The secret to amazing fajitas is a marinade that locks in moisture and makes every bite better.
Alton Brown’s take on fajitas makes the most of fresh ingredients and smart cooking techniques.
A key step is patting the steak dry before it hits the pan—this ensures a great sear instead of a gray, soggy surface.
Don’t rush the cooking process—high heat works best, but patience is what gives those vegetables the right texture.
Tortillas straight from a dry skillet are the best way to wrap up all the sizzling goodness.
How to Make Alton Brown Fajitas
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Skirt Steak or Chicken Breasts
- 1 Large Onion
- 3 Bell Peppers (mixed colors)
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 Limes (juiced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (crushed)
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
- 3 tbsp Dark Brown Sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Prepare the marinade by mixing olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, crushed garlic, red pepper flakes, ground cumin, and brown sugar in a bowl.
Step 2:
Place the skirt steak or chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Step 3:
Slice the onion and bell peppers into thin strips. Set them aside.
Step 4:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil, and sear the marinated meat for about 7-8 minutes per side or until cooked through.
Step 5:
In the same skillet, sauté the onion and bell peppers until tender.
Add the cooked meat back to the skillet and mix everything together.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Marinade Time
Letting the meat marinate for at least two hours helps absorb flavors, but allowing it to sit overnight kicks the flavor up a notch!
Skillet Heat
Be sure the skillet is hot before adding the meat, to keep it juicy with a nice crust outside!
Vegetable Varieties
Feel free to experiment with more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms if that’s something you love!
Cutting Techniques
When slicing steak, cut against the grain to ensure tender and easy-to-chew pieces that are simply perfect!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these fajitas with warm tortillas, sour cream, guacamole, or salsa to offer a completely versatile and balanced meal!
What to Serve with Alton Brown Fajitas
Classic Mexican Rice
When you’re serving up fajitas, Mexican rice is often a go-to accompaniment.
Its vibrant flavors and fluffy texture complement the bold flavors of the fajitas perfectly.
Prepare it with fresh tomatoes, onions, and a bit of garlic. Yum!
Refried Black Beans
Refried black beans add a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the sizzling fajitas.
You can make them extra smooth or leave them slightly chunky for a bit of texture.
Consider adding a sprinkle of cheese on top for an extra savory touch.
Grilled Corn Salad
If you’re up for something a bit different, a grilled corn salad offers a sweet and smoky alternative.
Mix grilled corn kernels with bell peppers, red onion, and a handful of cilantro.
A squeeze of lime juice adds the perfect tangy kick!
Jicama Slaw
For a refreshing twist, try serving a crisp jicama slaw on the side.
Its cool, crunchy texture pairs wonderfully with the warm and spicy fajitas.
Combine jicama with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette dressing for optimal flavor.
Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges
Roasted sweet potato wedges provide a unique sweet and savory balance to the meal.
They’re seasoned lightly, roasted to crispy perfection, and offer a tasty contrast to the fajitas.
Their natural sweetness is enhanced with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Variations and Substitutions
You can swap out the traditional skirt steak for chicken breasts, shrimp, or even lamb.
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider throwing in some exciting vegetables or cactus.
Alternative Grains
Instead of rice, try using quinoa or go lower-carb with riced veggies.
Adjusting the Spice Blend
Feel free to customize the fajita seasoning by adding 1/4 teaspoon of oregano or whatever spices suit your fancy.
Unique Marinades
Instead of a classic marinade, use soy sauce, olive oil, lime juice, and crushed garlic for a refreshing flavor.
How to Store Leftover Alton Brown Fajitas
Separate Ingredients
Start by separating the leftover meat from the vegetables right after your meal.
This helps everything keep its flavors and textures better.
It also makes it easy to use them in different dishes.
Use Airtight Containers
Place your leftovers in airtight containers or ziplock bags for storage.
This keeps them fresh by preventing exposure to air and moisture.
Make sure there’s a tight seal to lock in the flavors.
Refrigerate or Freeze
Store your leftovers in the fridge if you plan to eat them within the next few days.
They’ll be good for up to four days in there.
If you’re not going to eat them that soon, pop them in the freezer.
The freezer gives you up to two months to enjoy that deliciousness later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcrowding the Pan
When you put too much meat or vegetables in the pan, they tend to steam instead of searing.
Cook everything in batches to keep the fajitas tasty and perfectly browned!
Overcooking the Meat
Cooking the meat past a certain point causes it to become dry and lack flavor.
Keep it juicy by cooking on high heat and quickly removing it once done.
Skipping the Marinade
The marinade is the key to flavorful fajitas.
If you skip this step, you might notice your dish lacks depth.
Allowing the meat to marinate enhances both its flavor and texture beautifully!
Alton Brown Fajitas Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Skirt Steak or Chicken Breasts
- 1 Large Onion
- 3 Bell Peppers mixed colors
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 Limes juiced
- 2 cloves Garlic crushed
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
- 3 tbsp Dark Brown Sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade by mixing olive oil, soy sauce, lime juice, crushed garlic, red pepper flakes, ground cumin, and brown sugar in a bowl.
- Place the skirt steak or chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over the meat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Slice the onion and bell peppers into thin strips. Set them aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add a bit of oil, and sear the marinated meat for about 7-8 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and bell peppers until tender.
- Add the cooked meat back to the skillet and mix everything together.