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Healthy High Protein Steak Fajita Meals - Simple, Flavorful, and Satisfying

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Steak: 1.5 pounds flank steak or sirloin (trimmed)
  • Peppers: 3 bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, and green), sliced
  • Onions: 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
  • Limes: 2 limes (zest and juice)
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Fresh cilantro: 1 small bunch, chopped
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 2–3 tablespoons
  • Low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos: 1 tablespoon
  • Spices: chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper
  • Salt: fine sea salt or kosher salt
  • Optional heat: cayenne or chipotle powder
  • Tortillas or base: 100% whole wheat tortillas, corn tortillas, or cooked brown rice/cauliflower rice
  • Toppings: avocado or guacamole, nonfat Greek yogurt or light sour cream, pico de gallo or salsa, shredded lettuce
  • Optional add-ins: canned black beans (rinsed), corn, pickled jalapeños

Method
 

  1. Prep the steak: Pat the steak dry and slice it against the grain into thin strips about 1/2 inch wide. Trimming visible fat keeps it lean and tender.
  2. Make a quick marinade: In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon oil, juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add a pinch of cayenne if you like heat.
  3. Marinate: Toss the steak strips in the marinade and let sit for 20–30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 8 hours in the fridge. Short marinade, big payoff.
  4. Slice the vegetables: Cut bell peppers into thin strips and onion into thin half-moons. Keep them similar in size for even cooking.
  5. Heat the pan properly: Set a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add 1 tablespoon oil and swirl to coat.
  6. Sear the steak in batches: Add half the steak in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned but still juicy. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining steak.
  7. Cook the veggies: In the same skillet, add another teaspoon of oil if needed. Add peppers and onion with a pinch of salt. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender with some char.
  8. Bring it together: Return steak and any juices to the pan. Squeeze in the juice of 1 lime, add the remaining minced garlic clove, and toss for 30–60 seconds. Turn off the heat and finish with chopped cilantro and lime zest for brightness.
  9. Warm the tortillas (if using): Heat tortillas in a dry skillet 20–30 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in a damp towel for 30 seconds. Warm tortillas bend without cracking.
  10. Assemble and serve: Fill tortillas or bowls with steak and vegetables. Top with avocado, Greek yogurt, salsa, and lettuce. For extra protein and fiber, add black beans. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt or an extra squeeze of lime.