Fajitas are a versatile dish that can easily be customized to suit your taste. You can make them with different types of meat, fish, or seafood, or opt for a healthy blend of veggies instead. We’ve collected 11 of our favorite Fajita Toppings. Give them a try the next time you’re making fajitas for dinner!
What’s The Difference Between A Taco And A Fajita?
The ingredients used in fajitas, like meat, onions, and peppers, are typically mixed together and grilled. Tacos are usually topped with raw veggies like onions. The seasonings used in tacos and fajitas are similar.
What Are Classic Toppings To Put On Fajitas?
Classic toppings for fajitas include diced tomatoes, bell peppers, shredded lettuce, grated cheese, and sour cream. These toppings add a refreshing taste and creamy texture to the fajitas, which perfectly complement the sizzling and savory meat and vegetables.
You can also add guacamole, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor.
How Are Fajitas Traditionally Served?
Originally from Mexico, fajitas were traditionally made with thin slices of skirt steak served with pico de gallo, grilled onions and peppers, cheese, and guacamole. Nowadays you can find a variety of fajitas including vegetarian, vegan, seafood, and chicken. In addition to the toppings mentioned above, you’ll often find sour cream, salsa, and jalapeno peppers served with fajitas.
Best Fajita Toppings
1. Chicken
Fast cooking and economical chicken fajitas are a popular option. If you’re using chicken breast, be sure to watch it carefully so it doesn’t dry out.
2. Steak
Skirt steak is the traditional cut used in Mexico, but you can use your favorite kind of beef. Flank or hanger steak are good options for steak fajitas. And if you have some leftover beef on hand, go ahead and use it instead. It just means dinner will be ready to enjoy even faster!
3. Avocado
Grab a perfectly ripe avocado and use it as a topping on your fajitas. It adds a rich creaminess that complements the spicy flavor of the fajitas.
4. Cheese
When it comes to fajitas, you’ve got to add some cheese! Aged cheddar adds a punch of flavor, and a spicy Monterey Jack would be great too!
5. Guacamole
Smear some creamy guacamole on your tortilla and then add your meat and veggies. You’ll love the flavors this tasty dip brings to a sizzling plate of fajitas!
6. Sour Cream
A dollop of sour cream will temper some of the spicinesses in fajitas. It also adds wonderful flavor and texture.
7. Bell Peppers
Big on flavor, bell peppers are an essential ingredient in fajitas. They enhance the flavor of the meat and add a bit of texture. Use different colored peppers for a beautiful presentation.
8. Onions
Cooking the onions removes a lot of the bite and makes them sweet and delicious. They add a wonderful smokey flavor to any dish.
9. Lettuce
Shredded lettuce adds a refreshing bite to the savory flavor of fajitas. Iceberg lettuce in particular adds texture and a nice crunch!
10. Tomatoes
A juicy tomato pairs beautifully with toppings like sour cream, lettuce, and cheese. Add it to your fajitas to add a sweet and refreshing flavor in every bite.
11. Salsa
Whether you make it yourself or get it from a jar, salsa is a tasty addition to fajitas. You can choose your spice level from mild to extra hot!
FAQs
What is Often Included in a Fajita Bar?
If you are hosting a fajita party, you can set up a fajita bar with a variety of toppings and condiments to cater to everyone’s taste. In addition to the classic toppings, you can include onions, sautéed mushrooms, sliced avocado, roasted corn, and black beans. You can also offer different types of tortillas, such as flour, corn, or wheat, to accommodate any dietary restrictions.
What Condiment Can You Use for Fajitas?
One of the most important condiments for fajitas is salsa, which adds a zesty and tangy flavor to the dish. You can make your own salsa by mixing diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
You can also offer hot sauce, or chipotle sauce for those who prefer a spicier kick. For a milder flavor, pico de gallo is a fresh and flavorful option.
How to Serve Fajitas for a Crowd?
If you are serving fajitas for a crowd, it’s best to cook the meat and vegetables in advance and keep them warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish.
You can also set up a self-serve station with the toppings and condiments for your guests to customize their fajitas. To make it even easier, provide your guests with pre-filled tortillas with meat and vegetables, and let them add their own toppings.
Fajita Seasonings
Fajitas are usually seasoned with a blend of cumin, chili and garlic powders, as well as smoked paprika. You can also add oregano, coriander, or cayenne pepper for additional depth of flavor. If you like spicy fajitas, go ahead and add some cayenne pepper. Mix the spices in a bowl and rub the mixture onto the meat and vegetables before grilling.
How to Make Fajitas
To make fajitas, start by marinating the chicken in lime juice, olive oil, and fajita seasoning for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Add olive oil to a skillet or cast iron pan and sauté the meat over medium-high heat until lightly browned and tender. Remove the chicken from the skillet and sauté the vegetables next.
Warm the tortillas in a skillet or on the grill, and assemble the fajitas with the meat, vegetables, and toppings of your choice. Serve with salsa and lime wedges for an authentic Tex-Mex experience.
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Easy Chicken Fajita with Your Favorite Toppings
Ingredients
Fajitas
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 bell peppers
- 1 medium onion sliced thinly
- 1 lime
- 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
Fajita Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne optional
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika and cayenne. Stir and set aside.
- Place the chicken on a work surface. Slice lengthwise horizontally into slabs about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick. Then cut against the grain into thin strips. (Note: You can freeze the chicken breasts for 30 minutes for easier slicing.)
- To a medium bowl, add the seasoning mixture, 2 tablespoons lime juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes or up to 4 hours for extra flavor.
- Place a large skillet or cast iron pan on medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the olive oil and half of the chicken. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Remove to a plate and cover with foil. Repeat for the remaining chicken.
- Wipe the pan with a moist cloth. Then add 1 tablespoon of oil plus the onions and bell peppers. Sauté undisturbed for 2 minutes. Then stir and cook for 2 minutes more, or until crisp tender.
- Add the chicken back to the pan and stir to combine. Drizzle with droplets of fresh lime and some chopped cilantro if desired. Serve on warm tortillas with toppings.
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