Beef Fajitas


 Cuisine: American  Type: Entree

Beef Fajitas : Entree in American cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Beef
1 pound (454)
Bell Peppers
2 large (340)
Onion
1 medium (110)
Lime Juice
2 tablespoon (30)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoon (28)
Garlic
2 cloves (6)
Cumin
1 teaspoon (2)
Chili Powder
1 teaspoon (2)
Salt
1 teaspoon (6)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (2)
Tortillas
8 medium (240)
Sour Cream
1 cup (240)
Guacamole
1 cup (240)
Cheese
1 cup (120)
 Totals
64 oz (1,820 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Beef
250
Bell Peppers
30
Onion
40
Lime Juice
20
Olive Oil
120
Garlic Powder
10
Cumin
15
Chili Powder
10
Salt
0
Pepper
0
Tortillas
150
Sour Cream
60
Guacamole
100
Cheese
80
 Totals
885 kcal

 Steps 


1. Start by marinating the beef: In a large bowl, combine the beef strips with a mixture of lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Toss the beef until it is evenly coated with the marinade.

2. Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. You can also refrigerate it for up to 24 hours for a more intense flavor.

3. While the beef is marinating, prepare the vegetables: Slice bell peppers and onions into thin strips. Set them aside.

4. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of oil to the pan.

5. Add the marinated beef to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook in batches if necessary. Sear the beef for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

6. Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.

7. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté them for about 5-6 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and slightly charred.

8. Once the vegetables are cooked, return the beef to the skillet and toss everything together. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

9. Warm your tortillas by heating them in a dry skillet or wrapping them in foil and placing them in a preheated oven for a few minutes.

10. Serve the beef fajitas by placing a generous portion of the beef and vegetable mixture onto a warm tortilla. You can also garnish it with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.

11. Roll up the tortilla tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

12. Serve the beef fajitas immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors of American-style beef fajitas.

 Substitutions 


Substitutions/Alterations for Beef Fajitas:

1. Beef:
- Substitute with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Adjust cooking time accordingly based on the protein chosen.

2. Fajita Seasoning:
- Make your own seasoning blend using a combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Adjust the quantities of each spice to taste.

3. Bell Peppers and Onions:
- Substitute with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli.
- Adjust cooking time based on the chosen vegetables' texture and desired tenderness.

4. Lime Juice:
- Substitute with lemon juice or orange juice.
- Adjust the quantity based on personal preference.

5. Flour Tortillas:
- Substitute with corn tortillas or lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- Adjust cooking time for corn tortillas if needed (they may require a shorter cooking time).

6. Guacamole:
- Substitute with sliced avocado or avocado crema.
- Adjust the preparation method based on the chosen alternative.

7. Sour Cream:
- Substitute with plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt for a healthier option.
- Adjust the quantity based on personal preference.

8. Salsa:
- Substitute with pico de gallo, hot sauce, or a combination of diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro.
- Adjust the spiciness level based on personal preference.

9. Cheese:
- Substitute with dairy-free cheese or omit for a vegan option.
- Adjust the quantity based on personal preference.

Note: These are general suggestions, and adjustments may vary depending on your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

 Pairings 


- Guacamole and tortilla chips
- Pico de gallo or salsa
- Sour cream or Mexican crema
- Shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Refried beans or black beans
- Mexican rice
- Grilled onions and peppers
- Cilantro and lime
- Jalapenos or pickled jalapenos
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Mexican hot sauce or salsa verde
- Margarita or tequila-based cocktails
- Mexican beer (such as Corona or Dos Equis)
- Agua fresca (such as horchata or tamarind)

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Use colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, and orange) to add visual appeal.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of green.
- Serve the fajitas on a wooden cutting board or a sizzling hot cast-iron skillet for a rustic presentation.

2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Marinate the beef in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices for at least 4 hours to enhance the flavor.
- Caramelize the onions and peppers separately for added depth of flavor.
- Add a touch of smokiness by grilling the beef instead of pan-frying it.
- Incorporate a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder into the seasoning for a subtle smoky kick.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Use high-quality cuts of beef such as ribeye or tenderloin for a more tender and flavorful experience.
- Swap regular sour cream with crème fraîche for a richer and creamier taste.
- Add a sprinkle of truffle salt or truffle oil to the beef for a luxurious touch.
- Serve the fajitas with a side of guacamole made with ripe Hass avocados for a creamy and indulgent element.

 Diet Restrictions 


- Use lean cuts of beef, such as sirloin or flank steak, to reduce the amount of saturated fat.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the fajitas, such as bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, to boost fiber and nutrient content.
- Opt for whole wheat tortillas instead of white flour tortillas to increase fiber and whole grain intake.
- If you have gluten intolerance, use gluten-free tortillas or lettuce wraps as a substitute.
- For individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, omit or replace dairy-based toppings like cheese and sour cream with alternatives like avocado, salsa, or dairy-free options.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium fajita seasoning or making your own spice blend with less salt.
- For those following a low-carb or keto diet, skip the tortillas altogether and serve the beef and vegetables over a bed of lettuce or cauliflower rice.
- If you have high blood pressure or are watching your sodium intake, avoid using additional salt in the marinade or seasoning.
- To accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets, replace beef with plant-based protein alternatives like tofu, seitan, or tempeh, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Always consider individual allergies and preferences when selecting ingredients, and offer customization options for toppings and condiments to suit various dietary needs.

 Healthy Choices 


- Use lean cuts of beef, such as sirloin or flank steak, instead of fattier cuts like ribeye or T-bone.
- Marinate the beef in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and spices instead of using oil-based marinades.
- Load up on vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
- Opt for whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of white flour tortillas for added fiber.
- Serve with a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo instead of sour cream or cheese to reduce saturated fat.
- Use a small amount of healthy fats, like avocado or olive oil, for sautéing the vegetables instead of butter or lard.
- Limit the amount of salt by using herbs and spices to season the beef and vegetables.
- Serve with a side of black beans or brown rice for additional protein and fiber.
- Consider grilling or broiling the beef and vegetables instead of frying to reduce added fats.

 Shortcuts 


1. Choose a more affordable cut of beef, such as flank steak or skirt steak, instead of expensive cuts like ribeye or tenderloin.
2. Marinate the beef overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness, allowing for a shorter cooking time.
3. Opt for pre-sliced or pre-packaged vegetables to save time on chopping and preparation.
4. Use a store-bought fajita seasoning mix instead of making your own spice blend from scratch.
5. Cook the beef and vegetables together in a single pan to reduce cooking time and minimize cleanup.
6. Consider using a grill or grill pan for a quicker cooking method, adding a smoky flavor to the fajitas.
7. Serve the fajitas with simple toppings like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole instead of elaborate condiments to save time and cost.
8. Use tortillas instead of making homemade flatbreads to save time and effort.
9. Prepare larger batches of fajitas and freeze leftovers for future quick and convenient meals.
10. Consider substituting some of the beef with cheaper protein alternatives like chicken or tofu to reduce costs while maintaining a satisfying meal.