moisture.
In addition, be sure to marinate your steak for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This will infuse it with flavor and tenderize it even more. If you’re using skirt steak or flank steak, marinating for several hours or overnight can yield even better results.
Finally, consider serving your fajitas with some toppings like cheese, salsa, or sour cream to add some extra flavor and texture. Warm up some flour tortillas on a skillet or griddle before serving for an authentic touch.
By following these tips, you can create restaurant-quality Chipotle Steak Fajitas right in your own home.
FAQ
As you prepare your Chipotle Steak Fajitas, you may have some questions on how to get the best results. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you with some tips and tricks to make the ultimate dish.
Does Chipotle have steak fajitas?
This recipe combines fiery chipotle with succulent skirt steak for a bold and flavorful experience. The heat is nicely complemented by the sweetness of peppers, the freshness of cilantro, and the creaminess of sour cream.
What cut of steak is used for fajitas?
When it comes to making fajitas, skirt steak is the go-to cut. Despite being affordable in the past, it has become relatively expensive nowadays. Consequently, flank steak is a great alternative, especially since it is often more budget-friendly.
Does Chipotle have fajita meat?
Fajitas can spice up your burritos, tacos, bowls, or salads at Chipotle Mexican Grill, and they cater to both vegetarians and vegans. These recipes usually incorporate sunflower oil, red onions, salt, Mexican oregano, and green bell peppers. As of September 21, 2022, they remain a popular choice among customers.
What is fajita marinade made of?
When it comes to preparing chicken fajitas, the marinade is a critical element that can make or break the dish. A tried-and-true marinade recipe I recommend involves blending olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and onion powder. By skillfully whisking these ingredients together, you’ll end up with a tangy and tasty concoction that will infuse the chicken with irresistible flavor. Make sure to give yourself sufficient time to let the chicken soak in the marinade before cooking it up.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this chipotle steak fajitas recipe is a must-try for any BBQ-loving foodie; and once you taste it, you will never want to go back to regular steak fajitas again. With its bold and spicy flavors, juicy cuts of skirt or flank steak, and fresh ingredients like lime juice, red onion, red bell pepper, and cheese and salsa to top it off, this dish has everything you need for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Whether you prefer to serve your steak fajitas inside flour tortillas or as a bowl with rice and beans, this recipe is versatile enough to accommodate any preference. Plus, the marinade can be made ahead of time for easy meal prep during the week.
So what are you waiting for? Fire up the grill, pour yourself a dark beer, and get ready to indulge in some seriously delicious chipotle steak fajitas. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you.
Chipotle Steak Fajitas Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup chipotle chile in adobo
- 1 large lime, juice of
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 3/4 cup dark beer
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for pan
- 2 lbs flank steaks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (more if desired)
- 1 poblano pepper, sliced (more if desired)
- 1 medium red onion, sliced (more if desired)
- salt and pepper
- 12 flour tortillas (6-8 inch)
- sour cream
- salsa
- shredded cheese
- guacamole
Instructions
- In work bowl of a food processor, combine garlic and chilies; pulse to form a chunky paste.
- Add lime juice, oregano, chili powder, beer and olive oil. Pulse to combine.
- Place steak in a shallow dish or large zip-top plastic bag. Add marinade and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
- Heat grill to medium-high. Brush excess marinade from steak and season well with salt and pepper. Grill until medium-rare to medium. Set aside and let rest, covered loosely with foil, for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Meanwhile, heat a large sauté pan over high heat. Add enough oil to lightly coat pan.
- When oil is hot, add peppers and onion; season with salt and pepper. Cook quickly, stirring constantly, until vegetables are just softened and starting to brown. Remove from heat.
- Cut steak into thin slices across grain. Top with peppers and onion.
- Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
YOUR OWN NOTE
Nutrition
Shara @The Bird BBQ
Shara loves to experiment with different flavors and techniques when it comes to BBQ. She has been perfecting her craft for years and loves hosting backyard BBQs with friends & family. She often comes up with creative recipes that her guests rave about.