Celebrating National Fajita Day with Fajita Recipes

“Fajita” – Does the name look familiar? I think it will be for many who love Mexican food. Well, I am counted as one of them. And hence I am celebrating “National Fajita Day” on 18th August with all my readers and friends. For Fajita lovers, it is a great day to savor some of the delectable Fajita recipes. Due to my visits to various places, I had the privilege of tasting a few of them. Sharing the recommended ones as per my selection. I hope you like them.

Origin of Fajita

It is believed that Fajita originated between the end of the 1930s and starting of the 1940s. The concept of fajita was discovered unknowingly by Mexican ranch workers in Texas, US. These workers many a times were compensated with meat instead of money. The meat consisted mainly of the unwanted parts. The workers skillfully grilled the not so tasty meat and wrapped them into tortillas. From then onwards, the dish became popular and was passed on from generations.

In colloquial Spanish language, the meaning of “faja” is girdle or belt. The word “Fajita” implies little strap in English.

In September 1969, Sonny Falcon, meat market manager for Guajardo's Cash Grocery, started selling fajitas in many festivals and fairs. This increased the popularity of the dish. The fame continued when fajitas started appearing in restaurant's menu; first served at At about the same time, the fajita appeared for the first time at a restaurant at Otilia Garza's Round-Up Restaurant in the Rio Grande Valley. Garza claimed she learned the dish from her grandmother. This was followed by a woman named Ninfa Rodriguez who started selling fajitas from her newly opened Tex-Mex restaurant Ninfa's in 1973.

Now coming to the Fajita recipes. They can be prepared from chicken, lamb and there are even veg fajitas. Fajitas wrapped with fish stuffing are also gaining popularity.

Chicken Fajitas

Chicken is preferably consumed by majority of the people around the world. It is one of the Fajita recipes that is quite simple and easy to prepare.

Ingredients: chile powder, salt, cumin powder, onion powder, garlic powder, corn starch, water, oil, boneless chicken breasts cut into strips, lettuce, cheese, bell pepper, onion, salsa and tortillas.

Preparation: The cumin powder, chile powder, garlic powder, water, and oil are mixed in a plastic bag. The chicken strips are added to the mix along with bell pepper and onion. The bag is sealed and knead gently for coating the chicken. It needs to be refrigerated for 15 minutes. The mix is then tossed in oil and cooked till its soft and tender. It is then served with warm tortillas, salsa, cheese, and sour cream.

Beef Fajitas

I am not fond of beef, but sharing the recipe for those who love.

Ingredients: chipotle chili, salt, garlic, cloves, water, oil, steak, lime juice, cilantro leaves, avocado, cheese, bell pepper, onion, sour cream and tortillas.

Preparation: Marinate the steak with chipotle chile, garlic, salt, lime juice and cloves in a plastic bag. Heat the tortillas in a pre-heated oven till they are soft. Toss the red and yellow bell peppers and onion till they are crispy and light brown in colour. Then toss the steak fillets in oil and season them with pepper and salt. Cook till soft and brown in colour. Serve the steak with tortillas, avocado, cilantro leaves and sour cream.

Veg Fajitas

Veggie lovers must not be disappointed as Fajita recipes are available with vegetables only.

Ingredients: red and yellow bell pepper, sweet corn, tomato, onion, salt, water, oil, sour cream and tortillas.

Preparation: Toss the red and yellow bell peppers and onion in oil till brown in colour. Mix with tomato, corn, salt and pepper. Cook till all the vegetables are tender and soft. Serve the vegetables with the warm tortillas and sour cream.

Fish Fajitas

If you love fish then I am sure you will definitely love this recipe. It is one of the mouthwatering Fajita recipes.

Ingredients: fish fillets, red and yellow bell pepper, beans, onion, salt, water, oil, cumin powder, chili powder, cilantro leaves, sour cream, lime wedges and tortillas.

Preparation: Toss the onions and beans first in oil until crisp and brown in colour. Toss the bell peppers, onion, cumin, chili powder and salt in oil till brown in colour. Prepare the fish fillets by tossing them in oil, cumin powder and salt. Spread the fillets over the vegetable mix. Serve with warm tortillas, cilantro leaves, lime edges and sour cream.

You can prepare the Fajita recipes at home. The ingredients are easily available in the vegetable markets, meat markets, fish markets or grocery shops.