A fajita plate is a popular Tex-Mex dish that typically consists of grilled meat, onions and bell peppers served on a sizzling hot cast iron skillet or plate. The meat is usually marinated in a blend of spices and lime juice to add flavor. Traditional options include steak, chicken or shrimp, but vegetables can also be used to make vegetarian fajitas. The fajita plate is served with warm tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream and shredded cheese so you can assemble tacos or burritos to your liking. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy the flavors of Mexican cuisine.
What are the origins of the fajita plate?
The origins of the fajita plate can be traced back to the livestock industry in Texas. When butchers would trim and marinate less desirable skirt steak cuts, Mexican cowboys or “vaqueros” would cook them over an open fire while working on cattle ranches in the Rio Grande Valley. They would wrap the grilled meat in tortillas, adding pico de gallo or guacamole. This style of cooking meat over an open flame was also common practice in Northern Mexico, influencing what would become the fajita recipe.
The dish was popularized by Mexican restaurants and Tex-Mex eateries in the state of Texas in the 1930s and 1940s. Restaurants would bring out a sizzling cast iron plate or skillet presentation to customers for an interactive dining experience. The recipe evolved over the years, with the addition of more vegetables like onions and bell peppers and the option to include chicken or shrimp along with steak. The term “fajita” in Spanish can refer to a strip of meat, which is likely how the dish got its name.
How are traditional fajita plates prepared?
There are a few keys steps to preparing authentic fajita plates:
Meat Marinade
– The meat of choice, usually skirt steak, chicken breast or shrimp, is marinated for at least 30 minutes up to overnight. Typical marinade ingredients include lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, salt and pepper. The acidity from the lime juice helps tenderize the meat while the spices add big, bold flavor.
Vegetable Sauté
– Bell peppers and onions are sautéed in a skillet with olive oil until softened and lightly charred. This adds a sweet, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the meat.
Grilling the Meat
– The marinated meat is grilled on a griddle or outdoor grill until cooked through and char marks appear. Skirt steak only requires about 5 minutes per side while chicken and shrimp cook faster. The meat is then sliced or diced into smaller pieces.
Serving Sizzling Hot
– The meat and sautéed veggies are placed back into a cast iron skillet or plate that’s been heated until very hot. The plate or skillet sizzles when brought to the table for presentation.
Assemble Your Way
– Warm tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream and shredded cheeses accompany the fajita plate so each person can assemble tacos or burritos to their preferences. The meat, veggies and toppings are wrapped up in the tortilla for a hand-held fajita taco.
What are the typical ingredients in fajita plates?
Protein Options
– Skirt or flank steak
– Chicken breast
– Shrimp
– Portobello mushrooms (for vegetarian option)
Flavorful Marinades
– Lime juice
– Garlic
– Cumin
– Chili powder
– Oregano
– Worcestershire sauce
– Salt
– Pepper
Sautéed Veggies
– Bell peppers (green, red, orange, yellow)
– White or yellow onions
– Vegetable oil
Serving Accompaniments
– Flour or corn tortillas, warmed
– Guacamole
– Pico de gallo
– Shredded lettuce
– Sour cream
– Shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend)
– Jalapeños
– Limes
– Rice and beans
What are some fajita plate serving tips?
- Heat the tortillas before serving so they are warm and pliable for wrapping.
- Make sure the cast iron skillet is very hot before adding the meat and veggies for presentation.
- Don’t overload the tortillas with too many toppings or they may tear.
- Allow people to assemble their own tacos buffet-style based on preferences.
- Keep the guacamole, pico de gallo and sour cream chilled until serving.
- Garnish the plate with lime wedges for squeezing over tacos.
- Offer both corn and flour tortillas so guests have a choice.
- Serve with Mexican rice and beans for a heartier meal.
- Accompany with chips and salsa, ceviche or nachos as appetizers.
- Prepare meat, veggies and toppings ahead of time for quicker assembly.
What are some fajita plate variations?
While the traditional fajita preparation with grilled steak, chicken or shrimp is classic, there are many ways to put a creative spin on the dish:
Global Fusion Fajitas
Try Korean BBQ style skirt steak, tandoori chicken, or Sichuan chili shrimp. Marinate proteins in spices from different cuisines before grilling.
Vegetarian Fajitas
Substitute portobello mushrooms, grilled eggplant or tofu for the meat. Add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach.
Breakfast Fajitas
Use scrambled eggs or breakfast sausage along with potatoes, peppers, onions and cheese.
Seafood Fajitas
Incorporate grilled fish like tilapia, mahi mahi or salmon. Or use scallops, crab, lobster or whitefish.
Fajita Bowls
Dice up all the ingredients and serve over cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of tortillas for a low-carb meal.
Pizza Fajitas
Top prepared pizza dough with fajita fixings and sprinkle with melted cheese for a Mexican pizza twist.
What drinks pair well with fajita plates?
Classic Pairings
– Mexican beer like Corona, Modelo, Pacifico or Dos Equis
– Margsritas on the rocks or frozen
– Horchata (sweet cinnamon rice milk)
– Jamaica (hibiscus flower iced tea)
– Mexican Coke
Non-Alcoholic Options
– Jarritos fruit-flavored sodas
– Fresh limeade or lemonade
– Fruit agua fresca like watermelon or strawberry
– Iced tea
The key is to select drinks that complement but don’t overpower the spices in the dish. Margaritas, Mexican beers and fruity sodas are great options. Avoid highly tannic wines – the bold fajita flavors require a more easy-drinking beverage.
Are fajita plates healthy?
Fajita plates can be a relatively healthy option depending on the ingredients used:
- Lean cuts of meat like flank steak, chicken breast and shrimp provide protein.
- Onions and bell peppers pack nutrients like vitamin C.
- Using corn tortillas instead of flour reduces carbs.
- Load up on tomato-based guac and pico over sour cream for less fat.
- Rice and beans add fiber and make it a balanced meal.
- Cooked in a little oil, the dish isn’t deep fried.
- Add more veggies like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrients.
Portion control is key, as large fajita plates with tons of cheese and sour cream can get high in calories. Watch out for deep fried or crunchy shell toppings too. Overall, fajitas are a lighter and healthier adaption of typical Tex-Mex cuisine.
Conclusion
A sizzling fajita plate is a fun way to enjoy seasoned, grilled meat or shrimp with bell peppers and onions wrapped in warm tortillas. The dish has its origins in Mexican cuisine but became popularized in Texas. While the traditional skirt steak version remains a favorite, chicken, shrimp and vegetarian fajitas are also common. Serve with guacamole, pico de gallo and other toppings so each person can assemble tacos and burritos to their liking. Pair with a Mexican beer, margarita or fruity soda for a complementary beverage. Fajitas make for a relatively healthy Tex-Mex meal that is customizable based on your tastes. Now that you know what a fajita plate is all about, get ready for an interactive and flavor-packed dinner.