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Marinated Steak & Pepper Fajitas

These are the best fajitas ever, and a much healthier version of the typically pan-fried fajitas you find in restaurants. I also serve them in flatbreads instead of tortillas.

—ERIN MICHNIACKI MANHATTAN, KS



PREP: 25 MIN. + MARINATING GRILL: 20 MIN. MAKES: 8 SERVINGS


1/2 cup tequila or reduced-sodium beef broth

1/2 cup lime juice

garlic cloves, sliced

teaspoon grated lime peel

teaspoon chili powder

3/4teaspoon salt

3/4teaspoon pepper

poblano peppers or medium sweet red peppers, halved and seeded

jalapeno peppers, halved and seeded

large sweet onion, cut crosswise into 3/4-inch-thick slices

1/2   pounds beef skirt steaks or flank steak

whole wheat tortillas (8 inches), warmed

1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend

1. In a small bowl, whisk the first seven ingredients until blended. Divide marinade between two large resealable plastic bags. Add peppers and onion to one bag; seal bag and turn gently to coat. Cut skirt steaks in half and add to the second bag; seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate vegetables and beef 8 hours or overnight.

2. Drain the vegetables and beef, discarding marinade. Grill onion and poblanos, covered, over medium heat 4-6 minutes on each side or until tender. Grill jalapenos 2-3 minutes on each side or until crisp-tender. Grill the steaks, covered, over medium heat 4-6 minutes on each side or until the meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 145°; medium, 160°; well-done, 170°). Let steaks stand 5 minutes.

3. Cut peppers into strips; coarsely chop onion. Thinly slice steaks across the grain. Serve vegetables and beef on tortillas; top with cheese.

NOTE Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.