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#### **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Marinade:**
In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are fully combined.
2. **Marinate the Steak:**
Place the steak in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure to coat it evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. If you have time, marinate overnight for even better results.
3. **Cook the Steak:**
Preheat a large grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, remove the steak from the marinade and season it with a little salt and pepper. Cook the steak for about 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preferred level of doneness. Use tongs to flip the steak halfway through cooking. Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the pan and let it rest for about 5 minutes. After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain into strips.
4. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if necessary, then toss in the sliced bell peppers, onion, and jalapeños. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once done, remove from the pan and set aside.
5. **Warm the Tortillas:**
While the vegetables are cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving them for 20–30 seconds or heating them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side.
6. **Assemble the Fajitas:**
To assemble the fajitas, place a few slices of the cooked steak in the center of each tortilla. Top with the sautéed vegetables, and add any optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, salsa, or fresh cilantro. Roll up the tortillas to enclose the fillings and serve immediately.
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### **Tips for the Best Spicy Steak Fajitas**
To make sure your **spicy steak fajitas** are absolutely perfect, here are a few tips:
#### **1. Don’t Overcook the Steak**
Skirt steak cooks quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on it. Overcooking will result in a tough, chewy texture, so it’s best to cook it medium-rare to medium. Rest the steak for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
#### **2. Slice Against the Grain**
For tender slices, always slice your steak against the grain. This helps break down the muscle fibers, making the meat easier to chew.
#### **3. Customize the Heat Level**
Adjust the heat in the marinade to your liking by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper. You can also add some chipotle peppers for a smoky, spicy flavor or use a mild chili powder if you prefer a more subtle heat.
#### **4. Fresh Tortillas**
For the best results, use fresh tortillas. If possible, purchase them from a local Mexican market or make your own at home. They are far superior to store-bought, and they elevate the entire fajita experience.
#### **5. Don’t Skip the Toppings**
The toppings are just as important as the steak and vegetables. Fresh cilantro, tangy sour cream, creamy guacamole, or spicy salsa can take your fajitas to the next level.
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### **Variations of Spicy Steak Fajitas**
While traditional steak fajitas are amazing on their own, there are many variations to try if you’re feeling adventurous:
1. **Add Grilled Shrimp**: For a surf-and-turf version, top your steak fajitas with grilled shrimp for an added burst of flavor.
2. **Vegetarian Fajitas**: Skip the steak altogether and load up on extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and squash for a flavorful vegetarian fajita.
3. **Chicken Fajitas**: Swap the steak for marinated chicken breasts or thighs for a lighter alternative.
4. **Mango Salsa**: Add a tropical twist by topping your fajitas with a fresh mango salsa made from diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
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### **Conclusion**
**Spicy steak fajitas** are a flavorful and exciting dish that brings together tender, juicy steak, sautéed vegetables, and sizzling seasoning in a perfect combination of textures and tastes. Whether you’re cooking them for a weeknight dinner or serving them at a party, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With the right balance of heat and flavor, plus the sizzle and fun of assembling your own fajitas, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy!
