Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of meat is used for these fajitas?
This recipe uses 2 lbs of skirt steak, which is halved crosswise for easier handling.
How long should the skirt steak marinate?
The steak should sit in the lime juice and olive oil marinade at room temperature for 10 minutes.
What are the ingredients in the steak marinade?
The marinade consists of 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of salt.
How should the onions be prepared for grilling?
Peel 2 large onions and cut them lengthwise into 6 wedges, keeping the root ends intact to hold them together.
What seasoning is used on the onions before grilling?
Brush the onion wedges with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil and season them with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
How long do the onions take to cook on the grill?
Grill the onions for 16 to 20 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are tender and charred.
What is added to the onions after they are grilled?
Once grilled and chopped into 1-inch pieces, toss the onions with 2 1/2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What temperature should the grill be for the steak?
Preheat the grill to medium-hot. You can test this by holding your hand 5 inches above the rack for 3 to 4 seconds.
When should the black pepper be applied to the steak?
The black pepper should be rubbed all over the steaks after they have finished marinating and been patted dry.
How long does it take to grill the skirt steak?
Cook the steaks on a lightly oiled grill rack for approximately 6 to 10 minutes, turning once.
What is the recommended doneness for the steak?
The recipe recommends cooking the skirt steak to a medium-rare doneness.
Does the steak need to rest after grilling?
Yes, let the steak rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
How should the steak be sliced for serving?
Slice the rested steak diagonally into thin strips.
How many tortillas does this recipe require?
This recipe calls for 18 flour tortillas.
How do you warm the tortillas?
Toast them directly on the grill rack for about 1 minute, turning once, until they puff slightly and show golden brown spots.
What fresh toppings are recommended?
The recommended toppings are sliced avocado, tomato wedges, and fresh cilantro leaves.
How many avocados are needed?
You will need 2 avocados, peeled and sliced.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
Use 1 large tomato and cut it into wedges.
What is the total amount of salt used in the recipe?
A total of 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt is used, divided between the marinade and the onions.
What kind of black pepper is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 1/2 teaspoons of fresh coarse ground black pepper.
What can be served alongside the fajitas for extra zing?
Salsa or fresh lime wedges are recommended for serving.
How much cilantro is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of fresh cilantro leaves.
Can the onions be cooked without a grill basket?
Yes, if you do not have a grill basket, you can thread the onion wedges onto metal skewers.
What is the total amount of olive oil needed?
The recipe requires 2 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in total.
How much lime juice is required for the marinade?
You will need 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice.
Is the steak dried before grilling?
Yes, you should pat the steaks dry with a paper towel after marinating and before rubbing them with black pepper.
How large should the chopped onion pieces be?
After grilling, the onions should be chopped into 1-inch pieces.
What type of cuisine does this recipe represent?
This recipe is a mix of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.
How should the tortillas look when they are done toasting?
They should puff up slightly and have golden brown spots from the grill char.
Can I use a different type of vinegar for the onions?
The recipe specifically calls for balsamic vinegar to complement the sweetness of the charred onions.