Sizzling Steak Fajitas with Mexican Rice

Experience the vibrant flavors of a classic steak fajita dish, featuring tender strips of seasoned beef, colorful bell peppers, and onions, all served sizzling hot alongside a hearty portion of flavorful Mexican rice. Perfect for a fun and satisfying meal!

Prep Time: 20 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 45 min
Servings: 4
Mexican

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb Flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
  • 1 piece Red bell pepper (sliced into strips)
  • 1 piece Green bell pepper (sliced into strips)
  • 1 piece Yellow onion (sliced into strips)
  • 3 tbsp Olive oil (divided)
  • 2 tbsp Fajita seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 piece Lime (juiced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1.5 cup Long-grain white rice (rinsed)
  • 3 cup Chicken broth
  • 8 oz Tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp Cumin
  • 2 tbsp Cilantro (freshly chopped, for garnish)
  • 8 piece Warm tortillas (for serving (optional))

Instructions

  1. 1.

    **Prepare the Mexican Rice:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and sauté for 3-5 minutes until lightly golden. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

    Time: 7 min
  2. 2.

    Stir in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, salt, and cumin. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during cooking. Once cooked, remove from heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

    Time: 25 min
  3. 3.

    **Prepare the Steak Fajitas:** While the rice cooks, pat the sliced flank steak dry with paper towels. In a bowl, toss the steak with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the fajita seasoning until well coated.

    Time: 5 min
  4. 4.

    Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sear the steak in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove steak from the skillet and set aside.

    Time: 8 min
  5. 5.

    Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the same skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp. Return the steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Squeeze fresh lime juice over everything and toss to combine.

    Time: 10 min
  6. 6.

    Serve the sizzling steak and vegetables immediately, typically on the hot cast-iron skillet, alongside the Mexican rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Offer warm tortillas and your favorite fajita toppings (like the hot sauce you have!) on the side.

Tips

  • 💡Ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the steak to get a good sear, replicating that 'sizzling' restaurant experience.
  • 💡Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the steak; cook in batches if necessary to ensure it sears instead of steams.
  • 💡For extra flavor in the rice, you can toast the dry rice grains in oil for a few minutes before adding liquids.

Recipe from TheCookbook.ai

Created by Shannon Williams