Ina Garten’s Steak Fajitas are a flavorful and vibrant dish that combines tender, marinated steak with sautéed peppers and onions. Wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with your favorite garnishes, these fajitas are perfect for a casual family dinner or a fun gathering with friends.
What are Ina Garten Steak Fajitas?
Steak Fajitas are a Tex-Mex classic made with marinated beef, typically skirt or flank steak, cooked to perfection and paired with sautéed vegetables. Ina Garten’s version emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and a simple yet delicious marinade for a dish bursting with flavor.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Steak Fajitas
- Bursting with flavor: A zesty marinade enhances the steak’s taste.
- Quick to prepare: Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to make it your own.
- Perfect for gatherings: A fun, interactive meal for guests.
- Beginner-friendly: Easy steps for a foolproof result.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Steak Fajitas
For the Marinade:
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Lime juice: 1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Skirt or flank steak: 1 1/2 pounds
For the Vegetables:
- Bell peppers: 3 (red, green, and yellow), thinly sliced
- Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
For Serving:
- Flour tortillas: 8 (warmed)
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup
- Guacamole: 1/2 cup
- Shredded cheese: 1 cup
- Fresh cilantro: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Lime wedges: For garnish
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Steak Fajitas
Step 1: Marinate the steak
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, and ensure it’s evenly coated.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Cook the steak
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry.
- Cook the steak for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if desired.
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions.
- Season with salt and black pepper, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
Step 4: Slice the steak
- Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips.
Step 5: Assemble the fajitas
- Serve the steak and vegetables with warm tortillas. Let everyone customize their fajitas with sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Steak Fajitas
- Mexican rice: A flavorful side dish to complete the meal.
- Refried beans: Creamy and savory, perfect with fajitas.
- Fresh salad: A light mixed greens salad balances the richness.
- Salsa or pico de gallo: Adds freshness and spice.
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Steak Fajitas
- Marinate for flavor: The longer the steak marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Slice against the grain: Ensures tender steak strips.
- Cook vegetables lightly: Retain a bit of crunch for texture.
- Warm the tortillas: Use a dry skillet or microwave to make them pliable.
- Serve immediately: Fajitas taste best when hot and fresh.
Creative Variations of Ina Garten Steak Fajitas
- Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the vegetables.
- Vegetarian version: Substitute steak with portobello mushrooms or tofu.
- Cheesy fajitas: Melt shredded cheese over the vegetables for extra indulgence.
- Seafood twist: Replace steak with shrimp or fish for a lighter option.
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Steak Fajitas
- Refrigeration: Store leftover steak and vegetables in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked steak and vegetables for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for steak fajitas?
Yes, flank steak or sirloin steak are great alternatives to skirt steak. Just ensure they are sliced thinly against the grain for tenderness.
How do I make steak fajitas spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the marinade or sautéed vegetables for an extra kick.
Can I marinate the steak overnight for fajitas?
Yes, marinating the steak overnight enhances the flavor and tenderizes the meat. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours for the best results.
What toppings pair well with steak fajitas?
Common toppings include sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, salsa, and lime wedges. You can also add pickled onions or diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Steak Fajitas are a delicious and versatile dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and customizable toppings, this recipe will quickly become a favorite at your table.
Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
More Ina Garten Recipes
- Ina Garten Ham and Cheese Quiche
- Ina Garten Overnight Breakfast Casserole
- Ina Garten Lemon Icebox Cake
- Ina Garten Seafood Lasagna
- Ina Garten Vanilla Cake
Ina Garten Steak Fajitas Recipe
Steak Fajitas are a Tex-Mex classic made with marinated beef, typically skirt or flank steak, cooked to perfection and paired with sautéed vegetables. Ina Garten’s version emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and a simple yet delicious marinade for a dish bursting with flavor.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- Olive oil: 1/4 cup
- Lime juice: 1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Cumin: 1 teaspoon
- Chili powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Skirt or flank steak: 1 1/2 pounds
For the Vegetables:
- Bell peppers: 3 (red, green, and yellow), thinly sliced
- Onion: 1 large, thinly sliced
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
For Serving:
- Flour tortillas: 8 (warmed)
- Sour cream: 1/2 cup
- Guacamole: 1/2 cup
- Shredded cheese: 1 cup
- Fresh cilantro: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Lime wedges: For garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the steak
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over it, and ensure it’s evenly coated.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Cook the steak
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry.
- Cook the steak for 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if desired.
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Sauté the vegetables
- In the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions.
- Season with salt and black pepper, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
Step 4: Slice the steak
- Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips.
Step 5: Assemble the fajitas
- Serve the steak and vegetables with warm tortillas. Let everyone customize their fajitas with sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese, cilantro, and lime wedges.