Wednesday, August 14, 2019

Deconstructed Fajitas with Grits

Deconstructed Fajitas with Grits

Fajita flavor taken to the next level

Don’t you hate it when your taco falls apart? Just as you’re ready to take a juicy bite, fajita strips and onions land on your lap.

Fortunately, we’ve found a better way. We disassembled this dish and substituted a bed of cheesy, spicy grits for tortilla wraps. Our version of fajitas is easier to make — and even tastier than the original. Not to mention better looking than a lap full of grease.

Take that, gravity.



Deconstructed Fajitas with Grits

Recipe: Deconstructed Fajitas with Grits

You can use almost any kind of protein you like in fajitas. Beef is traditional, and that’s what we use in our recipe. But chicken, pork, and seafood also work well.

When using beef, the traditional cut of choice is skirt steak. But we prefer flank steak because it has great flavor and tends to be more readily available at supermarkets (and at a better price).

To make fajitas, you first cook the meat (you can either grill it or sear it on the stovetop as we do here). Then let the meat rest for a few minutes while you grill or sauté veggies to accompany it.

Traditionally, you serve the fajita meat and veggies in a flour tortilla shell, taco style, along with extras like salsa, grated cheese, and other goodies.

For this recipe, we ditch the tortillas and substitute Cheesy Grits with Jalapeños for extra flavor. Then we pile the fajita ingredients on top of the grits – ending up with an open-face fajita.

Prep time for this dish is about 15 minutes. Total active cooking time adds another 15 to 20 minutes.

This recipe serves 4 generously. Leftovers will keep for a few days if refrigerated in an airtight container.

Ingredients

For the beef:
  • ~1½ pounds flank steak (or skirt steak)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon dried cumin
  • ~1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste; see Notes)
  • an additional tablespoon (or two) of oil for searing the meat
For the vegetables:
  • 3 bell peppers in a mix of colors (we like red, orange, and yellow)
  • 1 large or 2 medium white onions (to taste)
  • 1 or 2 tablespoons olive oil (as needed)
  • salt to taste (optional)
For the grits:
  • 2 cups water
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste; see Notes)
  • ½ cup quick-cooking (not instant) grits
  • ½ cup grated cotija cheese (optional; or substitute another cheese of choice)
  • 1 to 2 jalapeño peppers (or to taste; optional)
For the garnish:
  • salsa or pico de gallo of choice (see Notes)
  • guacamole (very optional)
  • grated cheese (we use cotija cheese)
  • sour cream (very optional; we skip this if using grated cheese)
  • chopped cilantro (a couple of tablespoons at least)
  • diced or sliced jalapeño peppers (very optional)
Procedure
  1. About 2 hours before you’re planning to cook the meat, make a marinade for it: Remove the meat from its package. Squeeze the limes (you’ll need about 2 tablespoons of juice). Place the lime juice in a small lidded container. Peel the garlic and mince it finely, then add it to the lime juice. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the cumin, and the salt to the lime juice. Cover the container and shake to combine the ingredients thoroughly. Massage the marinade into the surface of the meat, then place the meat on a plate (no need to cover). Refrigerate the meat until ready to use. While the meat is chilling, flip it once or twice and massage it again with the marinade.
  2. Meanwhile, wash and dry the bell peppers. Core and seed them, then cut the peppers into thin strips. Peel the onions and cut them into slices of about ¼ inch. (Refrigerate the chopped bell peppers and onions if you’re not planning to use them immediately.)
  3. About 20 minutes before you plan to serve the fajitas, take the meat out of the refrigerator (see Notes). Wipe the surface of the meat dry with paper towels. Place a heavy frying pan (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high stovetop heat (turn on the range vent and/or open windows; you’re going to create some smoke). Set out your chopped veggies. Start boiling water for the grits; prepare them using our recipe for Cheesy Grits with Jalapeño (or another recipe of your choice). Do note that you’ll be juggling preparation of the meat, grits, and veggies all more or less at the same time. Don’t forget to stir the grits every couple of minutes or so. And don’t forget to add grated cheese and diced jalapeños (if using) to the grits after 10 minutes (if you miss this step by a minute or so, no big deal).
  4. Once your frying pan is hot and the grits are simmering on the stovetop, add a tablespoon of oil to the frying pan. Immediately add the meat (you can salt it to taste first if you wish, although we think the marinade adds sufficient flavor). The meat will sizzle. Let it cook for about 45 seconds, then flip it and cook the second side for another 45 seconds. Continue cooking, flipping every 45 seconds or so, until the meat is done (about 4 minutes total; done is 120 to 130 degrees F, depending on how well-done you like your meat – see Notes). Once the meat is cooked, place it on a cutting board and let it rest. 
  5. Add more oil to the frying pan if necessary, then add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Sauté over high heat for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the veggies are done to your liking. Salt to taste, if desired.
  6. By now, the grits should be done (if they finish cooking before the veggies, just remove them from the stovetop heat and set aside). 
  7. Plate the dish: Start by placing a large dollop of cooked grits in the center of each serving plate. Add sautéd peppers and onions. Slice the meat thinly, then place several strips on top of each plate, over the veggies. Add salsa or pico de gallo (and guacamole, if using). Top with grated cheese (or sour cream, if using). Finish with a sprinkling of chopped cilantro and/or jalapeño dice or slices. Serve and enjoy.
Deconstructed Fajitas with Grits

Notes
  • Flank (or skirt) steak is best when cooked to no more than medium (125 to 130 degrees F; it can be tough otherwise). As the steak rests after cooking, its internal temperature will rise. So remove it from the heat at about 120 degrees F for rare, 125 for medium-rare, or 130 for medium.
  • Slice the cooked meat thinly and against the grain (this helps make it seem more tender). We like to use a bias cut – cutting on an angle of about 45 degrees.
  • The lime juice in the marinade can partially “cook” the protein molecules on the outside surface of the steak if left in contact with them too long (making them a bit tough). So we prefer to marinate flank steak for no more than 2 to 3 hours (for skirt steak, no more than one hour).
  • Instructions for preparing steak often direct cooks to add it to a hot pan, then turn it only once (after it’s cooked for a couple of minutes). We prefer to flip the meat repeatedly because it seems to cook a bit faster that way. Plus, you’ll develop a better sear on the surface. The difference isn’t huge, though, so use the method you’re most comfortable with.
  • Alternatively, you can grill the steak outside if you wish.
  • Cooking steak on the stovetop does create smoke. So make sure you ventilate properly if you don’t want to set off smoke alarms (ask us how we know this).
  • You could also broil the meat in the oven if you wish, although we find that method to be a pain.
  • Want to make a lighter dish? Just reduce the amount of meat and increase the amount of veggies.
  • Onions and bell peppers are the standard veggies for fajitas. But you could probably add other veggies you like to the mix. At this time of the year, we’d suggest a bit of zucchini.
  • We think ½ cup of dry grits when cooked makes enough for 4 servings. But if you’re really into grits, you may want to double the amount (we usually do).
  • We like to mix cotija cheese into the grits and then sprinkle more over the top of the fajitas. 
  • Don’t have cotija on hand? You could substitute cheddar. Parmesan or feta cheese would also work, although of course they’re not traditional.
  • You can use any kind of salsa you like for assembling this dish. We favor Salsa Verde with Roast Tomatillos (if you prefer, you can replace the jalapeños in this recipe with canned chipotle peppers). A tomato-based Homemade Salsa would also be good. 
  • We use kosher salt for cooking. It’s less salty by volume than regular table salt (the crystals are larger and more irregular, so they pack a measure less tightly). If using regular table salt, start with about half as much as we recommend. But always season to your taste, not ours.
Deconstructed Fajitas with Grits

Steaked

“Mmm, classic Tex-Mex,” said Mrs. Kitchen Riffs. “Lots of sizzle.”

“I have no beef with that comment,” I said.

“You showed some grit coming up with this dish,” said Mrs K R.

“Yup, fajitas are even better over grits,” I said. “Especially with jalapeño and cheese.”

“Cheesy is what we do,” said Mrs K R.

And who we are.

You may also enjoy reading about:
Cheesy Grits with Jalapeño (or not) Salsa and Picante Sauce
Salsa Verde with Roast Tomatillos
Deconstructed Fish Tacos with Grits
Tex-Mex Shredded-Beef Enchiladas
Shredded-Beef Soft Tacos
Slow-Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken
Homemade Corn Tortillas
Or check out the index for more

64 comments:

Pam said...

Great idea! It looks filling and super tasty.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Pam, it's really good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Mae Travels said...

Sounds delicious. I'm thinking it could be done on the Weber grill with the vegetables done in the grill basket that's made for that type of cooking. There would have to be a second cook in the kitchen to do the grits, though.

best... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Mae, this definitely could be done on the Weber. Probably you could do the grits while you're letting the meat sit (and you could stick the veggies in a low oven to keep warm). Thanks for the comment.

Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes said...

Love the idea of grits in place of tortillas! Fun and different!

Terry / Blue Kitchen said...

The whole dish looks terrific, but you had me at flank steak. It is so good, especially when cooked and sliced like you did here.

beyondkimchee said...

This makes me very hungry. I got to get a grill soon. I don't know why I don't have on yet.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Ashley, we'll say "yes!!" to grits anywhere, anytime. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Terry, we can never resist a good rib-eye steak, but flank really has terrific flavor. And much better than a more expensive cut for this dish. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Holly, you need a grill. :-) Although for this -- if you don't mind doing in on the stove and risk all the smoke -- a heavy frying pan or grill pan works just about as well. Thanks for the comment.

Evelyne CulturEatz said...

I never thought I would ever hear grits and fajitas in the same sentence. But it makes sense (take that gravity). Very curious to try.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Evelyne, sounds unusual, but it's a wonderful flavor combo. Which is what counts. And that gravity thing is nice, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Rocquie said...

You had me with grits. One of my favorite foods since childhood and so versatile. I have never tried them with Fajita toppings but I love the idea--thanks.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rocquie, grits are so good! We love 'em. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

WAY better than a lap full of grease! Sounds like a delicious combination with those flavorful grits!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Liz, much better. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sherry's Pickings said...

this looks tasty indeed KR. I think they've changed the name here for skirt steak. Heaven knows what they call it now:) People think we are odd (hubby and I) when we break up our taco shells into pieces before adding all the toppings but it's the best way to eat them! Cheers sherry

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Sherry, although we certainly do like tacos made the regular way, deconstructing them is much more fun. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Eha said...

*huge grin from Australia* Most of us 'ignoramuses' here know and cook little Tex-Mex, eat fajitas on trips to Mexico and S USA probably and substitute the oft-used polenta for grits we do not have, Basta ! And, yes, I do know all the differences. So this here is very tasty meat and veggies served with our beloved polenta - uhuh: geography again :) ! !

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Eha, we've actually served this with polenta -- pretty good! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Dahn said...

oh boy, those grits make this a whole new game! I love your spin on this classic

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Dahn, we like regular fajitas, but grits really do take this up another level. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Angie's Recipes said...

wow those steak slices are so perfectly done. This is definitely a winner, John.

Valentina said...

Coincidentally, tonight we ordered from our favorite Mexican restaurant and my son got (constructed) steak fajitas. And I must say, he would have preferred you deconstructed version. Love those generous, perfectly cooked slices of beef.

Merryn said...

Just lovely this is a brilliant twist and served with properly cooked grits will be amazing. Thanks for another great dish :D

Natalia said...

Yum, I love food like this, actually I am planning to maje something similiar for lunch today☺

Vicki Bensinger said...

Such a creative way to serve fajitas and certainly more flavorful. I love these!!!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Angie, it's really good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Valentina, we like the constructed version of fajitas, but we think these really are better -- easier to eat, look great, and the spicy grits add another flavor note. Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Merryn, the grits DO add a lot. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Natalia, bet you're going to have a wonderful lunch! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Vicki, kinda neat, huh? And really good! Thanks for the comment.

Healthy World Cuisine said...

We are notorious for lap cheesy messes. This is a great idea. Cuts down on laundry loads and is delicious. Take care

Jeff the Chef said...

This sounds delicious, John. Although it might seem counterproductive, I think I'd serve this dish with tortillas on the side!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Bobbi, aren't those cheesy messes unfun? :-) This helps solve them! Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Jeff, tortillas are SO good that serving them on the side is an excellent idea. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Sippity Sup said...

Actually there's nothing I hate about tacos (or fajitas)! While we're talking about love we might as well include grits. This is what Food52 calls a Genius Recipe. GREG

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Greg, I do remember your love for grits! You should try this -- it's good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Cocoa and Lavender said...

You didn’t deconstruct this, John - you blew it out of the water! Brilliant!

Rosita Vargas said...

Se ven exquisitas esas fajitas una verdadera delicia,abrazos.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi David, good stuff, huh? :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Rosita, it IS an exquisite dish! :-) Thanks for the comment.

GiGi Eats said...

Fajitas (chicken specifically) are one of my favorite dishes!! Hot, saucy, a tad bit spicy and served with lots of guac! Never thought to serve em with grits instead!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi GiGi, chicken fajitas are GOOD! As is guac. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kelly | Foodtasia said...

John, I could eat this every day! It looks fantastic!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kelly, we could eat this every single day, too. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Kankana Saxena said...

I always make a mess when am eating taco LOL, This is such a clever idea to serve deconstructed with grits. Makes it so comforting too.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Kankana, tacos are really messy. But really good. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Food Gal said...

Love this idea, especially for folks who tend to over-stuff their tortillas so that one bite causes everything to tumble out. And I confess that I am one of those people. LOL

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Carolyn, yeah, we resemble those people too. Exactly resemble them. :-) Thanks for the comment.

All That I'm Eating said...

It is the worst when they all fall apart so this is a great idea! Will definitely have to give this a try.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Caroline, this definitely solves the falling apart problem! :-) Thanks for the comment.

Balvinder said...

One of my favorite dishes but have not made in deconstructed form with grits yet, but I look forward to giving it a try.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Balvinder, the grits really add a lot of nice flavor to this. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Emma @ Bake Then Eat said...

Such a great idea to deconstruct it, you know, I have never had grits! I don't think they are available in the UK. So maybe I could use rice instead?

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Emma, rice would certainly work, although polenta would be the better choice (grits and polenta are pretty similar). Thanks for the comment.

Fran @ Gday Souffle said...

What a great solution to the collapsing taco shell!You've inspired me to try cooking with grits- never had them before. BTW, have you had chicken fajitas before at a Chili's Restaurant chain? Really good!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Fran, grits are really worth playing with. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Amira said...

Love how this dish looks, I've never tried grits before and this looks a nice recipe to start with. Thanks.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Amira, grits are wonderful! Neat flavor. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Judy@SavoringToday said...

You did it again. This is a brilliant way to serve an old favorite!

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Judy, isn't this a fun -- and good!!! -- dish? Really like it. :-) Thanks for the comment.

Marcelle said...

John, I have no beef with this dish! :) Gosh, I love grits and I never make them! I'm gonna have to change that and make a batch next time I make fajitas. This is a fun twist on tacos for sure, thanks for sharing.

Kitchen Riffs said...

Hi Marcelle, we really like grits instead of tortillas in a lot of Mexican dishes -- really good. Thanks for the comment.