Mexican recipes are known for their bold and flavorful combinations that are absolutely delicious and is the reason why Mexican food is one of the world's most loved cuisines.
One dish that is no exception is this Mexican Fajita Steak & Rice which is a yummy high-protein dish that is easy to prepare, hearty, and delicious.
By the way, once you've made this recipe, make sure to cook my Mexican Pork Stewit's another doozie.
This recipe starts out the same way as a recipe for fajitas. You pan fry some fresh and colourful peppers and onions before sizzling the steak, adding some fajita seasoning, a little tomato puree and then your cooked rice.
Mix it all though and you've got a delicious fiesta on a plate in under 20 minutes.
Give it the tequila-on-a-night-out treatment and squeeze plenty of lime over it with some salt and then garnish with fresh coriander. It's the epitome of Mexican flavours.
What is Mexican Fajita Steak & Rice?
Mexican fajita rice with beef and a ready fajita mix is a quick and easy one-pan meal bursting with bold flavours. Tender beef strips are tossed in the ready-made fajita seasoning, ensuring a perfectly balanced blend of spices. Sear the beef alongside vibrant bell peppers and onions to create a smoky, aromatic base. Add rice and let it simmer in stock, allowing it to absorb all the flavours from the beef and vegetables. Ready in no time, this fuss-free dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Garnish with fresh coriander, lime wedges, or a sprinkle of cheese for a delicious finish.
Mexican Fajita Steak & Rice Key Ingredients
The beauty of this dish is that you hardly need anything to make it!
Steak. You don't even need a fancy cut of steak. I use the thin, cheap, quick-frying steak. Just trim off any visible fat and thinly slice. This dish works just as well with turkey, chicken or strips of pork too.
Fajtia Mix. The fajita mix I use is quite salty so I don't need any additional salt. Check the ingredients on the back of yours and if salt isn't in the top 3 ingredients, you'll need to add some. Alternatively, if you don't have any fajita seasoning, cajun works well too. I have used Old Bay (one of my favourites) in the past too and it was delicious.
Onions. I like red onions for this dish to give it more vibrancy and colour but white works fine too.
Peppers. Red and green for me when I cooked and filmed this but colour isn't important. Just use two peppers of whatever colour you have in the fridge.
Tomato puree. This is needed for giving the rice a bit more flavour and moisture.
Rice. You'll need cooked long-grain or basmati rice for this. You needn't be worried by the seemingly "high GI" of white rice. The GI value is more or less redundant when the food is eaten with other foods especially when the other foods provide a source of fibre, protein and fat. Make sure to rinse first to remove the excess starch and cook as per the instructions on the package.
Garnishes. I top mine with lime juice, fresh coriander and avocado.
Are you ready to take your taste buds on a trip to Mexico?
This dish is bursting with flavours and textures that will make your mouth water from the very first bite. Juicy strips of steak cooked in a zesty blend of spices with colourful peppers and onions.
To make it a complete meal, we'll add in some fluffy and fragrant rice. Then, we'll assemble everything in a big, beautiful bowl, topped with fresh coriander, creamy avocado, and zingy lime.
Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this Mexican Fajita Steak and Rice recipe is a surefire way to impress and satisfy everyone at the table. So grab your apron, turn up the heat, and let's get cooking!
Total Time:25 mins
Yield:31x
Ingredients
UnitsScale
150gwhite rice, uncooked weight
1 tbsp olive oil
1 green pepper, sliced
1 red pepper, sliced
2 red onions, sliced
400gfrying steak or chicken breast, sliced into long strips
2 tbsp Mexican/Cajun/Fajita spice mix
1 tbsp tomato puree
Instructions
To start, bring rice (dry weight) to the boil cook according to the directions on the packet.
Heat the olive oil in a large pan or work over a medium heat and add the chopped peppers and onions and fry until brown.
Remove the veg from the pan and add the steak and fry for a couple of minutes or until it is cooked.
Just like you would do with fajitas, add the vegetables back to the pan and mix through with the steak.
Add the spice mix and mix through and cook for a further minute.
Once the rice has cooked, drain it then add it to pan with the meat and vegetables along with the tomato puree and cook, stirring constantly for about a minute. Serve.
Author:Scott Baptie
Prep Time:10 mins
Cook Time:15 mins
Category:Beef
Method:Hob
Cuisine:Mexican
Nutrition
Serving Size:1
Calories:409
Fat:5g
Carbohydrates:55g
Protein:36g
Storage Tips
To Store: As soon as the rice has reached room temperature, get it into the fridge! This will keep in the fridge for about a day before drying out.
To Reheat: There is a misconception about reheating rice. It's fine. Just make sure you microwave it so it's piping hot. The issue with rice is that when it's left at room temperature a bacteria found in rice produces a toxin which can cause stomach pain and sickness.
To Freeze: Not recommended. Reheating frozen rice often makes it go stodgy and unpleasant to eat. Eating it fresh keeps it light, fluffy and tasty.
FAQs
How spicy is Mexican Steak & Rice
It's not really spicy but it will depend on the type of fajita seasoning you use. You can make it hotter by adding in some chipotle paste, fresh chilli or hot sauce at the end.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes. This recipe uses no ingredients that contain gluten (make sure to double-check your fajita spice mix to be certain).
Will kids eat this?
My 3-year old does but she needs a bit of yoghurt on the side as she picks up even the slightest hint of spice.
Can I use chicken instead?
Yup. Cook it the same way but with chicken. It's a really tasty swap.
Is this recipe authentic?
TBH I am not sure. It's just something I came up with crossing fajitas with a burrito.... but given that it uses such a small number of ingredients, and it does use ones often used in Mexico, I think many households would have versions of this. However, 'fajita spice mix' isn't a thing in Mexico and if this dish is made, it would be done using individual spices.
Our 'Mexican Steak Recipe' brings a burst of spicy and vibrant flavors to the table, demonstrating the diverse ways steak can be seasoned and enjoyed. Similarly, in our 'How to Cook Gammon Steaks' guide, we delve into the techniques for preparing another type of steak, offering a classic approach to cooking this popular cut. Both recipes illustrate the versatility of steak, whether you're craving the bold seasonings of Mexico or the traditional taste of gammon. Explore our How to Cook Gammon Steaks guide to learn more about cooking this classic dish, and enjoy experimenting with different flavors and methods to prepare steak to perfection.
Leave me a comment below
If you cook this (and I recommend you try it) please come back and leave a review and a comment about how you found it. I read, and reply, to every one personally. Thanks in advance!
Scott is the owner and founder of Food For Fitness. He is a fat loss coach, speaker and fitness writer with a masters (MSc) degree in Applied Sports Nutrition.
I'm a Nutritionist and Sunday Times Bestselling recipe book author who makes high-protein recipes for busy families, fitness enthusiasts or people just trying to eat healthier!
I bought the high protein handbook 6 and it has been a great slow cooker recipe book that the whole family has enjoyed. The recipes always come out well with a good consistency for the sauce and taste delicious. I have now purchased the remaining books and can’t wait to try new recipes! Thanks
Scott
At Food For Fitness we help families lose weight the simple way - with high-protein recipes, realistic nutrition advice, and no fads. Find easy meals, expert guidance, and tools that make healthy eating effortless.
Get in touch with us via our contact form or via email info@foodforfitness.co.uk for more information about Food For Fitness and how to get started with a nutrition plan designed for your lifestyle.