Steak Fajitas with Pickled Red Onions

Living in the US exposes you to many different cultures and cuisines.  One of my favorite is Mexican.  I love the flavors such as cumin and the use of  spicy peppers.  There is something so comforting about Mexican food, it’s not fussy or fancy, but downright delicious. Some of my favorites are beef enchiladas, tamales, spanish rice and guacamole. Let’s not forget the family of “wraps”-the burrito, taco and fajitas.   Of course Mexican food goes beyond these dishes mentioned and also has very complex flavor combinations such as  the mole sauce which is a smokey, savory sauce that has the surprise ingredient chocolate.  My  recipe today pays homage to this cuisine.  I prepared steak fajitas with pickled red onions and green peppers.  You can  be creative and use whatever toppings you love on your fajitas.  Some like guacamole, pico de gallo or salsa, I served mine with sour cream and cheddar cheese /monterey jack cheese mix.  Needless to say, these did not last long!

Steak Fajitas with Pickled Red Onions

1 lbs steak cut in strips

1/4 cup orange juice

2 tsp paprika

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp garlic powder

1 green pepper, sliced

2 tbsp canola oil

black pepper

chopped cilantro

corn or flour tortillas

pickled red onions*

sour cream

shredded cheddar or montery jack cheese

Mix steak strips, paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder and orange juice in a ziplock bag.  Allow to sit for at least half hour.  Heat 1 tbsp of canola oil on a medium fire.  Add green bell pepper strips,salt and black pepper;  cook for 3-5 mins.  Remove from heat.  In the same pan on a high fire add 1 tbsp of canola oil, heat.  Add steak strips and cook for 2-3 mins. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

To assemble fajitas, warm tortillas according to direction on the package.  Place  steak, peppers and red onion relish in the center to tortilla.  Add cheese and sour cream if desired.

Pickled Red Onions

1 large red onion, finely sliced

1/4 cup Distilled Vinegar

1/2 cup water

1 tsp salt

1 tsp sugar

Mix all ingredients and allow to sit for at least half hour.