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This skillet fajita dish combines the best of surf and turf with succulent slices of steak and juicy shrimp, all mingling with colorful bell peppers and onions in a skillet of Tex-Mex glory. The creamy sauce brings everything together for a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home any night of the week.
I first created this recipe when my brother visited from college and requested something special but quick. The combination of steak and shrimp was such a hit that it's now our go-to celebration meal, especially when we're craving those restaurant flavors without the restaurant prices.
Ingredients
- Flank or skirt steak: Offers the perfect texture and flavor for fajitas when sliced thin against the grain. Look for meat with good marbling for the best results.
- Large shrimp: Bring a sweet seafood contrast to the savory beef. Choose 16-20 count size for the best texture and cooking consistency.
- Bell peppers: Add sweetness and crunch. Using different colors creates visual appeal and varied flavor profiles.
- Sour cream and mayonnaise: Create a luxurious sauce base that coats everything beautifully. Full fat versions provide the best flavor and texture.
- Spice blend: Featuring chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika creates authentic fajita flavor without needing a packaged mix.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Proteins:
- Place thinly sliced steak in a bowl with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice. The acid from the lime begins tenderizing the meat while the spices infuse flavor. Let this sit for at least 20 minutes, though up to 4 hours in the refrigerator will yield even better results.
- Season the Shrimp:
- Toss peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, optional cayenne, salt, and pepper. The shrimp need only about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors since they're more delicate than beef. The cayenne adds a pleasant heat that complements the sweetness of the shrimp.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and develop caramelized edges. This caramelization adds tremendous depth of flavor. Remove and set aside on a plate.
- Cook the Steak:
- Return the same skillet to medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare. The hot skillet creates a beautiful sear that locks in juices. Transfer to a plate to rest.
- Cook the Shrimp:
- In the same flavor-laden skillet, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and curl slightly. Properly cooked shrimp have an opaque appearance and firm texture. Remove and set aside with the steak.
- Create the Creamy Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheese, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until completely smooth. The lime juice cuts through the richness while the cheese adds body and flavor that will melt further when added to the hot skillet.
- Combine Components:
- Return the vegetables to the skillet over medium-low heat. Add back the steak and shrimp, then pour the creamy sauce over everything. Gently fold all ingredients together, allowing the residual heat to warm the sauce without making it separate.
- Finish with Cheese:
- Sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the top and cover for 1-2 minutes until melted and bubbly. This final touch creates an irresistible cheesy pull when serving.
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The smoked paprika is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power after a cooking class in Barcelona, and it adds an authentic depth that regular paprika simply cannot match. My family can always tell when I substitute regular paprika because the dish lacks that distinctive smokiness that makes these fajitas special.
Make-Ahead Options
This fajita skillet is perfect for meal prep. You can marinate the proteins up to 24 hours in advance and slice all vegetables the day before. Store everything separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The actual cooking takes less than 15 minutes when all components are prepped ahead of time.
Serving Suggestions
For a low carb option, serve the fajita mixture over cauliflower rice or alongside a simple salad with avocado. For a more traditional approach, warm some flour or corn tortillas and let everyone build their own fajitas with their preferred amount of filling and toppings. The skillet also pairs beautifully with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a side of guacamole and chips.
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Storage and Reheating
Leftovers will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tablespoon of water to create steam, which helps prevent the proteins from drying out. Cover and heat until just warmed through, about 5 minutes. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until heated to your liking.
Ingredient Substitutions
If seafood allergies are a concern, double the steak or substitute boneless chicken thighs cut into strips. Vegetarians can replace the proteins with portobello mushrooms and firm tofu that have been marinated in the same spice mixtures. For a dairy-free version, replace the creamy sauce with guacamole or a cashew-based cream sauce seasoned with the same spices.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you make the steak tender?
To ensure tender steak, marinate it with the olive oil, lime juice, and spices for at least 20 minutes. This helps break down the fibers and infuse flavor into the meat.
- → Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with chicken pieces, tofu, or even just add more steak if preferred. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
- → What type of skillet works best for this dish?
A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe as it retains heat evenly, adds a beautiful sear to the steak and shrimp, and enhances the presentation.
- → Is the creamy sauce necessary?
While the creamy sauce adds richness and tanginess to the dish, you can omit it for a lighter option or replace it with guacamole or salsa for different flavor profiles.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the steak, shrimp, and veggies ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Simply reheat and combine them in a skillet when ready to serve.
- → How do I add more smoky flavor to the dish?
For extra smoky flavor, consider grilling the steak and shrimp instead of cooking them in the skillet. You can also add smoked chipotle powder or grill the vegetables for a charred effect.