September 4, 2023

Finger-Licking Steak Fajitas In Under 30 Min – Foil Packet Method

July 19, 2023

Introduction

Ketogenic lifestyle has become a beacon of well-being and vitality today. And as someone who embraces it, I relate to the struggle of making classic dishes into keto-friendly delights without altering too much. Take beef fajitas, for instance. It’s a dish practically begging to be keto-fied to eliminate the high-carb content that typically accompanies it. 

Considering that, we introduce Keto Steak Fajita Foil Packets—a culinary marvel that satisfies your cravings while embracing the principles of a healthy keto lifestyle. With a few clever adaptations, we have transformed the traditional steak fajita recipe into one that won’t compromise your dietary goals. Read on to discover how the foil packets expertly seal in the flavors and juices as a blend of aromatic spices and ingredients, such as taco blend shredded cheese, amp up the flavor profile. 

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35 minutes

2 servings

Ingredients

1 lb. Good quality steak sliced (We used NY strip)
½ Red bell pepper sliced
½ Green bell pepper sliced
½ Onion Sliced
2 tsp. Fajita seasoning
1 C. Taco blend shredded cheese
Tin Foil

Directions

1
Gather Ingredients.
-Thin slices of good quality flank steak or skirt steak: Looking for a high-quality cut ensures tenderness and enhances the overall taste. Most people will find flank steak cuts chewy, but you can use chicken to prepare chicken fajitas instead. Sirloin steak is not recommended because of its low-fat content.
-Red bell peppers sliced: Besides color and a unique flavor profile, this vibrant vegetable is a good source of essential vitamins and antioxidants. Most importantly, red bell peppers are ideal for this keto recipe as they have lower carbohydrate content than other vegetables.Green bell peppers sliced: Like red bell peppers, green bell peppers add color and flavor to the dish. They are also keto-friendly and a good source of vitamins and minerals. 
-Onion Sliced: Along with the green and red bell peppers, onions contribute to the flavor's overall texture and balance. Slice them thinly to ensure they cook evenly and meld with the other ingredients. You can use brown or yellow onion.
-Fajita seasoning: This is a blend of spices designed for fajitas. It infuses the dish with the signature flavors it is renowned for. Taco blend cheese: It should be shredded to add a layer of creamy goodness to your fajitas.
-Some olive oil or avocado oil (optional)
-Foil: This kitchen essential comes in handy here, creating a sealed packet necessary for moisture retention. The result is juicy and tender meat fused with perfectly cooked vegetables. 
2
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
You can also use a grill heated to the same temperature. The purpose of preheating the grill or oven to 375 degrees is to ensure optimal cooking conditions for the foil packets. 
3
Place steak, onions, and peppers into a mixing bowl.
Mix the flank steak, peppers, and onions in a bowl. This infuses the flavors of the peppers and onions into the steak or chicken meat if you are making chicken fajitas. 
4
Sprinkle with the steak fajita seasoning.
Doing this distributes the savory spices of the seasoning over the steak, onions, and peppers. This step further ensures that each component is coated with the delightful flavors steak fajitas are renowned for. You can also sprinkle some olive oil.
5
Lay two long sheets of tin foil on a flat surface and divide the mixture between them.
Ensure the sheets you lay down are large enough to hold the ingredients comfortably. Divide the mixture evenly to allow for a balance of flavors and consistent cooking of your steak fajitas. 
6
Sprinkle the top with cheese.
Sprinkle the top of each foil packet with a generous amount of cheese from your preferred taco blend. The cheese infuses your steak fajitas with creamy goodness and enhances their appearance. You can marinate overnight, but it's not necessary for this recipe.  
7
Fold the long ends of the foil up, and fold it over at the top to secure it.
This folding technique helps seal in the flavors and juices of your steak fajitas. It also prevents leakage during cooking.
8
Roll in the remaining sides of the foil to form a closed packet.  
This ensures a tight seal. The steak fajitas' foil packets create a steamy and controlled environment.
9
Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
Placing the foil packets on a baking sheet provides stability for the packets. It also prevents any potential drippings from causing a mess in your oven. Bake the steak fajita foil packets for approximately 20 minutes or until the flank steak is done to your liking. You can also grill the foil packets on a preheated grill over medium-high heat.

Notes

Tools

Below are the tools you will need for an efficient cooking experience with this steak fajita recipe.

  • Mixing Bowl: When mixing the sliced steak, onions, and peppers before seasoning them, you will need this. It should be big enough to accommodate all the ingredients of your steak fajitas recipe.
  • Cheese Grater: You will need this if you use a block of cheese when preparing your steak fajitas.
  • Knife and Cutting Board: You will need these to slice the steak, onions, and peppers. Ensure the knife is sharp enough for cutting meat and that the cutting board provides a stable surface for safe and efficient slicing.
  • Seasoning Shaker or Measuring Spoons: You can use a seasoning shaker or measuring spoons to evenly distribute the steak fajita seasoning over the ingredients.

Meat Cuts

Flank steak, or skirt steak cuts can be used for this steak fajita recipe. A flank steak is cut from the abdominal area and is renowned for its chewiness and bold flavor. Skirt steak, on the other hand, comes from the plate and has a lot of fat content. Whether to use skirt steak or flank steak will depend on personal preference. Remember, sirloin steak is not recommended for this fajita recipe, as it is leaner.

Preparation

Consider the following tips and tricks to make the preparation process smoother and more efficient when using this steak fajita recipe.

Slice and Prep Ingredients in Advance: Having everything ready saves you time when preparing steak fajitas. You can store the ingredients in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until you can assemble the foil packets. 

Use tongs or oven mitts: The steak fajita packets will be hot when removed from the oven or grill, so take the necessary precautions to prevent burns or accidents.

Storage

Consider the following tips for the best steak fajitas after cooking. 

  • Refrigeration: You can store leftover steak fajita packets in a refrigerator. Allow the steak fajitas to cool completely, though. 
  • Disassembling the steak fajitas: Carefully unwrap the steak fajitas and transfer the individual components (steak, onions, peppers, and cheese) into separate airtight containers before refrigeration. This will help preserve the flavors and textures of the steak fajitas.
  • Storage Duration: Consume the steak fajitas within 2-3 days for optimal taste and quality. The flavors and textures may start to change after this period elapses.
  • Reheating: Reheat the steak fajitas in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. You can sprinkle cheese and some olive oil on top after reheating. You can also sprinkle some olive oil on the large skillet before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

Enhance your dining experience with the following serving tips. 

  • Plating the Dish: Open the steak fajitas carefully and transfer the contents onto individual plates. You can arrange the steak, onions, and peppers on the plate to showcase their vibrant colors and enticing textures.
  • Garnishing: Consider garnishing the steak fajitas with fresh herbs, such as chopped cilantro or parsley. This adds a touch of freshness and elevates the presentation.
  • Pairing Suggestions for the steak fajitas: Keto Steak Fajita Foil Packets can be enjoyed as a satisfying main course. Some keto-friendly pairing suggestions include low-carb warm tortillas, guacamole, flour tortillas, and roasted vegetables such as zucchini, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.

Seasoning

While you can find various seasoning options for steak fajitas, be cautious of store-bought blends, as some may contain added sugars or fillers. You can make your keto-friendly seasoning using a combination of spices like chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Experiment with the ratios to find your preferred flavor profile.

Shredded Cheese

Look for a high-quality, keto-friendly cheese blend free from additives and low in carbs. You can also shred keto-approved cheeses, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby, and use them for the steak fajitas recipe.

Foil

This steak fajita recipe recommends heavy-duty tin foil to prevent tearing. Light foil may also not withstand high or medium heat without disintegrating. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different colors of bell peppers?

Absolutely! Feel free to use any combination of bell pepper (green, red, or black pepper) you prefer. You can also use chili powder.

Can I grill the foil packets instead of baking them?

Yes, grilling the steak fajitas is a great option! Just ensure the grill is preheated to the same temperature and cook for a similar duration.

Can I make the steak fajitas ahead of time and store them? 

It’s best to assemble and cook the foil packets right before serving. However, you can slice and prepare the ingredients beforehand to save time.

Can I reheat the steak fajitas in the microwave?

A cast iron skillet over medium-high heat is recommended when reheating the steak fajitas. Microwave reheating may affect the texture of the ingredients in that it would leave your steak dry and rubbery.

Can I add other vegetables to the steak fajitas recipe? 

Absolutely! You can customize your steak fajitas recipe by adding keto-friendly vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus.

Can I use different spices for the fajita seasoning? 

Yes. You can experiment with different spice blends or ingredients, such as chili powder or kosher salt, to create a unique seasoning for your steak fajitas. You can even drop ground cumin or any other ingredient and substitute it for a favorite.

Can I make the steak fajitas without cheese? 

You may omit the cheese or go for a dairy-free or lower-fat option.

Can I freeze the steak fajitas?

Freezing the steak fajitas is not recommended, as the texture and quality of the ingredients may be affected upon thawing.

Wrap- Up

You may ask: “What sets our Keto Steak Fajitas apart?” And the answer is simple. We’ve made a few adjustments to ensure every bite bursts with flavor and perfectly aligns with your keto diet goals. The foil packets cleverly lock in the goodness while keeping those pesky carbs at bay. Bell peppers and onions are the show’s stars, lending natural sweetness and a hearty dose of essential nutrients to the steak fajitas. The spices also wow your taste buds with bold, aromatic flavors. What are you waiting for? You can even make a steak fajitas video to showcase your mastery of this recipe!