Fajitas Stir-Fry
A vibrant and flavorful stir-fry combining tender beef or chicken with colorful peppers, onions, jalapenos, and fresh toppings, perfect for a quick and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean boneless beef steak or chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- 2 or 3 fresh jalapeno chilies ⓘ
- 1 large red bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. lime juice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 medium size Roma tomatoes ⓘ
- salt and pepper
- lime wedges ⓘ
- sour cream (optional) ⓘ
- 1 large ripe avocado ⓘ
- 8 warm flour tortillas
- salsa (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut beef or chicken into 1-inch wide strips, then cut each strip across the grain into 1/8-inch thick slices. Set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of salad oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sliced onion rings to the skillet; cook until fragrant and onions are slightly softened.
- Add the sliced beef or chicken to the skillet; stir-fry until browned and cooked through.
- Stir in minced jalapenos, red bell pepper strips, ground cumin, lime juice, and cornstarch mixed with a little water.
- Cook until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
- Stir in diced tomatoes; cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot with warm flour tortillas, lime wedges, diced avocado, and optional sour cream or salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, include more jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper. If beef isn't available, chicken breasts work perfectly, or try using tofu for a vegetarian option. To save time, pre-slice all vegetables ahead of cooking. For a twist, consider adding black beans or corn to the mix, similar to some Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fajitas hot with warm flour tortillas, lime wedges, and diced avocado for a fresh touch. Pair with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. You can also offer optional sour cream and salsa for added flavor, making it a perfect match for dishes like Taco Noodle Bake.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals until hot. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fajitas Stir-Fry contains roughly 865 calories, with 15g protein, 108g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value) and protein (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1231mg per serving (54% 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 use frozen beef or chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef or chicken, but ensure it's fully thawed before slicing. It’s best to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator for even cooking. If you're in a hurry, you can microwave it on the defrost setting, but be careful not to start cooking the meat.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make this fajitas stir-fry vegetarian, substitute the beef or chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Just ensure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before slicing it into strips. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
What can I do with leftover fajitas?
Leftover fajitas can be repurposed in many ways. Try making a fajita omelet for breakfast or use the mixture as a filling for burritos or tacos. You can also add it to a salad or pasta, creating a delicious fusion dish, much like in the Crunchy Taco Bake.
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).