Posted by Tastefully Simple on August 18, 2022
Ready for a fiesta of flavors, my friends? You’re in luck … today is National Fajita Day!
Sizzling steak or chicken. Soft, warm tortillas. Charred sweet bell peppers and onions. Honestly, there’s a lot to love about this Tex-Mex tradition. (Frankly, if you’re at a restaurant and the server walks by your table with a skillet of crackling fajitas, I dare you NOT to sniff the air like a bunny.)
But where did fajitas originate exactly? Well, fajitas made their first appearance on a restaurant menu in Texas in the 1960s. The origin, however, came much earlier.
Back in the 1930s, Mexican vaqueros (aka cowboys) in Texas developed fajitas from throwaway cuts of beef – part of the payment they received from ranchers. They seared these tougher cuts, such as skirt steak, over an open fire or hot coals from their campfires and then wrapped them in flour or corn tortillas. (Fun fact: the word “fajita” translates as little sash or belt.)
Soon this cheap, efficient and easy-to-carry meal for workers became popular throughout the Southwest, where it was often served with guacamole, beans or pico de gallo. And the rest is history!
So how can you celebrate fajitas tonight in all of their delicious glory? Here are five ways to make your own fresh fajitas at home – with a modern twist!
5 Fresh & Fun Fajita Recipes
1. Fiesta Chicken Fajitas. Filled with grilled chicken and fresh garden veggies, these sizzling fajitas are kicked up with zesty Southwestern spices and a splash of lime. Perfect for dinner outside on the deck or patio!
Pair ‘em with black beans and tortilla chips for a fresh summer meal.
2. Ultimate Steak Fajitas. Prefer a more traditional fajita? Make a skillet of these smoky, seared fajitas, loaded with thin slices of tender steak, peppers and onions. Garnish with crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, sliced avocados or salsa.
Tip: While flank or skirt steak is the most traditional cut for fajitas, I personally love to use flat iron steak. It’s extremely juicy, tender and slices super-thin beautifully – making it great for stir-fry, too!
3. Chicken Fajita Tacos. For a quick weeknight shortcut, try this fresh spin on fajitas – ready in only 30 minutes flat.
Full of fresh flavors and mild spices, this family-friendly dinner is a kid favorite. (Bonus tip for those pint-sized picky eaters: stick with red or orange bell peppers, instead of green, since they are naturally sweeter.) Serve with Mexican rice or refried beans on the side.
4. Chicken Fajita Salad. Cutting those carbs? Toss together this colorful, crunchy salad – topped with grilled chicken and your favorite fajita fixings, such as chopped tomatoes, avocados and salsa.
By the way, the creamy avocado-cilantro dressing is divine and dairy-free!
5. Paleo Fajita Lettuce Wraps. While tortillas are always delicious, fresh lettuce leaves can be a smart, simple swap for a lighter dinner or lunch. Try these hearty steak-and-veggie fajitas, perfect for paleo diets.
Tip: I recommend using Bibb or butter lettuce leaves. They work great for wrapping, and they are much more tender and flavorful than varieties like iceberg.
Which one will you try first? Remember, you can find all kinds of additional Tex-Mex recipes on Tastefully Simple’s website, too. No matter which one you make tonight, you’ll have a delicious dinner – all wrapped up!
Adios, amigos and amigas!
Jen