Hello, hello. Today we open the doors of Paulina Cocina to talk about fajitas, but also to tell you a little about other typical Mexican dishes . If you're like us and always confuse fajitas with tacos or burritos, you need to keep reading.
Let's learn everything about this dish , from its origins to how it's made, what kind of meat it contains, and more about this very popular dish at celebrations and informal events, such as barbecues, family gatherings, and parties. It's a great idea for a quick and easy meal .
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About fajitas
Mexican food is characterized by intense flavors, sometimes spicy, and always very versatile. Although traditional fajitas were primarily made with beef, they have evolved over time, creating variations with chicken, pork, seafood, and vegetarian options.
A very interesting story
The word "fajita" comes from the Spanish term "faja ," meaning "strip" or "girdle ." It refers to the strips of meat used in the filling . Fajitas were originally called "arracheras" Tex-Mex restaurants in the United States, the term became popular to refer to this dish.
It is believed that this preparation arose from the need to utilize and take advantage of the less tender parts of the beef, such as the skirt steak. Mexican cowboys working on Texas ranches often received these parts of the meat as part of their wages and would grill them.
Mexican cowboys, also known as "charros , popularized them in Texas . They developed specific cooking techniques, such as marinating the meat and cooking it over high heat, which contributed to the recipe's distinctive flavor .
Some peculiarities about the fajita recipe
The most commonly used meat is skirt steak . However, other cuts of meat, such as flank steak or skirt steak, can also be used.
One of the reasons these tapas are so popular is their versatility . In addition to the classic meat options, vegetarian fajitas using ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, or mixed vegetables. They can also be customized by adding ingredients like jalapeños, cilantro, tomatoes, or even rice and beans as a side dish.
Fajitas Texas Fajita Festival is held, where you can enjoy different types of fajitas and organize cooking competitions.
Fajitas Mex food and the Tex-Mex lifestyle.
Difference between fajitas, tacos and burritos
Fajitas consist of strips of grilled beef cooked over high heat with peppers and onions. Diners assemble their own fajitas adding the cooked meat and vegetables, and then adding seasonings and garnishes to their liking.
Tacos are folded or rolled tortillas that can contain a variety of fillings, such as meat, chicken, fish, seafood, vegetables, etc. Ingredients are placed inside the tortilla, and various sauces, condiments, and garnishes can be added .
Burritos are rolled flour tortillas and more. Unlike fajitas, burritos are pre-rolled, sealing the filling inside the tortilla. They can be eaten straight or heated to melt the cheese.
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Fajita Recipe
Chicken fajitas have a mild flavor and pair well with spices and seasonings. Chicken is a popular choice for those who prefer a lighter meat option or for those following a low-fat diet. Cooking over high heat for a short time helps the vegetables maintain their texture, flavor, and nutrients.
Yield : 4 portions
Preparation time : 1 hour
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 red pepper, cut into strips
- 1 green pepper, cut into strips
- 1 medium onion, cut into strips
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn or flour tortillas
- Lettuce, cut into strips
- Tomato, diced
How to make Mexican chicken and vegetable fajitas
- In a bowl, combine the chicken, lemon juice, cumin, chili powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the chicken is coated with the seasonings and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan and cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil and the bell peppers and onion. Cook for 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the chicken to the pan and stir it in. Cook for a couple more minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Heat the tortillas until warm and pliable. Serve the chicken and vegetable fajitas in the warm tortillas with the lettuce strips and diced tomatoes.
