Leftover Steak Fajitas Recipe: Easy Homemade

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I love finding delicious ways to repurpose leftovers. Turning last night’s steak into flavorful fajitas is one of my favorite tricks. It’s an easy solution for a quick weeknight dinner that satisfies my cravings for Mexican cuisine.

Steak fajitas are versatile. I can toss in a variety of fresh veggies and spices, and they always hit the spot wrapped in a warm tortilla.

Sizzling steak fajitas on a hot skillet with charred peppers and onions, surrounded by colorful bowls of toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream

My leftover steak fajitas recipe is straightforward and adaptable. It’s perfect for those evenings when I’m short on time but still want a homemade meal.

I usually have peppers and onions in my fridge, which are classic fajita veggies, and they pair beautifully with thinly sliced steak. A sprinkle of spices and a quick sauté is all it takes to imbue the dish with that beloved Mexican sizzle. Whether I’m in the mood for a protein-packed dinner or a casual meal with friends, this recipe never disappoints.

Key Takeaways

  • Leftover steak is easily transformed into a Mexican-inspired meal.
  • A simple ingredient list and brief cooking time make this an ideal quick dinner.
  • The recipe is versatile enough to incorporate a variety of vegetables and spices.

Ingredients List

When I make leftover steak fajitas, I gather all the necessary components to ensure the dish is flavorful and satisfying. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients I use, categorized to help you prep with ease.

Proteins

  • Leftover steak: Sirloin or flank steak work beautifully when thinly sliced.
  • Oil: A bit of olive oil for sautéing the steak and vegetables to revive the flavors of the leftovers.

Vegetables

  • Bell peppers: I use a combination of green and red bell peppers for color and taste.
  • Onion: A sweet onion or standard yellow onion finely sliced to accompany the peppers.
  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro leaves add a bright, herby finish when sprinkled over the fajitas.

Seasonings And Spices

  • Fajita seasoning: This constitutes the mix of cumin, paprika, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and red pepper flakes.
  • Salt: Adjust to taste if it’s not included in your fajita seasoning blend.

Tortillas And Toppings

  • Flour tortillas: Warm them up to make perfect holders for your fajita fillings.
  • Toppings: Avocado slices, shredded cheese such as Cotija cheese, diced tomatoes, and even a dash of cilantro enhance the fajitas.

Remember, the key is to bring new life to your leftover steak, so feel free to adjust any of these components to fit what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Let’s get cooking!

Cooking Instructions

Sizzling steak strips in a hot skillet with colorful bell peppers and onions, seasoned with fajita spices

In this section, I’ll guide you through taking your leftover steak from last night’s dinner and transforming it into a scrumptious main course. Fajitas are all about mixing the right flavors while keeping the meat juicy and the veggies crisp. Let’s break down each step from ingredient prep to the dinner table.

Preparing The Ingredients

Before heating up your skillet, you’ll want to get all your ingredients ready. I like to slice my onions and bell peppers into thin strips because they’ll cook more evenly that way. The steak should also be thinly sliced; this not only helps it reheat quickly but also ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Make sure your lime is cut into wedges, ready to squeeze over the fajitas for that zesty kick.

Cooking The Fajitas

Next, fire up the stove. Heat your cast iron skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil.

First, sauté the onions and bell peppers until they’re soft but still have a bit of bite.

Now, add your leftover steak to the skillet. Since the steak is already cooked, you’re just reheating it until it’s room temperature and retains its juiciness. If you’ve got a grill, it’s also a great way to add some extra char and smokiness to your fajitas.

Assembly And Serving

Once everything’s hot and tasty, it’s time to assemble your fajitas. I warm my tortillas on the stove real quick — it makes them more pliable.

Then, lay down a generous helping of steak and veggies, a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of queso fresco, and some pico de gallo or salsa for that fresh burst of flavor. If you like a bit of extra heat, sliced jalapeno will do the trick.

Don’t forget to generously squeeze a bit of lime juice on top, and if you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a lime wedge on the side. Serve immediately and watch the magic happen at the table!

Leftover Steak Fajitas Recipe
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Leftover Steak Fajitas Recipe

Recipe by kitcheneasylifeCourse: DinnerCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes

Enjoy the flavorful combination of tender steak, sautéed vegetables, and vibrant spices in every bite!

Ingredients

  • Leftover steak, thinly sliced

  • 1 onion, sliced

  • 1 bell pepper, sliced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon chili powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Flour or corn tortillas

  • Optional toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro

Directions

  • Prepare the Vegetables:
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the Steak:
  • Add the thinly sliced leftover steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine.
  • Season the Fajitas:
  • Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the steak and vegetables. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and coat the ingredients.
  • Cook Until Heated Through:
  • Continue cooking the steak and vegetables for another 3-5 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
  • Warm the Tortillas:
  • While the steak and vegetables are cooking, warm the tortillas in a separate skillet or in the microwave according to package instructions.
  • Assemble the Fajitas:
  • Place a spoonful of the steak and vegetable mixture onto each warm tortilla.
  • Add your favorite toppings such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, and chopped cilantro.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
  • Roll up the tortillas and serve your delicious leftover steak fajitas immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

A sizzling skillet of leftover steak fajitas with colorful peppers and onions, topped with a sprinkle of cheese and a dollop of sour cream

In this section, I’ll answer some common questions about rejuvenating leftover steak for delicious fajitas. Let’s dive into these helpful tips to ensure your meals taste superb every time.

What’s the best way to reheat steak for fajitas to keep it tender?

The key is gentle heating. I usually add a splash of broth in a skillet over medium or medium high heat and warm the steak slices for just a few minutes until they’re heated through. This method helps maintain tenderness. You could glean more insights from the method discussed at Cooking Chat.

How can I ensure my leftover steak fajitas taste as good as when they were first made?

Freshness is crucial. Store your delicious steak in an airtight container in the fridge, and when it’s time to reheat, bring the steak to room temperature before warming it up. Adding a little extra seasoning can also revive the flavors. Everyday Family Cooking offers a step-by-step approach to creating flavorsome steak fajitas.

Can I use my leftover roast beef to make fajitas, and if so, how?

Absolutely! Thinly slice your roast beef and sauté it with bell peppers and onions. Add fajita spices to infuse the flavors. There’s a simple technique detailed at Mindfully Healthy Living that will guide you through the process.

What are some creative ways to repurpose leftover fajita meat and vegetables?

Turn them into a new meal! Leftover fajita fillings can be used in omelets, salads, wraps, or even as a topping for baked potatoes. The mix of meat and veggies brings a savory twist to any dish.

Is there an easy method to turn leftover steak into a delicious fajita quesadilla?

Yes, dice the steak and scatter it over a tortilla with cheese. Add the fajita veggies, top with another tortilla, and cook on a skillet until the cheese melts and the tortillas are crispy. Flip carefully to get both sides golden. Check out Just A Pinch Recipes for ideas on repurposing steak.

How long can I safely store leftover steak fajitas in the refrigerator?

Leftover steak fajitas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re in a sealed container to retain the best flavor and texture.

For tips on storage and reheating, take a peek at Club Foody.