Mesquite-Smoked Fajitas
Juicy mesquite-smoked skirt steak fajitas with smoky flavors, tender marinated beef, and classic toppings like sour cream and cheese, perfect for a flavorful Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim skirt steak to remove membrane and bits of fat.
- Rub meat with lemon pepper and place in a refrigerator dish.
- Combine beer and Italian dressing and pour over meat.
- Marinate overnight.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider using a spice rub with cumin and chili powder in place of lemon pepper. If skirt steak is unavailable, flank steak works well too. Make sure to marinate the meat for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. You can also try adding a splash of lime juice for extra zest.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fajitas with warm flour tortillas, and set out toppings like sour cream, grated cheese, and picante sauce or Pico de Gallo sauce for a fun build-your-own meal. These fajitas pair beautifully with Mexican Hot Potatoes or Southwestern Rice Pilaf for a complete dinner. For a lighter option, consider serving alongside a simple salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the steak in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. Avoid reheating in the oven as it can dry out the meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mesquite-Smoked Fajitas contains roughly 419 calories, with 32g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value) and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron.
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
What should I do if I can't find mesquite wood chips?
If mesquite wood chips are unavailable, hickory or applewood chips are excellent alternatives that will impart a different yet delightful flavor. Soak the chips in water for at least 30 minutes before using to create a smoky effect. Adjust your smoking time as needed for the best results.
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).