Fajita Stir-Fry
A vibrant and flavorful stir-fry combining tender beef with smoky spices, fresh vegetables, and zesty lime. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a lively gathering, it offers bold Mexican-inspired flavors that can be customized with optional toppings like sour cream and avocado.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean boneless beef steak ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 3 large jalapeno chilies ⓘ
- 1 large bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. lime juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 medium Roma-type tomatoes ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- lime wedges (optional)
- sour cream (optional) ⓘ
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 8 warm flour tortillas ⓘ
- homemade or purchased salsa ⓘ
Instructions
- Slice the beef steak into thin strips.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic, sliced onion, and minced jalapeno chilies; sauté until fragrant and vegetables are slightly softened.
- Add the beef strips to the skillet; cook until browned.
- Stir in the sliced bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Mix in the ground cumin, lime juice, and cornstarch; cook until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add the diced tomatoes and cook for another minute.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Warm the flour tortillas or lettuce leaves.
- Serve the beef mixture in tortillas or leaves, topped with diced avocado, salsa, and optional lime wedges and sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the beef in lime juice and spices for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you prefer a milder dish, deseed the jalapenos. You can substitute the beef with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. To enhance the dish, consider adding fresh cilantro or diced green onions as a garnish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fajita stir-fry with warm flour tortillas or lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. It pairs beautifully with homemade or purchased salsa and can be complemented with sides like Mexican rice or beans. For a complete meal, consider offering a side of Hot Refried Bean Dip for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fajita stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, but the skillet method will maintain better texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fajita Stir-Fry contains roughly 1846 calories, with 52g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 170g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (115% of the Daily Value), protein (104% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1206mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetable mixture a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, just reheat it and warm the tortillas. This makes it a great option for meal prep.
What can I use instead of beef in this recipe?
You can substitute the beef with chicken breast, shrimp, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose to ensure it's cooked properly.
How can I customize the spice level of this dish?
To adjust the spice level, you can reduce the number of jalapenos or use milder peppers like bell peppers. Alternatively, add extra spices like cayenne pepper for more heat, or serve with a cooling side of sour cream.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).