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Restaurant-Style Skillet Steak Fajitas with Secret Citrus-Chili Marinade

Close-up of sizzling steak fajita strips mixed with colorful sautéed bell peppers and onions on a white plate.
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Make juicy, restaurant-style steak fajitas in your skillet. This recipe uses a simple citrus-chili marinade to ensure the flank steak is tender and flavorful, perfect for a quick weeknight steak dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs flank steak or skirt steak, sliced against the grain into thin strips
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Tortillas, warm (for serving)
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, salsa, guacamole

Instructions

  1. Combine the marinade ingredients: In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  2. Marinate the steak: Add the sliced steak to the marinade, toss to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for best flavor.
  3. Heat the skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy skillet (cast iron is best) over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Cook the steak: Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook the steak in batches without overcrowding the pan until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove the steak and set it aside.
  5. Sauté vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, onions, and bell peppers to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
  6. Add garlic and seasoning: Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika to the vegetables. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Combine and finish: Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together quickly to reheat the steak and coat it in the pan juices.
  8. Serve immediately with warm tortillas and your preferred toppings for sizzling steak fajitas.

Notes

  • For the juiciest steak fajitas, do not overcook the meat. High heat and quick cooking are key.
  • If you prefer a sheet pan steak fajitas method, toss the marinated steak and vegetables with the oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
  • This chili lime steak fajita marinade recipe works well for grilling if you prefer that cooking method.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://completelyyummy.com/steak-fajita-recipe-skillet-juicy/