Pan-Seared Spicy Skirt Steak Fajitas
Experience the bold flavors of southwest cuisine with this Pan-Seared Spicy Skirt Steak Fajitas recipe. Inspired by the grilling techniques of outdoor cooking, this dish is brought to life using a scorching hot stove top grill pan. The skirt steak, known for its rich flavor and tender texture, is perfectly complemented by a zesty and aromatic dry rub made from spices and herbs. Marinated in olive oil, these steaks are seared to perfection, resulting in a juicy, mildly spicy delight that will transport your taste buds straight to a Tex-Mex fiesta. Whether served in tortillas or on a colorful bed of veggies, this dish is sure to be a favorite at your family gatherings or dinner parties.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
skirt steaks
2 lbs (sliced to desired length)
meat tenderizer
1 teaspoon (sprinkled on both sides)
rosemary
1 teaspoon (dry herb)
oregano
1 teaspoon (dry herb)
garlic
1 teaspoon (garlic powder)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (for spice)
parsley
1 teaspoon (dry herb)
paprika
1 teaspoon (to enhance color and flavor)
onion powder
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for marinating)
Instructions
1
Begin by slicing the skirt steaks into your desired lengths, aiming for about 1-2 inches per serving.
2
Sprinkle the meat tenderizer evenly on both sides of the steak and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavor and texture.
3
In a small bowl, combine the rosemary, oregano, garlic, salt, cayenne pepper, parsley, paprika, and onion powder to create your spice mix. Feel free to adjust measurements to your spice preference.
4
Generously rub the spice mix on both sides of the steaks, pressing down to ensure it adheres well.
5
In a separate bowl, pour the olive oil and coat each steak evenly on both sides, allowing the oil to enhance the cooking process.
6
Preheat your grill pan over medium-high heat until it is scorching hot – you should see light smoke.
7
Carefully place the seasoned steaks onto the dry, hot surface of the grill pan. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to your preferred doneness.
8
Once seared, remove the steaks from the grill pan and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
9
Serve with warm tortillas, sautéed vegetables, or your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary cut of meat used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of skirt steak, known for its rich flavor and tender texture.
How should the skirt steak be prepared before cooking?
You should slice the skirt steaks into your desired lengths, typically about 1-2 inches per serving.
What is the purpose of using a meat tenderizer?
Meat tenderizer is used to enhance both the flavor and the texture of the steak.
How long should the meat tenderizer sit on the steak?
Allow the meat tenderizer to sit on both sides of the steak for approximately 10 minutes.
What spices are included in the dry rub?
The spice mix consists of rosemary, oregano, garlic powder, salt, cayenne pepper, parsley, paprika, and onion powder.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the steak?
Yes, you can feel free to adjust the spice measurements to suit your personal preference.
How is the dry rub applied?
Generously rub the spice mix on both sides of the steak and press down to ensure it adheres well.
What role does olive oil play in the preparation?
Olive oil is used to coat each seasoned steak evenly to enhance the cooking process during searing.
What type of cookware is recommended for this recipe?
A stove top grill pan is recommended to mimic outdoor grilling techniques.
How hot should the grill pan be before cooking?
The pan should be preheated over medium-high heat until it is scorching hot and showing light smoke.
Should I add oil to the grill pan?
No, the recipe instructs to place the seasoned, oil-coated steaks onto a dry, hot surface.
How long should I sear the steaks for medium-rare?
Sear the steaks for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness.
Can I cook the steak to a different level of doneness?
Yes, you can adjust the cooking time to achieve your preferred level of doneness.
Is it necessary to let the steak rest after cooking?
Yes, allow the steaks to rest for 5 minutes after removing them from the heat to keep them juicy.
How should the steak be sliced for serving?
After resting, the steak should be sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness.
What are the traditional serving suggestions for these fajitas?
Serve with warm tortillas, sautéed vegetables, or toppings like salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro.
What flavor profile can I expect from this dish?
The dish offers bold southwest flavors that are juicy, aromatic, and mildly spicy.
Is this recipe suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a favorite for family gatherings or dinner parties.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 11 total ingredients required for this recipe.
What cuisine inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by southwest and Tex-Mex cuisine.
Which ingredient provides the heat in the rub?
Cayenne pepper provides the spicy kick in the dry rub seasoning.
Is garlic powder or fresh garlic used?
The recipe specifies using garlic powder for the seasoning mix.
What is the significance of the scorching hot pan?
A scorching hot pan ensures a proper sear, which locks in juices and adds flavor.
Can I use dry herbs for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses dry rosemary, oregano, and parsley.
What ingredient is used to enhance the color?
Paprika is included in the spice mix to enhance both the color and flavor of the steaks.
How much olive oil is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for marinating the steaks.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'quick dinner' recipe.
What is the total weight of meat used?
The recipe calls for 2 pounds of skirt steak.
Should the pan be smoking?
Yes, you should see light smoke to indicate the pan is ready for the steaks.
What are the recommended vegetable sides?
Sautéed vegetables are recommended as a colorful bed or side for the fajitas.