Pappasito's Famous Fajitas from Pappasito's Cantina feature sizzling grilled beef or chicken seasoned with authentic Mexican spices, served with sauteed bell peppers and onions, accompanied by warm flour tortillas and fresh guacamole, offering a vibrant and flavorful Tex-Mex feast.
Equipments
- Grill (or grill pan)
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Aluminum foil
- Serving platters
- Tortilla warmer or clean kitchen towel
- Spoon or spatula
- Citrus juicer (for lime)
- Measuring spoons/cups
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs beef skirt steak or boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- Flour tortillas
- 2 ripe avocados
- ¼ cup diced tomato
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for guacamole)
- Salt (for guacamole)
Using skirt steak or boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures the fajitas have the authentic texture and flavor typical of Pappasito's Famous Fajitas. Fresh vegetables like yellow onion, red and green bell peppers are essential for the classic sauteed fajita mix that complements the seasoned meat. Proper measuring of spices such as chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper creates the distinctive Tex-Mex seasoning profile. Fresh lime juice added to both the marinade and guacamole is crucial for acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the avocado and meat. Your copycat Pappasito's Famous Fajitas from Pappasito's Cantina will capture the vibrant, flavorful Tex-Mex experience this dish is known for.
Instructions
- Slice onions and bell peppers.
- In a mixing bowl, combine vegetable oil, lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to make the marinade.
- Add beef skirt steak or chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill beef or chicken until cooked through, turning with tongs.
- Remove from grill, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest.
- In a skillet or sauté pan, cook sliced onions and bell peppers until tender.
- Warm flour tortillas in a tortilla warmer or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel.
- For guacamole, mash avocados in a bowl.
- Add diced tomato, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt to the mashed avocados and mix.
- Slice grilled steak or chicken.
- Arrange grilled meat, sautéed onions and peppers, tortillas, and guacamole on serving platters.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Pappasito's Famous Fajitas from Pappasito's Cantina copycat menu captures the essence of sizzling grilled beef or chicken infused with traditional Mexican spices, paired with sauteed bell peppers and onions. If skirt steak is unavailable, flank or flank steak can be substituted without compromising flavor. For a chicken option, boneless, skinless thighs offer a juicier alternative to breasts. You can swap flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free version or use whole wheat tortillas for added fiber. When making the guacamole, ripe avocados can be mashed with Greek yogurt to create a creamier texture and add protein.
Tips
Marinate your beef or chicken for at least one hour to ensure the flavors deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing the authentic Tex-Mex taste of Pappasito's Famous Fajitas. Use tongs when grilling to turn the meat gently without piercing it, which helps retain juices and prevent dryness. Rest the cooked meat tented with aluminum foil for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute evenly, resulting in tender, flavorful bites. When preparing guacamole, be careful not to overmix to maintain a chunky texture while balancing lime juice and salt for the perfect freshness.
Nutritions
Pappasito's Famous Fajitas provide a balanced mix of protein from grilled beef or chicken, rich in essential amino acids needed for muscle repair and energy. The sauteed bell peppers and onions add dietary fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins A and C, which support immune health and reduce inflammation. Warm flour tortillas serve as a source of carbohydrates essential for fueling your body, while fresh guacamole contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium from ripe avocados. This combination ensures a flavorful meal that supports your nutritional needs with a blend of macronutrients and micronutrients.
Storage
Store leftover grilled beef or chicken fajitas in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness. Keep the sauteed bell peppers and onions separate from the meat to prevent sogginess. Your warm flour tortillas can be wrapped in foil and stored at room temperature for up to a day or refrigerated for longer freshness.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap beef skirt steak with flank steak or skirt cap for a slightly different texture and flavor profile in your fajitas. Instead of grilling, try searing the meat in a cast-iron skillet to achieve a rich crust while retaining juiciness. For a smoky twist, add chipotle powder or smoked chipotle peppers into the marinade to deepen the Tex-Mex flavors. Your guacamole can also be enhanced by mixing in diced jalapenos or a splash of tequila for added zest.
Allergies
Your Pappasito's Famous Fajitas may pose allergy risks due to common allergens such as soy from the soy sauce and gluten from the flour tortillas. The dish also contains bell peppers, which can trigger sensitivities in some individuals. If you have food allergies, carefully check these ingredients or request modifications to avoid allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
Pappasito's Famous Fajitas menu offers a signature blend of marinated, sizzling grilled meats served with fresh peppers and onions, creating an authentic Tex-Mex experience. The vibrant presentation and bold flavors of the fajitas make each bite memorable, appealing to a wide range of palates. Your copycat version can capture this unique taste while allowing customization to suit personal preferences, making it a rewarding culinary project. Replicating Pappasito's Famous Fajitas brings the excitement of a beloved restaurant dish right to your kitchen.