Spiced Fajitas Fiesta
Experience the vibrant flavors of our Spiced Fajitas Fiesta, a twist on traditional fajitas that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico! Inspired by a classic recipe from renowned chef Jane Milton, this dish combines your choice of savory chicken, succulent beef, or tender shrimp, marinated in a symphony of spices, including a hint of cinnamon that elevates its taste to new heights. Each bite brings together the rich heat of paprika and cayenne, balanced by a touch of sweetness from sugar and the freshness of lime. Perfectly cooked with caramelized onions and colorful peppers, these fajitas are best enjoyed wrapped in warm tortillas, served alongside beans and rice, and complemented by a zesty margarita. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these fajitas promise to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Steak or Shrimp
3/4-1 lb (Cut into strips against the grain)
Oil
Enough to coat meat (Drizzled over meat)
Sazon Goya seasoning
1 (5 g) packet
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
Paprika
2 - 3 teaspoons
Garlic powder
1 tablespoon
Black pepper
1 - 2 tablespoons
Cayenne pepper
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon
Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon
Cumin
1 teaspoon
Oregano
1 - 2 teaspoons
Sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons
Lime juice
Just enough to coat meat
Tequila
1 dash
Red onion
1/2 (Sliced)
Green pepper
1/2 (Sliced)
Red pepper
1/2 (Sliced)
Flour or corn tortillas
As needed
Instructions
1
Begin by cutting the meat into strips against the grain and place them in a medium-sized freezer bag.
2
Drizzle sufficient oil over the meat to ensure it's well-coated, then seal the bag and shake gently to distribute the oil evenly.
3
Add the Sazon Goya seasoning, salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cumin, oregano, and sugar to the bag. Shake again until the meat is thoroughly coated in the spices.
4
Pour in enough lime juice to coat the meat and add a dash of tequila for an extra flavor kick.
5
For maximum flavor, let the meat marinate: steak or chicken should marinate for 1.5 to 2 hours, while shrimp needs only 30 minutes.
6
Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it starts to smoke. Add about a quarter of the marinated meat, along with sliced onions and peppers, ensuring not to overcrowd the skillet. Sear for 3-5 minutes until the meat is nicely browned.
7
If you are solely cooking chicken or shrimp, consider adding a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking.
8
Continue cooking the remaining meat in small batches, always adding onions and peppers to each batch, ensuring each serving is perfectly seared.
9
Once cooked, serve hot on warm tortillas with your favorite accompaniments.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Fajitas Fiesta?
Spiced Fajitas Fiesta is a vibrant and flavorful twist on traditional fajitas, featuring marinated meats and fresh vegetables, inspired by chef Jane Milton.
What types of meat can be used in this recipe?
You can use your choice of savory chicken, succulent steak (beef), or tender shrimp.
How should the meat be prepared for slicing?
The meat should be cut into strips against the grain to ensure tenderness.
What is the secret spice that elevates this dish?
A hint of cinnamon is included in the spice blend to elevate the taste to new heights.
How long should I marinate the steak or chicken?
Steak or chicken should marinate for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
How long does shrimp need to marinate?
Shrimp requires a shorter marination time of only 30 minutes.
Is there alcohol in the marinade?
Yes, a dash of tequila is added to the marinade for an extra flavor kick.
What kind of skillet is best for cooking fajitas?
A cast iron skillet is recommended for cooking the fajitas over medium-high heat.
How do I ensure the meat is well-coated with spices?
Place the meat in a freezer bag with oil and spices, then seal and shake gently to distribute the coating evenly.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes half of a red onion, half of a green pepper, and half of a red pepper, all sliced.
Why is it important not to overcrowd the skillet?
Cooking in small batches ensures the meat and vegetables are perfectly seared rather than steamed.
Does the recipe use Sazon seasoning?
Yes, one 5-gram packet of Sazon Goya seasoning is used in the spice mixture.
What provides the heat in these fajitas?
The heat comes from a combination of paprika and cayenne pepper.
What role does sugar play in the recipe?
Sugar is added to provide a touch of sweetness that balances the heat and acidity.
How hot should the skillet be before adding the meat?
The cast iron skillet should be heated over medium-high heat until it just starts to smoke.
How long does it take to sear each batch?
Each batch takes about 3 to 5 minutes to sear until the meat is nicely browned.
What should I do if I am only cooking chicken or shrimp?
Consider adding a teaspoon of oil to the skillet to prevent sticking if you are solely using chicken or shrimp.
How are the fajitas served?
They are best enjoyed wrapped in warm flour or corn tortillas with your favorite accompaniments.
What side dishes are recommended?
Traditional sides like beans and rice are recommended to complement the meal.
Is lime juice used in the cooking process?
Lime juice is used in the marinade to coat the meat and add freshness.
What kind of tortillas can I use?
You can use either flour or corn tortillas as needed.
How much garlic powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of garlic powder.
Is there cumin in the spice mix?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of cumin.
What type of pepper is used besides bell peppers?
The recipe uses black pepper (1-2 tablespoons) and cayenne pepper (1/4-1/2 teaspoon) for seasoning.
Can I use dried herbs in this recipe?
Yes, 1 to 2 teaspoons of oregano are used in the spice blend.
How much meat is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires between 3/4 and 1 pound of steak, chicken, or shrimp.
What beverage pairs well with these fajitas?
A zesty margarita is suggested as a perfect drink pairing for this festive meal.
Who is the inspiration for this dish?
The dish is inspired by a classic recipe from renowned chef Jane Milton.
Should the onions and peppers be cooked with every batch of meat?
Yes, you should add onions and peppers to each small batch of meat to ensure every serving is perfectly seared.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Absolutely! It is described as perfect for both casual dinners and festive gatherings that promise to impress.