This easy steak and shrimp fajitas recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender and juicy steak with succulent shrimp, all wrapped in warm tortillas. The marinated meat and seafood are cooked to perfection with a medley of colorful peppers and onions, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal. The fajitas are packed with flavor from a homemade spice blend, and the finishing touch of fresh lime juice adds a bright and tangy twist. These fajitas are perfect for a weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests, as they are quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 pound skirt steak, sliced
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 small flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, chopped cilantro
Directions
- In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Place the sliced steak and peeled shrimp in separate resealable bags. Pour half of the marinade over the steak and the other half over the shrimp. Seal the bags and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin strips.
- In the same skillet, add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the skillet.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and red onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Return the sliced steak and cooked shrimp to the skillet with the peppers and onions. Stir everything together to combine and heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
- Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave according to the package instructions.
- To serve, spoon the steak, shrimp, peppers, and onions mixture onto the warm tortillas. Add any optional toppings such as diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro.
- Fold the tortillas over the filling and serve immediately. Enjoy these delicious and flavorful steak and shrimp fajitas with your favorite Mexican sides or a fresh salad.
Interesting Facts
Fajitas are believed to have originated in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, where Mexican ranch workers would cook strips of beef skirt steak over an open fire.
The word 'fajita' comes from the Spanish word 'faja', which means belt or sash, referring to the skirt steak's long and thin shape.
Traditionally, fajitas were made with only beef, but nowadays, various proteins such as shrimp, chicken, and even tofu can be used.
The colorful bell peppers and onions add not only flavor but also a pop of vibrant colors to the fajitas, making them visually appealing.
Adding optional toppings such as diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro allows you to customize your fajitas to your liking.