Beef Fajitas from Uncle Julio's feature tender, marinated strips of grilled beef sizzling with vibrant bell peppers and onions, served with warm flour tortillas, fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, and zesty Mexican rice, delivering a flavorful and colorful Tex-Mex feast.
Equipments
- Grill or grill pan
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Skillet or cast iron fajita pan
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Serving platters
- Aluminum foil
- Rice cooker or saucepan
- Spoon or spatula
- Serving bowls
- Citrus juicer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs (680g) flank steak
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large bell peppers (red, yellow or green)
- 1 large yellow onion
- Flour tortillas
- 1 large avocado
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- 1 small tomato
- 1/4 cup diced white onion
- 1 jalapeño
- 1 lime
- Salt (for guacamole and pico de gallo)
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional for rice)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Fresh lime juice is essential for marinating the flank steak, enhancing tenderness and infusing a zesty flavor into the beef. Use a mix of colorful bell peppers to make your dish visually appealing and to provide varied texture. Make sure your flour tortillas are warm before serving to keep them soft and pliable for wrapping. Fresh ingredients like avocado, cilantro, and jalapeno bring authenticity to the guacamole and pico de gallo, balancing the rich beef and smoky spices. Your Beef Fajitas from Uncle Julio's copycat menu will deliver the perfect blend of sizzling, flavorful Tex-Mex taste with vibrant colors and fresh accompaniments.
Instructions
- Marinate flank steak with lime juice, vegetable oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl for at least 1 hour.
- Slice bell peppers and yellow onion into strips.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill marinated steak for 4–6 minutes per side until desired doneness; rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.
- In a skillet or cast iron fajita pan, sauté bell peppers and onions until tender and slightly charred.
- Warm flour tortillas in aluminum foil over grill or in the oven.
- Prepare guacamole: Mash avocado in a bowl, add lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and mix.
- Prepare pico de gallo: Combine diced tomato, diced white onion, chopped jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl.
- Cook Mexican rice: Sauté rice in butter in a rice cooker or saucepan, add tomato sauce, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and water; add peas and carrots if using, cook until rice is tender.
- Arrange sliced beef, sautéed peppers and onions on a serving platter.
- Serve with warm tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice, and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Substitution
Beef Fajitas from Uncle Julio's copycat menu combine marinated flank steak cooked to tender, juicy perfection with sauteed colorful bell peppers and onions, served alongside warm flour tortillas and vibrant sides like fresh guacamole and pico de gallo. If fresh bell peppers are unavailable, frozen peppers can be a practical substitute without sacrificing much flavor. You can swap flank steak for skirt steak or sirloin steak, as they both absorb marinades well and grill tenderly. When preparing guacamole, use lime juice to prevent browning and enhance freshness, but bottled lime juice can work if fresh is not accessible. For the Mexican rice, adding frozen peas and carrots provides extra texture and nutrients, but if you prefer, you may omit them for a more traditional version.
Tips
Ensure you marinate your flank steak for at least one hour to achieve tender, flavorful beef, and always slice it against the grain to maximize tenderness. Preheat your grill or grill pan thoroughly before cooking to get those signature char marks and even heat distribution. When warming your flour tortillas, wrapping them in aluminum foil keeps them soft and prevents drying out. Balance your guacamole and pico de gallo with the right amount of lime juice and salt to enhance freshness and flavor for your perfect Tex-Mex feast.
Nutritions
Beef Fajitas from Uncle Julio's provide a balanced source of protein from the marinated flank steak, which supports muscle repair and growth. The colorful bell peppers and onions add dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, enhancing immune health and digestion. Fresh guacamole contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and potassium from avocado, while the Mexican rice offers carbohydrates for energy. Your meal combines essential nutrients that fuel your body while delighting your taste buds.
Storage
Store leftover beef fajitas in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent contamination. Keep the marinated steak, sauteed peppers and onions, guacamole, pico de gallo, and Mexican rice separately in the refrigerator at 40degF (4degC) or below. Your tortillas can be wrapped in aluminum foil and stored at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated to extend shelf life.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, try substituting flank steak with skirt steak or chicken breast for a lighter option that still absorbs the marinade well. You can also add sliced mushrooms or zucchini to the sauteed vegetables for extra texture and flavor. If you prefer a smokier taste, cook the steak and vegetables over charcoal or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the marinade. Your fajitas will stay juicy and flavorful by letting the meat rest sufficiently before slicing it thinly across the grain.
Allergies
Your Beef Fajitas from Uncle Julio's contain common allergens such as soy from soy sauce and gluten from flour tortillas, which may cause reactions in sensitive individuals. The dish also includes ingredients like garlic and onion, which can trigger intolerances or allergies in some people. Be cautious if you have allergies to any of these components and consider substitutions where necessary.
Why this recipe?
Uncle Julio's Beef Fajitas are celebrated for their tender, marinated skirt steak, sizzling presentation, and authentic Tex-Mex flavors crafted with fresh vegetables and special seasonings. The dish offers a balanced combination of smoky char, zesty spices, and juicy beef, making it a favorite among diners seeking bold and satisfying tastes. Recreating this copycat recipe allows you to enjoy restaurant-quality fajitas at home while customizing ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Mastering this recipe can impress guests and bring the vibrant flavors of Uncle Julio's kitchen directly to your table.