If you’re craving Mexican flavors without the carbs, these Keto Fajitas are a game-changer! Tender, seasoned steak (or chicken/shrimp), sautéed bell peppers, and caramelized onions come together for a sizzling, flavorful dish that’s perfect for weight loss. Ditch the tortillas and serve with lettuce wraps, cauliflower rice, or avocado for a satisfying, keto-friendly meal. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, these fajitas never disappoint!
History of Fajitas in Mexico
Fajitas have a relatively recent history that began not in the heart of Mexico, but along the Texas-Mexico border in the 1930s and 1940s. The dish originated among Mexican vaqueros (cowboys) working on ranches in South and West Texas.
The term "fajita" comes from the Spanish word "faja," meaning "belt" or "girdle," referring to the cut of beef used - the diaphragm muscle or skirt steak (called "arrachera" in Mexico). This tough, flavorful cut was often given to ranch workers as part of their pay and was considered a less desirable piece of meat.
Mexican vaqueros developed techniques to make this tough cut delicious - marinating it and grilling it over an open fire, then slicing it against the grain to make it tender. They would wrap the meat in flour tortillas with simple accompaniments.
Fajitas remained largely unknown outside the borderlands until the 1970s when they began appearing in Tex-Mex restaurants. The commercialization of fajitas as we know them today - served sizzling on a hot plate with peppers, onions, and various accompaniments - began at Ninfa's restaurant in Houston in 1973.
Why People Love Fajitas
Fajitas have gained widespread popularity for several compelling reasons:
Interactive dining experience: The build-your-own aspect allows diners to customize each bite according to their preferences.
Sensory appeal: The dramatic sizzling platter creates visual excitement and releases aromatic compounds that stimulate appetite.
Flavor complexity: The combination of charred, caramelized meat with sweet peppers, pungent onions, and various toppings creates a complex flavor profile.
Textural contrasts: Tender meat, crisp vegetables, soft tortillas, and creamy toppings provide satisfying textural variety.
Adaptability: The concept works well with various proteins (chicken, shrimp, beef) and can accommodate different dietary preferences.
Social dining: The shared platters and interactive nature of assembling fajitas make them perfect for social gatherings.
Perceived healthfulness: Compared to other Tex-Mex dishes, fajitas feature grilled proteins and vegetables, allowing diners to control portions of higher-calorie ingredients.
While fajitas as we know them today are more Tex-Mex than traditional Mexican, they represent the dynamic cultural exchange that has characterized borderland cuisine for generations.
Ingredients:
For the Fajitas:
1 lb grass-fed skirt steak, chicken breast, or shrimp (or a mix)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter (optional, for extra richness)
For the Fajita Seasoning:
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Juice of 1 lime
For Serving:
Lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas
Sliced avocado or guacamole
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Shredded cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
Mix all fajita seasoning ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
Slice the steak, chicken, or shrimp into thin strips if not already prepared.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meat and cook for 5-7 minutes (shrimp: 2-3 minutes per side) until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Add remaining oil and butter to the skillet. Sauté the peppers and onions for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly charred.
Return the cooked meat to the skillet, add the lime juice, and sprinkle the fajita seasoning. Toss everything together and cook for 1 more minute.
Serve hot with your choice of keto-friendly sides!
Serving Suggestions & Meal Prep Tips:
Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a zero-carb option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Meal prep tip: Pre-slice peppers, onions, and meat ahead of time for quick cooking.
Make a double batch of fajita seasoning to have on hand for future meals.
Estimated Cost: $8-$12 (serves 3-4)
Best Time of Year: Anytime! Perfect for summer grilling or cozy indoor cooking.
Nutritional Values (Per Serving – 4 Servings Total):
Calories: 310
Protein: 28g
Fat: 20g
Net Carbs: 5g
Fiber: 2g