Ole! Margarita Fajitas

Submitted by The Spice Guru

"My recipe for delicious fajitas marinated in authentic margarita ingredients and savory spices."

 

• Ready In: 4hrs 15mins
• Ingredients: 37
• Serves: 8-16

ingredients

• MEAT

• 1 1⁄2 - 2 1 1/2-2 lbs flank steaks or 1 1/2-2 lbs boneless chicken breasts (cut into thin 2-3 inch strips for pan-frying)

• BLENDER MARINADE

• 1 cup premium margarita mix (Jose Cuervo Premium)
• 1⁄3 cup premium tequila (Jose Cuevo 1800 or Gold)
• 1⁄3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tablespoons Cointreau liqueur (or fresh orange juice) or 2 tablespoons Grand Marnier (or fresh orange juice)
• 1 ounce fresh cilantro
• 2 1⁄4 teaspoons margarita salt (kosher salt)
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1⁄3 cup canola oil (recommended for a clean flavor)
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 large whole pickled jalapeno pepper (stem removed)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander (or 1 1/4 teaspoon whole)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon freshly grated lime peel

• PRE-GRILLING MEAT PREP

• 1 light brush canola oil
• 1 light squeeze fresh lime juice
• 1 light sprinkle margarita salt (kosher salt)

• PRE-FRYING MEAT PREP

• 1 light brush canola oil
• 1 squeeze fresh lime juice
• 1 light sprinkle margarita salt (kosher salt)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil (to iron skillet or wok for pan-frying)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional, to skillet oil for smoky flavor)

• VEGGIES

• 2 julienned white onions
• 2 -3 julienned green bell peppers or 2 -3 tri-color bell peppers
• 2 julienned seeded fresh jalapeno peppers
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1 clove pressed garlic
• 1⁄2 teaspoon margarita salt (kosher salt)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil, for sauteeing

• WRAPS

• 8 -16 warmed grilled flour tortillas

• EXTRAS

• salsa
• shredded monterey jack cheese
• shredded lettuce
• sour cream
• guacamole
• pico de gallo
• fresh lime wedge

directions

1. SELECT 1 1/2 - 2 lbs beef or chicken; if you are NOT barbecuing or grilling, have your butcher cut meat into thin strips for fajitas; If you ARE barbecuing or grilling, buy whole flank steak or chicken breasts; if preparing Recipe #368233 get tomatillos and other ingredients needed, including liquid smoke, if you plan on using it.
2. PUREE all marinade ingredients in a blender or food processer: 1 cup Jose Cuervo premium margarita mix, 1/3 cup tequila, 1/3 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons Cointreau or Grand Marnier (or fresh orange juice), 1 ounce fresh cilantro, 2 1/2 teaspoons margarita salt (kosher salt), 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1/3 cup canola oil, 2 cloves garlic, 1 large whole jalapeno pepper (stem removed), 1 teaspoon ground coriander (or 1 1/4 teaspoon whole), 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest; RESERVE 4 tablespoons of marinade and POUR into small airtight plastic container with lid; ADD 1 tablespoon cornstarch; replace lid; SHAKE very well and keep in refrigerator until ready to use.
3. POUR remaining marinade over meat in shallow baking dish or a large sealable ziplock bag; REFRIGERATE and marinate at least 4 hours, or 24 hours, for best results.
4. GRATE monterey jack cheese and refrigerate; PREP all veggies needed for fajitas including limes for serving.
5. WARM desired amount of tortillas by laying them across grill on both sides until grill marks appear, or flip each tortilla at a time over over medium-high flame or rangetop grill until very slightly charred in spots yet soft; PLACE on large sheet of aluminum foil; REPEAT with remaining tortillas, stacking; SEAL foil over tortillas and place in a warm oven until serving time.
6. SAUTE one clove pressed garlic, two julienned white onions, 2-3 julienned green bell peppers or tri-color bell peppers, 1-2 julienned seeded fresh jalapeno peppers and one tablespoon chopped cilantro in one tablespoon canola oil over medium-high heat just until softened; REMOVE from heat; REMOVE vegetables and set aside; WIPE skillet or wok if necessary.
7. PREP both sides of meat for grilling with a light brushing of canola oil, a light squeeze fresh lime juice and a light sprinkle of margarita salt; PREP meat for pan-frying with one light squeeze fresh lime juice and one light sprinkle margarita salt; ADD two tablespoons canola oil to skillet or wok; ADD 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke to oil if desired before heating for a smoky flavor.
8. GRILL or barbecue whole flank steak or chicken breasts over medium to medium heat (if pan-frying chopped meat cook in an iron skillet or wok); COOK meat just until no longer pink (do not overcook! It will get one more heating when combined with fajita veggies); REMOVE from heat and set aside on a cutting board to cool slightly; CUT whole steak or chicken breasts into thin 2-3 inch strips.
9. ADD sauteed vegetables; TOSS with cooked meat and combine well; ADD reserved marinade; RETURN to saucepan over medium heat: STIR constantly until mixture glazes slightly.
10. PLACE fajita mix in skillet or serving dish with tongs on table or dining area (over heat-protective pad if necessary); PLACE warmed tortillas in a tortilla warmer or cloth-lined basket (have all condiments ready such as Fresh Fire-Roasted Tomatillo Salsa With Cilantro and Lime, shredded monterey jack cheese, shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo and fresh lime wedges); SNAP your fingers and shout, "OLE"!