Steak Fajita Chili Lime (Print Version)

Flavorful chili-lime marinated steak, sautéed peppers, and gooey cheese in golden perfection.

# Ingredients:

→ Steak Marinade with Chili and Lime

01 - 1 pound skirt or flank steak
02 - 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
03 - 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 1 tablespoon lime zest
06 - 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
07 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
11 - ½ teaspoon salt
12 - ¼ teaspoon pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)

→ Veggies for Fajitas

14 - 1 green bell pepper, cut into strips
15 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
16 - 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
17 - ½ teaspoon salt
18 - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
19 - ¼ teaspoon pepper
20 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
21 - 2 Fresno chili peppers, diced

→ Cheesy Quesadillas

22 - 4 large tortillas (flour-based)
23 - 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican mix or cheddar/Jack combination)
24 - 1 tablespoon butter for frying

→ Extras for Topping

25 - Cilantro (fresh and chopped)
26 - Sour cream
27 - Fresh guacamole
28 - Salsa

# Steps:

01 - Grab a bowl and blend together lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, lime zest, and all the seasonings. Put the steak in a dish or a sealable bag and cover it completely with the mixture. Let it soak in those flavors for 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on how flavorful you'd like it.
02 - Warm up a grill pan or big skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the meat for around 4-5 minutes per side for a medium-rare finish, adjusting time for your personal preference. Take it off the heat and let it sit for five minutes before cutting it against the grain into thin pieces.
03 - Pour one tablespoon of olive oil into the same pan (no need to clean). Over medium heat, toss in the onion and peppers. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a dash of garlic powder. Stir every now and then for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and develop a golden-brown glaze.
04 - Place a frying pan over medium heat and melt some butter in it. Lay one tortilla flat, sprinkle shredded cheese over half, add slices of cooked steak and sautéed vegetables, then a bit more cheese. Fold the tortilla in half or top with a second tortilla. Cook each side till it’s golden and the cheese is soft, about 2-3 minutes per side.
05 - Cut the toasted quesadillas into wedges and arrange them on plates. Go ahead and serve them with sour cream, guac, salsa, or a handful of chopped cilantro for even more flavors. For a balanced side, consider rice or a green salad.

# Notes and Tips:

01 - Letting the meat rest before slicing makes it super juicy.
02 - Use a sharpened knife to cut the steak into thin strips, making sure you go against the grain for tenderness.