Authentic South Texas Beef Fajitas
Experience the bold flavors of South Texas with this classic beef fajitas recipe, perfect for gatherings and celebrations. These tender, marinated strips of beef, grilled to perfection, are served with warm tortillas and a zesty pico de gallo salsa, making them a crowd-pleaser for friends and family alike. The tangy salad dressing adds depth to the meat, while fresh cilantro, tomatoes, onions, and serrano peppers create a refreshing topping that elevates each bite. Ideal for summer barbecues or cozy dinners, this dish invites everyone to savor the authentic tastes of Texas.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tenderized beef
4 lbs (Clean and sliced into long strips.)
Viva Italia salad dressing
1 bottle (Used for marinating the beef.)
Corn or flour tortillas
As needed (Warm before serving.)
Pico de gallo salsa
To taste (Prepared fresh with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, serrano peppers, and lime juice.)
Cilantro
1 bunch (Chopped.)
Tomato
1 (Chopped.)
Onion
1/2 (Chopped.)
Serrano pepper
To taste (Fresh, chopped.)
Lime juice
To taste (Freshly squeezed.)
Salt
To taste (To season the salsa.)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the clean tenderized beef into long strips and placing them in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the bottle of Viva Italia salad dressing over the beef to marinate. Cover and refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
2
Preheat your BBQ grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, carefully place the marinated beef strips on the grill. Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until the beef achieves a nice char and reaches your preferred level of doneness. Avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.
3
While the beef is grilling, prepare the pico de gallo. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, onions, and serrano peppers. Squeeze in fresh lime juice and add the chopped cilantro. Season with salt to taste. Stir well and let it sit for at least 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice into thin strips, then serve on warm corn or flour tortillas. Top with a generous portion of pico de gallo salsa. Enjoy your delicious fajitas with chips or use the salsa as an accompaniment for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information
25g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Authentic South Texas Beef Fajitas?
Authentic South Texas Beef Fajitas are a classic dish featuring tenderized beef marinated in Italian dressing, grilled to perfection, and served with fresh pico de gallo and warm tortillas.
What kind of beef is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 lbs of tenderized beef that has been cleaned and sliced into long strips.
What is the secret to the marinade in this fajita recipe?
The secret ingredient is a full bottle of Viva Italia salad dressing, which adds depth and tanginess to the meat.
How long should I marinate the beef for these fajitas?
For maximum flavor, you should cover and refrigerate the beef in the marinade overnight.
What is the best way to cook the beef for fajitas?
Preheat a BBQ grill to medium-high heat and cook the marinated strips for 4-6 minutes per side until they achieve a nice char.
What ingredients are in the pico de gallo salsa?
The pico de gallo is made from chopped tomatoes, onions, serrano peppers, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
How long should the pico de gallo sit before serving?
It is recommended to let the salsa sit for at least 1-2 hours to allow the fresh flavors to meld together.
What kind of tortillas should be used?
You can serve these fajitas with either warm corn or flour tortillas according to your preference.
How many calories are in a serving of these beef fajitas?
Each serving of these beef fajitas contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This recipe provides 25g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content of this recipe?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving in these beef fajitas.
How should I prepare the beef before marinating?
The beef should be cleaned, tenderized, and sliced into long strips before being placed in a bowl or zip-top bag with the dressing.
What type of pepper is used to add heat to the salsa?
Fresh serrano peppers are used in the pico de gallo to provide a zesty kick.
Should the meat rest after grilling?
Yes, once the beef is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips for serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer barbecue?
Yes, this dish is ideal for summer barbecues, parties, and gatherings as it is a crowd-pleaser.
How many tomatoes are needed for the pico de gallo?
The recipe calls for one chopped tomato for the fresh salsa base.
How much onion is used in the salsa?
You will need 1/2 of an onion, chopped, for the pico de gallo.
Is the cilantro used in the salsa chopped?
Yes, one bunch of cilantro should be chopped and added to the salsa mixture.
How do I prevent the beef from being tough?
To maintain tenderness, use tenderized beef and avoid overcooking it on the grill.
Can I use a zip-top bag for the marinating process?
Yes, placing the beef and dressing in a zip-top bag is an effective way to marinate the meat overnight.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include beef, fajitas, tex-mex, grilled, salsa, pico de gallo, bbq, and party food.
How much beef in total does this recipe require?
This recipe requires 4 pounds of tenderized beef.
What can I serve with these fajitas besides tortillas?
You can enjoy these fajitas with tortilla chips or use the extra pico de gallo as a flavorful accompaniment.
How do I season the pico de gallo?
The salsa is seasoned with fresh lime juice and salt to taste.
What kind of grill heat is best?
A medium-high heat on your BBQ grill is recommended for achieving the perfect char and doneness.
Is this an easy recipe to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe,' making it accessible for home cooks of various skill levels.
Does the recipe include fiber or sugar information?
No, the current nutritional data for fiber and sugar is not specified.
What is the primary flavor profile of South Texas Fajitas?
The profile is bold and tangy, characterized by marinated grilled beef and fresh, zesty vegetable toppings.
How should the lime juice be added?
Fresh lime juice should be squeezed directly into the pico de gallo mixture.
How thin should the beef be sliced for serving?
After resting the grilled meat, it should be sliced into thin strips for easy eating in a tortilla.