There’s something incredibly satisfying about the sound of sizzling fajitas fresh from the skillet, filling the kitchen with the smoky aroma of seared steak, caramelized onions, and vibrant bell peppers. This dish is a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, known for its bold flavors and simple preparation. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun, interactive meal for a gathering, these skillet steak fajitas are a perfect choice.

Traditionally, fajitas are served with warm tortillas, but if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can enjoy them with lettuce wraps, cauliflower rice, or just straight from the skillet. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—juicy, perfectly seasoned steak paired with tender-crisp vegetables, all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup.

Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe that will have your taste buds dancing with every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Meal – Less mess, less cleanup! Everything cooks in a single skillet.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap the protein, or add your favorite toppings.
• Healthy & Low Carb – Perfect for keto and low-carb diets without sacrificing flavor.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Steak Marinade:

• 1 ½ pounds flank steak (or skirt steak)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Fajitas:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon cumin

Optional Toppings:

• Avocado or guacamole
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas

How to Make Skillet Steak Fajitas

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

The key to flavorful, tender steak fajitas is a good marinade. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, and seasonings. Place the flank steak in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it’s well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil, then carefully lay the steak in the pan. Sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it reaches your desired doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C). Once cooked, transfer the steak to a plate, tent with foil, and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and minced garlic, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still have a bit of bite.

Step 4: Slice the Steak & Serve

Once rested, slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Return the sliced steak to the skillet with the vegetables, tossing everything together so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Serve hot with lettuce wraps, low-carb tortillas, or over cauliflower rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro, avocado, sour cream, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Helpful Tips

• Use the Right Cut of Steak – Flank or skirt steak is ideal for fajitas. They’re lean but become tender when properly marinated and sliced against the grain.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor – The longer you marinate, the more flavor the steak absorbs. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will do wonders.
• Don’t Overcook the Steak – Steak continues to cook after being removed from the skillet. Aim for medium-rare to medium for the juiciest results.
• Slice Against the Grain – Cutting the steak this way shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite more tender.
• Get the Skillet Super Hot – A cast-iron skillet works best for that perfect sear and smoky flavor.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex
• Diet: Low Carb, Keto

Notes

• Marinate for the Best Flavor – While 30 minutes is the minimum, marinating for 2-4 hours allows the steak to absorb even more flavor and results in a juicier bite.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet – If your pan is too full, the steak and vegetables will steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if needed for the best caramelization.
• Make it Spicier – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.
• Customize the Veggies – Swap bell peppers for zucchini, mushrooms, or even poblano peppers for a different twist.
• Use Fresh Lime Juice – The bright acidity enhances the flavors and helps tenderize the steak. Bottled lime juice won’t give the same fresh taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly – Store everything in separate containers and assemble fresh for each meal to keep textures just right.

• Serving Suggestions – Enjoy with lettuce wraps, low-carb tortillas, or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a delicious, low-carb meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken instead of steak?

Absolutely! Swap the steak for chicken breast or thighs, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

What can I use instead of bell peppers?

Zucchini, mushrooms, or even asparagus make great substitutes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the steak and veggies, then store them separately in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet before serving.

How do I know when my steak is done?

Use a meat thermometer:

• Rare: 125°F (52°C)
• Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
• Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze steak and veggies separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Avoid the microwave to prevent the steak from becoming tough.

Related Recipes

If you loved these fajitas, you might also enjoy:

• The BEST Mongolian Beef – Tender, Saucy & Better Than Takeout!
• Grilled Beef Tenderloin Crostini with Béarnaise Sauce
• Slow Cooker Pepper Steak: A Comforting Classic
• Lomo Saltado (Peruvian Stir-Fried Beef)

Conclusion

These sizzling skillet steak fajitas are the perfect blend of bold flavors, juicy steak, and tender-crisp veggies. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just looking for an easy, satisfying meal, this recipe delivers on every level. Plus, with minimal prep and one-pan cooking, it’s a go-to for busy nights.

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