How to Make Fajitas
Easy to cook, colourful and packed with flavour, fajitas are a fantastic Mexican-inspired dinner option! Learn how to make your own sizzling fajitas, from prepping to cooking and filling, and find your favourite flavour combos with Old El Paso.
What to put in fajitas
What makes a fajita a fajita? A traditional fajita filling is made up of onions, bell peppers and protein, all cooked in that distinctive sweet and savoury seasoning and topped with your choice of dressings. Unlike other wrap-tastic treats such as enchiladas and burritos, fajitas are designed to be individually assembled and enjoyed straight away.
The other distinctive thing about fajitas is the way the fillings are served sizzling, either straight from the pan or on a special sizzler tray. This means everything stays nice and hot right up until the second it’s in your tortilla – and makes going back for seconds even more tempting.
The other distinctive thing about fajitas is the way the fillings are served sizzling, either straight from the pan or on a special sizzler tray. This means everything stays nice and hot right up until the second it’s in your tortilla – and makes going back for seconds even more tempting.
How to prep your veg
For fajitas, preparation is everything. To get that signature crunch, cut your veg into long, thin strips that can be cooked quickly.
Start off by standing your pepper upright, lining your knife up with one of its sections and slicing downwards, avoiding the stalk. Repeat for all sections (some peppers only have two, others up to four or five). Discard the centre and slice each section into thin slices.
For the onion, turn it on its side and chop off the top. Then, turn it upright to sit on the flat edge you’ve just created and cut it in half, before peeling with the root still attached (this helps to keep it together). All that’s left to do is slice each half into thin strips by holding onto the root, then discard it – simple!
Start off by standing your pepper upright, lining your knife up with one of its sections and slicing downwards, avoiding the stalk. Repeat for all sections (some peppers only have two, others up to four or five). Discard the centre and slice each section into thin slices.
For the onion, turn it on its side and chop off the top. Then, turn it upright to sit on the flat edge you’ve just created and cut it in half, before peeling with the root still attached (this helps to keep it together). All that’s left to do is slice each half into thin strips by holding onto the root, then discard it – simple!
How to cook fajitas
Fajita fillings are best sautéed, so a nice hot pan is your number one item. Any non-stick frying pan or skillet will do the job, but a cast iron pan is great for getting a good sizzle going. Cast iron pans are also best at retaining heat, which is perfect for keeping your fillings hot while you build your fajitas.
Add a little oil and heat before tossing in your vegetables. You might be tempted to give it a quick shake, but we recommend leaving your veggies alone to give them a chance to brown, before moving them after a few minutes. You want to see the onions start to turn translucent and the peppers start to soften at the edges. Once everything is starting to brown, your veggies are ready. Take them out and place to one side – we recommend transferring them to a bowl and covering with foil to keep warm while you cook your protein.
Add a little oil and heat before tossing in your vegetables. You might be tempted to give it a quick shake, but we recommend leaving your veggies alone to give them a chance to brown, before moving them after a few minutes. You want to see the onions start to turn translucent and the peppers start to soften at the edges. Once everything is starting to brown, your veggies are ready. Take them out and place to one side – we recommend transferring them to a bowl and covering with foil to keep warm while you cook your protein.
Give your pan another small splash of oil and make sure it’s piping hot before adding your protein. We recommend slicing your protein into bite-sized strips and patting dry to get a good sear when you add it to the pan. Once added, don’t be tempted to turn it too often. When both sides are evenly browned and the centre is cooked through, add your veggies back in and shake on some seasoning. A few minutes and a quick stir to make sure everything is evenly coated, and you’re good to go!
How to fill a fajita
Assembling a fajita is like making a mini-masterpiece designed for you and no one else. Gather all of your elements beforehand so you can pick and mix with ease.
- Start with your wrap (pre-warmed in the microwave or oven so it’s nice and soft) then add a spoonful of your favourite toppings (salsa, sour cream, you name it), making sure it’s evenly spread.
- Next, add your fajita filling in a long column down the middle. Don’t be too ambitious here, it’s better to have two small fajitas than one overstuffed one that falls apart! Some people like to sprinkle a little cheese on, too.
- Now you’re ready to fold. You can start with a small fold at the end of your filling column, so that the bottom is closed, and bring the sides into the middle or give the traditional style a go – where both edges of the wrap are brought into the middle, one tucked neatly under the other.
Choose From Old El Paso's Favourite Fajitas!
Ready to make some delicious fajitas the whole family can enjoy? Try some of our favourite fajita recipes below!
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Choose From Old El Paso's Favourite Fajitas!Slow-Cooker Barbecued Pulled Pork FajitasKick up traditional pulled barbecued pork and give it a Mexican twist with salsa, chilli powder and cumin.
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Choose From Old El Paso's Favourite Fajitas!BBQ Chicken FajitasTry a new twist on the fajita using barbeque sauce. These are sure to impress all members of the family!
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Choose From Old El Paso's Favourite Fajitas!Easy Beef FajitasAn Old El Paso™ Fajita Kit makes light work of feeding the family – just add steak and veggies and it’s on the table in less than 30 minutes! -
Choose From Old El Paso's Favourite Fajitas!Chicken Fajita Stand 'N' Stuff™ TacosQuick and easy, these easy to hold fajita alternatives will be gobbled up in no time!