Calling all steak fajita fans! It’s dinner time. If you love steak fajitas, this recipe is for you. You’ll never want to go to the restaurant for fajitas again. We’re cooking up our fajitas in the traditional style, but we’re changing up a few things. First, we’re not using skirt steak. I KNOW what you’re going to say. “But Mike, skirt steak is the absolute KING of the steak fajita world.” You’re right! Skirt steak fajitas are dang delicious, but you may never go back once you try them with tri-tip. Tri-tip? Oh yeah! Tri-tip is an inexpensive cut of beef cut from the bottom sirloin, from the muscle group that controls the steer’s back legs. It’s an ideal cut for it’s flavor and juiciness, and it holds up well to our fajita seasoning mix. Second, we’re using our own Homemade Fajita Seasoning Recipe Mix Recipe so we’re sure to get a flavor we prefer. Of course you can use your own preferred store bought brand, but give this one a try. It’s just the right balance of ingredients. I need to keep this around the house all the time now. Third, we’re serving them up with a mixture of spicy chili peppers seared in a cast iron pan right on the grill. Traditional fajitas are served with grilled bell peppers, and again, you can sure serve them up this way if you prefer, but we’re loving the extra kick that comes with the spicier peppers. I personally used a mix of jalapeno peppers, Crimson reds and a red habanero tossed into the mix. Let’s talk about how to make grilled tri-tip steak fajitas!
How to Make Tri-Tip Steak Fajitas
First, rub down the steak with a generous portion of fajita seasoning mix. Next, sear it on the hot grill a few minutes per side. Move it over to the cooler side and let it cook another 15-20 minutes until the internal temp reaches 135 degrees F. This is a very important step. It allows the steak to cook through properly and come to your preferred temp. Now, let the cooked steak rest then slice the steak against the grain. SO FREAKING GOOD! If you haven’t yet tried tri-tip, try it this way first. While the tri-tip is resting, the next step is cooking the peppers and onions. They bring a wonderful sweetness to your fajitas. Grill them over the same grate as the steak, or in the same pan if you’re using a skillet. Dash them with a bit of salt when they’re just about done. Serve it all up with warmed tortillas and all of your favorite fixings. I’ve included a few links to some of OUR favorite toppings below. I hope you’ll try them all. Enjoy fajita night!
Patty’s Perspective
I need this WAY more often! Fajitas are always the same in restaurants. When you make them at home, you can make them how YOU want, with your own flavors and your own heat level. These are the best. This is NOT a problem. Purists say to cook them only to medium-rare, but they are delicious cooked to medium and retain much of their characteristic juiciness.
Steak Fajita Marinade
If you’d like to marinade your steak first before grilling, use a mixture of lime juice mixed with freshly chopped garlic and cilantro, spicy chili flakes or chili powder, a touch of cumin and a touch of honey for sweetness. Or try my fajita marinade recipe. So good! Marinate the steak for 4 hours for the most flavor, however, you can easily get flavor with a quick 10 minute marinade. This particular recipe doesn’t call for a marinade. Instead, I’ve used the fajita seasonings to layer in the flavor. I love the way it turns out. Marinating is optional.
What’s the Best Steak for Steak Fajitas?
Most steak fajitas are made with marinate skirt steak or flank steak. They’re grilled thin and sliced, then served on tortillas. However, I personally love tri-tip, as it has a similar texture with outstanding flavor.
Leftover Tri-Tip
You can make this recipe with leftover tri-tip steak or other cuts of steak. I do this all the time. Simply rub down the leftover meat lightly with fajita seasoning, then quickly grill or sear in a hot pan to heat them up, then proceed to grilling your peppers.
Try Some of My Other Popular Beef Recipes
Steak FajitasCarne AsadaCarne Asada Beef TacosBeef BarbacoaBeef EnchiladasPepper SteakMarinated Tri Tip in the OvenTacos al Carbon
Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes
Chicken FajitasSlow Cooker Pork CarnitasTacos al PastorMexican PicadilloChili ColoradoFajita MarinadeBean Burritos
If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! – Mike H. Steak fajitas are gluten free with corn tortillas, low carb and paleo friendly.
