The Solution to Rising Beef Prices: Skirt Steak Fajitas on a Budget

Finding a tasty, satisfying dinner that doesn’t break the bank can be a challenge. But with skirt steak priced around $11 per pound at stores like Aldi, Walmart, and Sam’s Club, you can serve Fajitas on a budget without overspending. This summer, I stocked up on skirt steak during an Aldi sale for just $8 per pound and froze it for later. If you see a good deal, don’t hesitate to buy extra and freeze it. It’s a smart way to enjoy quality beef fajitas anytime.

Sizzling skirt steak strips cooking in a skillet

Why Skirt Steak Works So Well for Fajitas

Skirt steak is a flavorful, thin cut of beef that absorbs marinades better than many other cuts. This makes it perfect for fajitas, where the marinade adds layers of taste and tenderness. You only need about a quarter to a third of a pound per person to serve a generous portion. That means a single pound of skirt steak can feed three to four people, stretching your meat budget further.

Fajitas are also great because they combine meat with colorful vegetables and fresh toppings, making the meal feel abundant without requiring a large amount of beef. Plus, fajitas cook quickly, so you can have dinner ready in about 15 minutes once the meat is marinated.

The World’s Best Marinade for Skirt Steak

I’ve used this marinade for 20 years and haven’t found a better one. It balances citrus, vinegar, and spices to tenderize the meat and add vibrant flavor.

Trick to remember marinade: One ingredient for each measuring cup: 1 c. orange juice, 1/2 c. vinegar, 1/3 c. lime juice, and 1/4 c. oil.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup orange juice

• 1/2 cup sherry vinegar

• 1/3 cup lime juice

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 1 tablespoon cumin

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3-4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

• 1-2 onions, thinly sliced

  
  

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a gallon Ziplock bag.

2. Add the skirt steak and seal the bag, pressing out excess air.

3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight for best results.

   
   

Skirt steak soaks up this marinade beautifully, making the meat tender and full of flavor.

Preparing the Vegetables

Fajitas are not just about the meat. The peppers and onions add sweetness, crunch, and color.

• Buy a package of multi-colored sweet bell peppers (3 peppers). Slice them into strips.

• Slice 1-2 sweet onions in half, then into 1/4-inch strips.

• Toss the peppers and onions in a bowl with two tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.

• Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the vegetables until they are slightly soft but still crisp.

  
  

This quick sauté keeps the vegetables fresh and vibrant, complementing the rich beef.

Colorful peppers and onions and fresh limes finish perfect fajitas!

Cooking and Serving Your Fajitas

One warning about skirt steak: never cook it beyond medium-rare. It becomes tough and chewy. It will take less than 5 minutes to cook most pieces of skirt steak. Thick pieces of beef may require slightly more time.

After marinating, cook the skirt steak in a hot skillet with a small amount of olive oil for 2-3 minutes, then flip it over and cook for 1-2 minutes on the other side. When you see the meat becoming done on the edges, it's time to flip the steak. Cook to your desired level of doneness, but use care not to overcook. Let the meat rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain. (Yes, you can cook the beef on a grill, but use care not to overcook, particularly if it's a thin piece of meat.)

Serve the steak and vegetables with warm flour tortillas, pico de gallo, and guacamole. These toppings add freshness and creaminess, rounding out the meal.

Tips for Serving a Crowd:

• Double the marinade and prepare both chicken breasts and shrimp.

• Marinate each protein separately to avoid cross-contamination.

• Never reuse marinade that has come into contact with raw meat, unless you boil it for at least 5-10 minutes to kill any bacteria.

  
  

Fajitas are a crowd-pleaser and perfect for gatherings because everyone can customize their own.

Skirt steak fajitas with tortillas, cilantro, and pico de gallo

Steak Fajitas on a Budget

Fajitas are a smart way to enjoy beef without overspending. The combination of skirt steak, fresh vegetables, and flavorful toppings creates a satisfying meal that feels generous. Buying skirt steak on sale and freezing it means you can enjoy this dinner any time.