Ultimate Texas Skirt Steak Fajitas
Indulge in the authentic flavors of Texas with these Ultimate Skirt Steak Fajitas, inspired by Daddy's secret recipe. Perfect for an impromptu fiesta or a delightful weeknight dinner, these fajitas are sure to impress your family and friends. With a marinade that delivers a kick of zest and savory goodness, they'll be tender and bursting with flavor in just 20 minutes. Whether you're grilling at home or cooking over a campfire, this dish brings the taste of Texas right to your table. Serve with fresh toppings and warmed tortillas for a truly unforgettable meal experience.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian salad dressing
1 (bottle (16 ounces))
Mexican beer
1 (can or bottle (12 ounces), such as Corona)
Skirt steaks
2 (pounds, trimmed of all fat)
Worcestershire sauce
2 (tablespoons (optional))
Pickled jalapeno pepper
1/4 (cup with juice (optional))
Onion powder
1 (tablespoon (optional))
Minced garlic
2 (tablespoons (optional))
Lime juice
4 (tablespoons (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy-duty sealable freezer bag, combine the Italian salad dressing, Mexican beer, Worcestershire sauce, pickled jalapeno pepper with juice, onion powder, minced garlic, and lime juice to create a flavorful marinade.
2
Add the trimmed skirt steaks to the bag, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Seal the bag tightly and either freeze for future use or refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
3
When ready to cook, if frozen, thoroughly thaw the bag in the refrigerator or in a sink filled with cold water. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4
Remove the steak from the marinade and let excess liquid drip off. Grill the skirt steak for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until it reaches medium doneness (pink in the center).
5
Once cooked, transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then, cut the fajitas against the grain to ensure tenderness and slice into manageable strips.
6
Serve immediately with warmed tortillas and a variety of toppings, including your favorite shredded cheese, fresh lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole, or anything else you desire.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ultimate Texas Skirt Steak Fajitas?
They are authentic, Texas-style fajitas inspired by a secret family recipe, featuring a flavorful marinade and tender grilled skirt steak.
What is the primary cut of meat used in this recipe?
The recipe uses two pounds of skirt steak, trimmed of all fat.
What ingredients make up the marinade base?
The marinade consists of a 16-ounce bottle of Italian salad dressing and a 12-ounce can or bottle of Mexican beer.
What type of beer is recommended for the marinade?
A Mexican beer such as Corona is recommended to achieve the authentic Tex-Mex flavor profile.
How long should I marinate the skirt steak?
For the best results, refrigerate the steak in the marinade overnight to allow the flavors to fully meld.
Can I prepare these fajitas in advance?
Yes, you can seal the steak and marinade in a freezer bag and freeze it for future use.
How do I thaw the marinated steak if it has been frozen?
Thoroughly thaw the bag in the refrigerator or in a sink filled with cold water before cooking.
What is the best way to grill the steak?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally.
What is the recommended doneness for the fajita meat?
The steak should be cooked to medium doneness, characterized by a pink center.
Why is it important to rest the meat after grilling?
Resting for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and flavorful when sliced.
How should the fajita strips be cut?
Always cut the steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness in every bite.
Are there optional ingredients in the marinade?
Yes, Worcestershire sauce, pickled jalapeno with juice, onion powder, minced garlic, and lime juice are optional additions to enhance the flavor.
How much lime juice should I use if I want to add it?
The recipe suggests using 4 tablespoons of lime juice for a zesty kick.
What role does the pickled jalapeno play in the recipe?
It adds a spicy zest and savory goodness to the marinade.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What are some suggested toppings for these fajitas?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, fresh lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole.
Is this recipe suitable for outdoor cooking?
Absolutely, it is specifically tagged as great camping food and is perfect for grilling over a campfire.
How much minced garlic is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of minced garlic to be added to the marinade.
Can I use onion powder instead of fresh onions?
Yes, the recipe specifically uses 1 tablespoon of onion powder for flavor.
What kind of tortillas should I serve with the fajitas?
The recipe recommends serving the sliced steak immediately with warmed tortillas.
Is the Worcestershire sauce necessary?
It is an optional ingredient that adds a deep savory dimension to the meat.
What makes this marinade 'secret'?
The unique combination of Italian dressing and Mexican beer provides a tenderizing effect and distinct flavor profile.
How long does it take to prepare the meal once the meat is marinated?
The actual cooking and preparation time is roughly 20 minutes.
Can I use this marinade for other types of meat?
While designed for skirt steak, the zest and savory profile would work well with flank steak or chicken.
Does the alcohol in the beer remain after cooking?
Most of the alcohol content evaporates during the high-heat grilling process, leaving behind only the flavor.
What is the purpose of the Italian dressing in a Tex-Mex recipe?
Italian dressing contains oil, vinegar, and herbs which act as an effective tenderizer and flavor base for the beef.
Should the steak be trimmed before marinating?
Yes, the recipe recommends using skirt steaks that have been trimmed of all fat.
How do I ensure the fajitas aren't too spicy?
You can control the heat by adjusting or omitting the optional pickled jalapeno and juice.
Is this a good recipe for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, because it is easy to prepare and cooks quickly, it is perfect for a busy weeknight.
What category of cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish is a classic example of Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine.