Easy Steak Fajitas Recipe

Let’s dive into my all-time favorite, super-duper easy, and seriously crowd-pleasing recipe: Easy Steak Fajitas! I’m talking about sizzling steak strips swimming in a crazy-delicious sweet and savory sauce, all piled high in warm tortillas with whatever toppings your heart desires. It’s the kind of meal that turns a regular Tuesday into a fiesta, even if that fiesta is just me and my cat dancing in the kitchen. Trust me, you NEED this in your life.
My hubby could literally eat this every single week. Like, I’m not even kidding. I started making these fajitas a few years back when we were seriously in a dinner rut. Pizza AGAIN? Ugh. Then one night, inspiration struck (probably because I was staring into a nearly empty fridge) and boom! These were born. Now, every time I ask what he wants for dinner, the answer is almost always, “Those steak things!” And the kids? They actually eat their veggies when they’re tucked inside a warm tortilla with all this flavor. It’s a miracle, I tell ya. A freaking miracle!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Steak Fajitas Recipe
- It’s ridiculously fast. Like, from fridge to face in under 30 minutes fast. Perfect for those nights when you’re hangry and patience is at zero.
- The sauce is addictive. Sweet, savory, a little tangy… it’s got everything going on. I’ve been known to lick the pan. Don’t judge.
- It’s endlessly customizable. Don’t like bell peppers? Throw in some zucchini. Vegetarian? Swap the steak for tofu. It’s all good!
- Your house will smell AMAZING. Seriously, prepare for your neighbors to come knocking.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get down to business! First things first, grab your steak (I usually go for flank or skirt steak because they’re tender and cook up quick), and slice it into strips. Don’t worry about being perfect – we’re going for delicious, not picture-perfect.
Next, heat up some oil in a big ol’ skillet or wok – something that can handle all the action. Get it nice and hot, and then toss in your steak strips. Cook them until they’re browned but still a little pink inside. Nobody likes shoe leather, so don’t overcook them! Set the steak aside for now.
Now for the fun part – the veggies! Throw in your sliced bell peppers and onions (I usually use a mix of colors because, you know, pretty food). Cook them until they’re tender-crisp. I like a little bite, but you do you.
Okay, here comes the magic: the sauce! In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce (or tamari if you’re gluten-free), brown sugar, pineapple juice (trust me on this one), sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy. Pour that glorious concoction over the veggies and let it simmer for a minute or two, until it thickens up a bit.
Finally, toss the steak back into the skillet and coat it in that delicious sauce. Let it all heat through, and then BAM! You’re ready to assemble your fajitas. Warm up some tortillas (I like to char them a little on the stovetop for extra flavor), and pile on the steak and veggies. Top with your favorites – sour cream, salsa, guacamole, cheese… go wild!
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Ingredient Notes
- Steak: Flank or skirt steak are my go-to’s, but honestly, whatever’s on sale works too. Just don’t get anything too tough. I once tried it with stew meat… never again.
- Bell Peppers: I love the mix of colors, but if you only have green, that’s totally fine. Or, like, if you hate peppers, just leave ’em out. No biggie.
- Onion: Yellow or white onion works best, but I’ve also used red in a pinch. It’s a little stronger, so maybe use a bit less.
- Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake. Or swap it for tamari for gluten-free. I accidentally grabbed fish sauce once… disaster! Don’t do that.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a nice sweetness and depth of flavor. If you don’t have any, honey or maple syrup will work in a pinch.
- Pineapple Juice: This is the secret ingredient! Don’t skip it! It adds a tropical tang that’s seriously addictive. I’ve used crushed pineapple in a pinch too, just drain it well.
- Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way. Adds a nutty, toasted flavor. If you don’t have any, don’t sweat it. Just skip it.
- Garlic & Ginger: Fresh is best, but the jarred stuff works in a pinch. I’m not judging.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds a little kick. Omit if you’re spice-averse… or add more if you’re feeling daring!
Recipe Steps:
- Slice steak into thin strips.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Cook steak strips until browned but slightly pink. Remove and set aside.
- Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet.
- Cook vegetables until tender-crisp.
- Whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Pour sauce over the vegetables and simmer until thickened.
- Return steak to the skillet and coat in sauce.
- Heat through, then serve in warm tortillas with desired toppings.
What to Serve It With
Okay, so the obvious answer is tortillas, but let’s get creative! Rice and beans are always a good side. Or how about a simple salad with a lime vinaigrette? Guacamole is a MUST, in my opinion. And don’t forget the toppings! Sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, chopped cilantro… the possibilities are endless. I’ve even been known to throw some crumbled tortilla chips on top for extra crunch.
Tips & Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the steak! Nobody wants tough, chewy fajitas. Aim for medium-rare to medium.
- Make sure your skillet is HOT before you add the steak. This will give you a nice sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If you have too much steak, cook it in batches.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings to your liking. More sugar if you like it sweeter, more soy sauce if you like it saltier.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different veggies. Zucchini, mushrooms, even corn would be delicious.
Storage Tips
Alright, so if you actually have leftovers (which is rare in my house), store the steak and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days. You can totally reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet. And honestly? Cold fajitas are pretty darn good too. I’ve been known to eat them straight out of the fridge for breakfast. Don’t judge. You know you’ve done it too.
Variations and Substitutions
Okay, so let’s talk swapsies. If you’re not a steak fan, you can totally use chicken or shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Vegetarian? Tofu or portobello mushrooms are great options. I’ve even made it with those pre-cooked grilled chicken strips from the grocery store when I was feeling lazy. Don’t tell anyone.
As for the sauce, you can swap the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup. I’ve even used agave nectar in a pinch. If you don’t have pineapple juice, you can use apple juice or even just a little water. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be tasty. And if you’re feeling fancy, a splash of tequila in the sauce is never a bad idea. Just sayin’.
Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Steak Fajitas Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb flank steak cut into thin strips
- 1 unit red bell pepper sliced
- 1 unit green bell pepper sliced
- 1 unit yellow onion sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 8 unit flour tortillas
- 1 unit lime cut into wedges
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large skillet over high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the flank steak strips and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, red and green bell peppers, and onions to the skillet, and sauté for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the steak and vegetables.
- Warm the flour tortillas in a separate pan or microwave.
- Serve the steak and vegetables in the tortillas. Garnish with lime wedges and chopped cilantro.