Sizzling One Pan Steak Fajita And Rice Skillet Recipe Tonight

Whipping up a delicious one pan steak fajita and rice skillet can turn an ordinary weeknight into a flavor explosion.

Colorful bell peppers and tender strips of beef create a mouthwatering meal that comes together with minimal cleanup.

Seared steak mingles with fluffy rice, creating a perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Spices dance across each ingredient, infusing the entire dish with zesty southwestern charm.

Quick and satisfying, this skillet recipe promises to become a new dinner favorite for anyone seeking a hassle-free meal.

Comfort and convenience merge in this single-pan wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

You’ll want to grab a fork and dig right in!

How to Cook One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet

Step 1: Tenderize Steak Strips

Sprinkle baking soda over the steak and let it sit for 15 minutes to break down tough muscle fibers. Rinse completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Step 2: Flavor the Meat

• Steak seasoning
• Minced garlic
• Soy sauce

Coat the steak strips thoroughly with the marinade and let sit for flavor infusion.

Step 3: Sear Steak Perfectly

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and spray with avocado oil.

Cook steak strips for 2-3 minutes on each side until beautifully browned and cooked to desired doneness. Transfer to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 4: Saute Colorful Vegetables

• Bell peppers
• Onions

Cook vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Build Rice Foundation

Stir tomato paste into the sauteed vegetables.

Mix in pre-cooked basmati rice and blend all ingredients together. Return cooked steak strips to the skillet and gently combine.

Step 6: Create Cheesy Topping

Dollop white queso across the rice mixture and sprinkle Mexican cheese generously over the top.

Step 7: Melt Cheese to Perfection

Place skillet under broiler for 1 minute until cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Remove skillet from oven and garnish with fresh cilantro or lime wedges.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the delicious one-pan meal.

Tips to Make It Flavorful and Easy

• Use baking soda to break down meat proteins, making steak extra tender and juicy without changing its flavor profile.
• Get perfect caramelization by ensuring skillet is hot and steak strips are pat dry before cooking to prevent steaming.
• Watch broiler carefully to achieve golden, bubbly cheese without burning – 30-60 seconds is the sweet spot for perfect melt.
• Minimize cleanup by using same skillet for cooking steak, vegetables, and final cheese melting, preserving all delicious flavor layers.
• Replace basmati with brown rice for added fiber or quinoa for extra protein, making dish more nutritionally diverse.

Variations to Add New Twists to Your Skillet

• Spicy Southwest Fiesta: Replace steak seasoning with chipotle powder and add diced jalapeños for extra heat. Swap white queso for pepper jack cheese to amplify the spicy profile.
• Mediterranean Greek Fusion: Use lamb instead of steak, season with oregano and garlic. Replace basmati rice with quinoa and top with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley.
• Teriyaki Asian Remix: Substitute soy sauce with teriyaki sauce, add sliced mushrooms and green onions. Use jasmine rice and garnish with sesame seeds and a drizzle of sriracha.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace steak with firm tofu or tempeh, marinate in similar seasonings. Add black beans and roasted corn for extra protein and texture. Top with avocado slices and plant-based cheese.

Pairing Ideas That Complete the Meal

• Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Malbec or Zinfandel that complements the steak's rich flavors and cuts through the cheesy rice, creating a balanced and vibrant dining experience.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Prepare a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila, which perfectly balances the fajita's spicy and savory notes while adding a zesty Mexican-inspired touch to the meal.
• Cool Complementary Side: Whip up a quick Mexican street corn salad with cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime, offering a tangy and creamy contrast to the hearty one-pan steak fajita rice skillet.

How to Store Leftovers Properly

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption.
• Pack the cooled fajita rice in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if the dish contains fresh cilantro or lime garnish.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Why use baking soda on steak?

Baking soda helps break down protein fibers, making the steak more tender and soft by softening muscle tissues and preventing tough meat.

• Can I use a different type of rice?

Basmati rice works best, but you can substitute with jasmine or long-grain white rice for similar texture and flavor profile.

• What if I don't have a broiler?

Simply cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt on low heat for 2-3 minutes, or use a kitchen torch to achieve a melted cheese top.

• How do I know my steak is cooked correctly?

Sear steak strips for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a nice brown color and reach an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-rare.

One Pan Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet That Delivers

• Streamline Cooking Techniques: Master a one-pan meal that simplifies dinner preparation with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Customize Your Meal: Adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding different vegetables, or adjusting cheese types to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in less time than ordering takeout, perfect for busy families or individuals craving a satisfying dinner.
• Restaurant-Inspired Comfort: Enjoy a skillet dish that combines tender steak, vibrant vegetables, and cheesy rice for a restaurant-style experience at home.

Ingredients to Gather for Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet

• Steak: A tender, flavorful meat that provides the main protein for this hearty skillet dish.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and helps tenderize the steak.
• Baking Soda: Natural meat tenderizer that helps break down proteins for a more tender texture.
• Steak Seasoning: Enhances the meat's natural flavors with a blend of spices.
• Minced Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the steak.

• Bell Peppers: Colorful and crunchy vegetables that add sweetness and texture to the dish.
• Onion: Provides a savory base and aromatic foundation for the skillet.
• Tomato Paste: Offers a rich, concentrated tomato flavor and helps bind the ingredients.

• Basmati Rice: Pre-cooked rice that serves as a fluffy and fragrant base for the skillet.
• Avocado Oil: Provides a light, healthy cooking oil with a subtle flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
• White Queso, Mexican Cheese: Creamy and melty cheese toppings that add indulgence and flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro, Lime Wedges: Optional garnishes that bring freshness and brightness to the dish.

One Pan Steak Fajita And Rice Skillet Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sizzling pan-tossed Steak Fajita and Rice Skillet brings Mexican-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Packed with juicy steak strips, colorful peppers, and perfectly seasoned rice, this quick meal promises a delicious culinary adventure you’ll savor with every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 0.5 pound strip steak
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Meat Tenderizers and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1.5 teaspoons steak seasoning blend
• Avocado oil spray

Vegetables and Dairy:

• 0.5 red bell pepper, sliced
• 0.5 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 0.5 green bell pepper, sliced
• 0.5 white onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup pre-cooked basmati rice
• 1/3 cup store-bought white queso
• 1/3 cup Mexican cheese blend

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Instructions

1. Prepare the steak by sprinkling baking soda and letting it sit for 15 minutes to enhance tenderness. Rinse completely and thoroughly dry with paper towels.
2. Combine steak seasoning, minced garlic, and soy sauce in a mixing bowl. Coat the steak strips evenly with the marinade and let rest for 5 minutes.
3. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat and lightly coat with avocado oil. Sear steak strips for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked to desired doneness. Transfer to a separate plate.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté bell peppers and onions for 4-5 minutes until they become slightly caramelized and tender.
5. Incorporate tomato paste into the vegetable mixture, stirring to distribute evenly. Add pre-cooked basmati rice and gently mix to combine all ingredients.
6. Return the cooked steak strips to the skillet, nestling them into the rice and vegetable mixture.
7. Distribute white queso in dollops across the surface and sprinkle Mexican cheese over the entire dish.
8. Position the skillet under the broiler for 60-90 seconds, watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove once cheese is melted and slightly bubbling.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy immediately while hot.

Notes

• Maximize meat tenderness by using baking soda technique, which breaks down protein fibers for a more succulent texture.
• Ensure quick and even cooking by cutting steak into uniform, thin strips before searing to achieve perfect caramelization.
• Select high-heat tolerant oils like avocado or grapeseed for searing to prevent burning and maintain robust flavor profiles.
• Transform recipe into gluten-free version by using tamari instead of soy sauce and confirming rice is certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 515 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg