Beef Fajitas with Guacamole (Printable Format)
Marinated beef strips with colorful peppers, served with warm tortillas and fresh guacamole for an authentic Tex-Mex experience.
# What You Need:
→ For the Beef Fajitas
01 - 1.1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp chili powder
07 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
10 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
11 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
12 - 1 large onion, thinly sliced
→ For the Guacamole
13 - 2 ripe avocados
14 - 1 small tomato, diced
15 - 1/4 red onion, finely diced
16 - 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - 1 tbsp lime juice
18 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ To Serve
19 - 8 small flour or corn tortillas (gluten-free if needed)
20 - Lime wedges
21 - Extra cilantro, chopped
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the beef strips and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
02 - While the beef marinates, prepare the guacamole: Halve and pit the avocados, then scoop the flesh into a bowl. Mash lightly with a fork. Stir in tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Adjust seasoning to taste. Cover and refrigerate.
03 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over high heat. Add a little oil if needed. Sauté the onions and bell peppers for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened but still vibrant. Remove from pan and set aside.
04 - Add the marinated beef to the hot pan (in batches if necessary). Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through.
05 - Return peppers and onions to the pan with the beef. Toss to combine and heat through, about 1 minute.
06 - Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave.
07 - Serve beef fajitas in tortillas, topped with guacamole and extra cilantro. Offer lime wedges on the side.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The marinade creates a gorgeous caramelization on the beef that locks in a smoky-sweet flavor impossible to resist.
- Everything comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for those evenings when hungry friends unexpectedly drop by.
02 -
- If you slice the beef while its still partially frozen, you can get those restaurant-quality thin strips that cook perfectly.
- Allowing the guacamole to sit with the pit inside actually does help prevent browning, a tip I dismissed until seeing the difference firsthand.
03 -
- Let the pan get properly hot before adding anything, as that initial sear is what creates the characteristic fajita flavor that cant be achieved any other way.
- Keep your guacamole chunky rather than completely smooth, the textural contrast against the tender beef creates a more interesting bite.