Beef Loin Top Loin Steak for Fajitas
This blog post will help you choose the right cut for your favorite Tex-Mex delicacy called fajita.
So what are you waiting for?
Read on to find out the best tips to choose beef for fajitas as well as the most suitable cuts of beef that go well in this recipe without any fuss.
How to choose beef for fajitas?
Beef is an important part of a fajita.
But how to choose the best beef for this dish?
Below are our tips for having the perfect cut of beef for your next Tex-Mex dish:
1. Buy fresh beef instead of frozen beef
Fresh beef has a sweeter taste than frozen beef.
Moreover, when grilling or stir-frying fresh beef, it will have a firmer texture and be less watery.
In case you have some frozen beef stored in your freezer, you should thaw it properly so that the quality and nutrients of the beef won't be affected.
2. Use a moderately tender to tender cut with some marbling fat
A fajita calls for grilled meat, therefore, it is best to opt for a moderately tender to tender cut of beef.
The reason is that grilling is considered a quick-cooking method that takes around 15 to 20 minutes, so you should not buy a tough cut of meat that requires hours of cooking to tenderize the meat.
If possible, buy a tender cut with some marbling fat so that it will not only be tender but also flavorful and juicy.
3. Beef should be thinly sliced and marinated before cooking
Another tip to having the best beef for a fajita is that it should be thinly sliced before tossing into a mixture of bell pepper and onions.
You can choose to grill the whole cut of beef or beef strips.
But the beef cut should be marinated with oil or a kind of acid like lemon juice or vinegar to help make the beef more tender when cooked.
Best beef for fajitas
This section will list out the five best beef cuts for fajitas that will help your next Tex-Mex dish taste more authentic and delicious:
1. Skirt steak
Skirt steak has always been the classic choice for a fajita.
The traditional recipe called for this cut because it has a moderate tenderness and is prized for its flavorful taste despite being relatively lean.
Skirt steak is cut from the underside of the cow.
It is commonly used in a pulling recipe like tacos, burritos, sandwiches, or salads.
2. Flank steak
Flank steak is a similar cut to skirt steak with a flavorful taste but is more affordable.
It is also cut from the lower part of the cattle, in the flank section next to the plate.
It can be tough if not cooked properly, so you will want to make sure it is sliced thinly and quickly grilled over high heat to medium-rare so that it will be juicy and tender.
3. Rump steak
Rump steak is another good cut for a fajita.
It is a cut from the upper rear end of the cow.
This muscle is not too tough or too soft and is versatile.
Rump steak can be great for grilling, broiling, roasting, or stir-frying.
No matter if the cooking method is, rump steak should be cooked to medium-rare, about two to four minutes on each side depending on the thickness of the cut to prevent it from drying.
4. Sirloin steak
Sirloin steak is a favorite cut among many people for its flavor and tenderness.
It is one of the best cuts for roasting, grilling, or searing.
Although sirloin is a lean cut, it can still be juicy and flavorful if properly cooked.
If you are looking for a good cut with not much fat to help you with weight loss, sirloin steak is gonna be a good choice.
5. Beef tenderloin
Last but not least, beef tenderloin is what you can try in your next fajita.
Tenderloin is the leanest and most tender cut of the cow.
It is also the priciest cut so make sure that you can afford this cut.
Beef tenderloin is very tender, but it doesn't mean that it will not get dry if overcooked.
Due to the low-fat content, beef tenderloin might turn tough and dry if cooked for too long.
The bottom line
Although the skirt steak is the most classic cut for a fajita, there are actually other cuts of beef that work well too.
You can choose among a flank steak, rump steak, sirloin steak, or a beef tenderloin if you can afford it.
No matter what cut of beef you are going to opt for in the next fajita, it is essential to choose a fresh cut and tenderize it by marinating with some oil or acid like lime juice and vinegar.
Hopefully, our article has helped you a lot in making a delicious and beautiful fajita next time.
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Source: https://cookindocs.com/beef-for-fajitas/