South Texas Fajitas

Authentic South Texas fajitas are all about simple ingredients, high heat, and the unmistakable flavor of mesquite smoke. This recipe highlights two approaches: a traditional skirt steak preparation inspired by ranch cooking methods and a modern version using sirloin fajita meat that requires a shorter marinade.

Fajitas originated in the ranchlands of South Texas where vaqueros working cattle drives were often paid with less desirable cuts of beef like skirt steak. To make the most of the cut, cowboys tenderized the meat, marinated it with citrus, and cooked it quickly over mesquite wood fires before slicing it into thin strips and serving it in warm tortillas.

Cooking these fajitas on the Oklahoma Joe’s Blackjack Kettle Charcoal Grill allows you to build a hot mesquite fire and achieve the high direct heat that gives fajitas their signature char and smoky flavor.