Spicy Steak Fajitas Recipe
Introduction
Spicy Steak Fajitas combine tender strips of sirloin with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all wrapped in warm tortillas. This quick and flavorful dish brings a bit of Tex-Mex excitement to your dinner table, perfect for a weeknight meal or casual gathering.

Ingredients
- 2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, grated
- 6 to 8 tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a zip-top bag, combine the sliced sirloin steak, chili powder, cayenne pepper, minced garlic, lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Seal the bag and shake well to coat the steak evenly with the spices and marinade.
- Step 2: Add the sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion to the same bag. Close the bag and shake again until the vegetables are coated with the marinade.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour the contents of the bag into the skillet, spreading everything out evenly.
- Step 4: Cook the steak and vegetables, stirring occasionally, until the peppers and onions are just tender and the steak strips are fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Step 5: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Serve the steak and vegetable mixture on the tortillas, then sprinkle generously with grated Mexican blend cheese. Add your favorite toppings if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the steak and vegetables for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Substitute sirloin with chicken breast or portobello mushrooms for a different twist.
- Add sliced jalapeños to the marinade for more heat.
- Serve with guacamole, sour cream, or fresh salsa to brighten up the dish.
Storage
Store any leftover fajita filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to avoid drying out the steak and vegetables. Tortillas are best warmed fresh but can be wrapped in foil and reheated in the oven.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for fajitas?
Yes, flank steak, skirt steak, or ribeye are excellent alternatives to sirloin for fajitas. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
How can I make these fajitas less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and chili powder to tone down the heat. You can also remove seeds from the bell peppers to decrease spiciness.
Print
Spicy Steak Fajitas Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
These Spicy Steak Fajitas are a flavorful and vibrant Tex-Mex dish featuring tender sirloin steak strips marinated with chili powder, cayenne, and lime juice, then sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions. Served with warm tortillas and melted Mexican blend cheese, this recipe offers a quick, delicious meal with a perfect balance of spicy and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Steak and Marinade
- 2 pounds sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for marinade)
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 2 cups Mexican blend cheese, grated
- 6 to 8 tortillas
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a zip-lock bag, combine the thinly sliced sirloin steak with chili powder, cayenne pepper, lime juice, minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Seal the bag and shake well to ensure the steak pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
- Add Vegetables to Marinade: Open the bag and add the thinly sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Seal the bag again and shake to coat the vegetables evenly with the marinade and steak juices.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook Steak and Vegetables: Pour the contents of the bag, including steak and coated vegetables, into the heated skillet. Stir occasionally and cook until the vegetables become just tender and the steak is fully cooked through, typically about 7-10 minutes depending on thickness.
- Warm the Tortillas and Serve: Warm the tortillas separately by heating them in a dry skillet or microwave. Serve the cooked steak and vegetable mixture wrapped in the tortillas, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Mexican blend cheese and any optional toppings of your choice such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
- Using a cast-iron skillet can enhance the sear on the steak for extra flavor.
- Allow the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor, if time permits.
- For a low-carb version, replace tortillas with lettuce wraps.
- Serve with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro for added brightness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: steak fajitas, spicy steak fajitas, fajita recipe, Tex-Mex, sirloin steak, bell peppers, quick dinner

