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Flavorful Marinated Flank Steak Fajitas

marinated flank steak fajitas - featured image

Juicy, tender flank steak marinated in a smoky, tangy blend and served with sautéed peppers and onions. This easy recipe delivers bold flavors and perfect texture for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds (700g) flank steak, trimmed
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • Warm flour or corn tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, or salsa

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Steak (at least 1 hour, up to 8 hours): In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chipotle, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the flank steak and massage the marinade into the meat. Seal and refrigerate for at least one hour—overnight if possible.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice bell peppers and onion into thin strips.
  3. Cook the Peppers and Onions (about 8-10 minutes): Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and peppers, season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender but still slightly crisp and caramelized. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Sear the Steak (6-8 minutes total): Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Remove steak from marinade, letting excess drip off. Sear steak for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp ~130°F/54°C). Adjust time for preferred doneness.
  5. Rest and Slice the Steak: Transfer steak to a cutting board and rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain.
  6. Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable.
  7. Assemble the Fajitas: Layer steak slices and sautéed peppers on warm tortillas. Add cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and optional toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

Marinate steak at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor and tenderness. Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking peppers to prevent sogginess. Slice steak against the grain for tenderness. Warm tortillas just before serving. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas. Adjust chipotle amount for heat preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: flank steak fajitas, marinated steak, sautéed peppers, easy fajitas, Mexican recipe, quick dinner, steak fajitas recipe