Easy Pork Fajitas
If you’re in the mood for a quick and easy dinner that packs a punch of flavor, look no further than these Easy Pork Fajitas! With a blend of spices that includes smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, chili red pepper flakes, and salt, the pork is full of delicious flavor in every bite. Add in some sautéed red bell pepper and onion for some veggies, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Fry the pork until golden brown, assemble your fajitas, and enjoy!
Here are some tips for making a delicious homemade fajita seasoning mix
- Start with a base of chili powder, dried oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika. These spices will give your fajita mix a rich, smoky flavor.
- Add some garlic powder and onion powder for depth of flavor. You can also use fresh garlic and onion if you prefer.
- For some heat, add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. Use as much or as little as you like, depending on your spice tolerance.
- If you like a tangy flavor, add some lime juice or vinegar to your seasoning mix.
- Don’t forget the salt! A little bit of salt will help bring out the flavors of the other spices.
- Mix all of your spices together in a bowl, then store in an airtight container until you’re ready to use.
- When you’re ready to make fajitas, simply sprinkle your seasoning mix over your meat and vegetables and cook as usual.
OTHER RECIPE IDEAS YOU MIGHT WANT TO TRY:
Ingredients Notes
- Homemade Fajita Seasoning: Chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and red pepper flakes. Use half of the blended spices to season the pork and the rest for the vegetables.
- Pork tenderloin: Cut the pork into thin strips. Try to cut them into the same size for even cooking.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers and yellow onion. Use one red bell pepper and one green bell pepper. If you use large-size peppers, only use half of each color. Cut the peppers into strips. Slice the onion.
- Oil: Use olive oil or vegetable oil to sear the pork.
Time needed: 30 minutes
HOW TO MAKE PORK FAJITAS
- FOR THE SPICES:
In a bowl, mix all the spices. If you like a tangy flavor, add some lime juice or vinegar to your seasoning mix.
- FOR THE PORK:
Use pork tenderloin. Cut them into thin slices. Place the pork into a bowl then season the with half of the seasoning and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- SEAR THE PORK:
Heat a nonstick skillet or cast iron skillet with oil. Add the pork, don’t crowd the pan as it will lower the temperature of the oil. High heat gives the pork a nice browning and flavor. Cook the pork for 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Set them aside.
- CONTINUE COOKING:
In the same pan, add more oil if it starts drying up. Add the onion, and cook until translucent or tender. Then add the bell pepper, and continue cooking until tender-crisp. This means the peppers are cooked until they are just barely tender but still retain some firmness and crunch. Season the vegetables with the rest of the fajita seasoning.
- FINISH COOKING:
Finally, add the cooked pork, and stir until combined. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze more lime juice. Serve with tortillas or cooked rice (you serve it with Spanish rice too).
Frequently asked questions
You can serve pork fajitas with a variety of toppings including shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. Rice and beans also make great side dishes to serve with fajitas.
Store leftover pork fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm up the fajitas in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Grilled and sliced beef or chicken can be also used as the main protein. One popular alternative is shrimp fajitas, which are made by grilling or sauteing shrimp with onions and peppers. Another great option is tofu for vegetarians and vegans, which can be marinated in a mix of spices and grilled or sauteed with veggies. Lamb or venison are great options too. Marinate the meat in a mix of spices and grill to perfection for a unique and delicious twist on the classic fajita dish.
One option is to use the leftover pork fajitas as a filling for a quesadilla. Another idea is to make a breakfast hash by chopping up leftover meat and vegetables and sauteing them with diced potatoes and onions. Top with a fried egg and some hot sauce. Lastly, you can also add pork fajitas as a topping for a salad.
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Easy Pork Fajitas
Equipment
- Nonstick skillet or cast-iron skillet
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Serving platter
Ingredients
HOMEMADE FAJITA SEASONING
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, adjust to your liking
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, adjust to your liking
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
PORK
- 1 pound pork tenderloin, trim, cut into thin strips
- 3 tablespoons oil, for searing
VEGETABLES
- 2 or half red bell pepper and half green pepper, cut into strips,
Instructions
HOMEMADE FAJITA SEASONING
- In a bowl, mix all the spices. If you like a tangy flavor, add some lime juice or vinegar to your seasoning. See NOTE #1
FOR THE PORK
- Use pork tenderloin, and trim the fat then cut into thin strips. Season the pork with half of the blended spices. Marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat a nonstick skillet with oil over medium-heat. Add the marinated pork, and sear for about 2 minutes each side or until golden brown. Set them aside.
FINISH COOKING
- In the same pan, add more oil if needed (if the pan start drying). Add the onion, and saute until translucent or tender. Add the bell peppers, and cook until tender crisp. Season the vegetables with the rest of the spices, and stir until combined.
- Add the cooked pork, and stir until well heated. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and squeeze mor lime juice before serving.
- Serve with tortillas or rice. You can also make Spanish rice that goes well with the fajitas. See NOTE #2