Do you already have cooked meat? Transform your extra steak into amazing fajitas with our easy leftover steak fajitas recipe! Perfect for a quick meal, these flavorful steak fajitas are a great way to delight the entire family on any night of the week. I often intentionally cook enough to ensure we have leftovers, especially when it involves our favorite, filet mignon. However, be it a flank, skirt, or any other cut, any leftover steak easily becomes the star of this delicious meal.
Understanding that life with small children means adapting to their changing appetites, we've mastered the art of repurposing leftovers into healthy meals that get devoured.
This fajita recipe features succulent steak strips marinated in fajita seasoning, paired with sautéed bell peppers and onions. Not only is it a great meal option for a busy weeknight dinner, but it also brings the joy of steak night back to your table in a new, exciting way.
We're mindful about sourcing clean ingredients, and we're excited to share our top picks for gluten-free tortillas and simple, natural toppings like Greek yogurt, pico de gallo, and avocado slices. This ensures that you're creating your own fajitas that are quick and easy and align with a healthy lifestyle. In less than 15 minutes, you can serve a meal that keeps your whole family coming back for more.
For more fun fajita recipes, check out our keto fajita casserole! For another easy dinner using leftovers, try our healthy split pea soup!
Remember, starting with healthy intentions is key. For more insights on setting powerful intentions and using affirmations in your daily life, be sure to check out our guide on setting intentions and using affirmations.
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Ingredients
Leftover Steak: The star of our fajitas. For the best quality and flavor, we recommend using grass-fed steak. We used filet mignon this time, however, we have also used sirloin steak and it tastes just as good. My favorite steak to use for fajitas is usually flank or skirt steak but for leftovers, we use whatever we have and it is just as delicious! Just be sure to cut them into thin slices!
Red Bell Pepper and Green Bell Pepper: Organic is best.
Onion
Garlic: We always recommend using organic garlic for its superior flavor and health benefits.
Avocado Oil: A healthier alternative for cooking, avocado oil is perfect for sautéing your fajita vegetables. Its high smoke point and neutral taste make it ideal for sauteing veggies. If you want to use extra virgin olive oil, be sure to keep the stove at medium heat or lower to avoid the oil from creating free radicals.
Fajita Seasoning: We love using Spice Hunter Fajita Seasoning from Sprouts for its wonderful blend of spices. If you prefer, you can also make homemade fajita seasoning or find another organic, unprocessed seasoning mix.
Tortillas: For those who prefer grain-free and gluten-free options, Siete brand cassava flour tortillas are our go-to.
Optional Toppings: Personalize your fajitas with a variety of toppings like fresh pico de gallo, sour cream, or Greek yogurt for a creamy touch, avocado slices for a dose of healthy fats, and lime wedges to add a zesty flavor.
Instructions
Begin by warming a large skillet over medium-high heat and pour in the oil. Toss in the onions, garlic, and red and green peppers. Stir them occasionally, allowing them to become tender over about 5 minutes.
Simultaneously, place tortillas in another skillet and gently heat them over medium-low heat for a couple of minutes until warm.
Next, add thin strips of steak to the skillet with vegetables. Season them well with your chosen spice blend, stirring to ensure the flavors combine beautifully.
Finally, assemble your fajitas by placing the sizzling fajita meat and veggies onto the warm tortillas. Top them with your chosen garnishes for some great fajitas.
Hint: To ensure the seasoning coats the meat and veggies evenly, consider adding a little extra oil or water to your skillet. This simple trick helps distribute the fajita spices more thoroughly, guaranteeing that each bite is packed with flavor. Whether you're using a homemade spice blend or a store-bought mix, this technique is key for achieving the best results in your fajita dish.
Substitutions and Variations
Additional Toppings: To enhance your fajitas, consider adding a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty kick. Sprinkling chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes can introduce a spicy twist. For those who love cheese, adding queso fresco or cheddar cheese is a delicious option.
Tortilla Alternatives: If you're looking for more clean eating options, try lettuce wraps as a low-carb substitute for tortillas. This is a fantastic choice for a keto-friendly version as well.
Keto Version: For those on a keto diet, swapping out the tortillas for a bowl of cauliflower rice can transform your steak fajitas into a delectable steak rice bowl. Adding black pepper, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper to the cauliflower rice can elevate the flavors, making it a great thing to try next time.
Protein Variations: Not into beef fajitas? Shrimp fajitas are a lighter alternative, that is also quick and easy for busy weeknights. Alternatively, chicken fajitas are a classic choice.
Different ways to repurpose leftovers: Your leftover steak can also be transformed into steak quesadillas for a different meal option. Steak rice bowls are delicious as well. Add some veggies and even black beans with your steak tossed together with all of your favorite toppings.
Storage
Storing your leftover steak fajitas correctly is crucial for both taste and safety. Since we're using leftover meat, it's important to remember that it should be consumed within 3-4 days of its initial cooking. However, for these fajitas, we recommend consuming them either on the same day or storing them for just one more day to minimize the risk of food poisoning.
To store, place the cooled steak and vegetables in an airtight container. This method helps to maintain their freshness and flavor while keeping them safe to eat. It's best to store the tortillas separately to preserve their texture.
When it's time to enjoy your fajitas again, reheat the steak and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat until they are warmed through. This method helps to retain the flavor and texture of the ingredients, ensuring your fajitas taste as delicious as when they were first made.
Top tip
When making your leftover steak fajitas, our best tip is to let the steak reach room temperature before reheating and adding it to the skillet. This ensures that the meat heats evenly and retains its tenderness, preventing it from becoming tough or chewy.
Additionally, add the steak to the skillet last, after the vegetables have softened. This way, the steak absorbs the flavors of the garlic, onions, and peppers, enhancing the overall taste of your fajitas. Remember, the key to a great fajita is not just in the ingredients, but in how you bring them together!
FAQ
Yes, you can reheat steak fajitas. For the best results, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. This method helps to maintain the juiciness of the steak and the crispness of the vegetables. Avoid overheating as it can dry out the steak. It's recommended to consume reheated steak fajitas within a day of initial preparation for food safety and quality.
For steak fajitas, flank or skirt steak are traditionally preferred due to their rich flavor and suitable texture. However, when using leftovers for this recipe, any cut of steak works well. Filet mignon, top sirloin, or ribeye leftovers can also be used effectively, offering a tender and flavorful addition to your fajitas.
Leftover steak can be enjoyed in many ways. It can be sliced thin and added to salads, sandwiches, or wraps. Another delicious option is to cut it into strips for use in dishes like steak fajitas, stir-fries, or steak quesadillas. The key is to reheat it gently to retain its moisture and tenderness.
To keep leftover steak juicy when reheating, start by letting the steak come to room temperature. Then, reheat it slowly on a lower heat setting in a skillet. You can add a bit of moisture like broth, water, or a drizzle of oil to help retain its juiciness. Covering the skillet for a few minutes during reheating can also help to lock in the moisture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the steak tough and dry.
More Dinner Recipes
Looking for other healthy dinner recipes like this? Try these:
Recipe
Easy Leftover Steak Fajitas (Healthy and Gluten-Free)
Equipment
- large skillet
- Separate skillet for tortillas
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Cooking Spoon
Ingredients
- 16 oz Leftover steak cut into strips
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 onion sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- Avocado oil
- Fajita seasoning
- Gluten-free tortillas e.g., cassava flour tortillas
- *Optional toppings: Pico de Gallo Greek yogurt or sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, garlic, and peppers, sautéing until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Warm tortillas in a separate skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add steak strips to the skillet with the vegetables and season generously. Sauté, letting the flavors meld together.
- Assemble fajitas by adding meat and vegetables to a warmed tortilla. Serve with desired toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
We'd love to hear about your experiences with this recipe. Did it make your next day's mealtime special? How did it transform your Sunday dinner leftovers into something exciting and new? Your stories and feedback are what inspire us to keep creating and sharing.
If you found this recipe helpful and enjoyable, we encourage you to save it for later and share your fajita creations on social media. Don't forget to tag us in it! It's a wonderful way to spread the joy of healthy, homemade meals with others.
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Thank you for joining us on this flavorful adventure.
Be well,
Natalie
Kim Beaulieu says
This is such a great recipe. I'm always looking for ways to use up leftovers. We all loved this!
Natalie Perry says
Wonderful! Thank you for sharing
Nora says
Great, gluten-free Fajita version! Love it!
Natalie Perry says
🙂
Andréa says
I hate throwing away leftover meat. And these fajitas look so good. I think I'm going to prepare some extra steak next time, so I can make them. 😉
Natalie Perry says
Such a great idea! Shortens the next dinner prep!