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Dee’s Original Fajitas with Espresso-Cocoa Rub Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 120 reviews

Dee’s Original Fajitas feature tender skirt, flank, flap, or flat iron beef rubbed with a bold espresso-cocoa spice mix, seared to perfection, and paired with vibrant, citrus-marinated poblano peppers, sweet onions, and colorful bell peppers. Served sizzling hot with classic fajita accompaniments, this recipe offers a flavorful, slightly smoky twist on traditional fajitas perfect for a lively family meal or entertaining friends.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef

  • 1 to 1 1/2 pounds beef (skirt, flank, flap, or flat iron), sliced across the grain

Beef Rub

  • 1 Tablespoon espresso granules or powder
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 Tablespoons dark brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons ground ancho chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
  • 1 heaping teaspoon salt

Veggies

  • 1 large or 2 smaller onions, quartered and layers separated
  • 1 or 2 poblano or other mild chilies, cut into large chunks
  • 3 sweet peppers (red, green, yellow, or orange), cut into chunks
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 1/4 cup)
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Oil for frying (peanut or canola recommended for high heat)

For Serving (Optional)

  • Tortillas, corn or flour
  • Fresh limes, quartered
  • Sour cream or Mexican crema
  • Avocados, sliced
  • Salsa of choice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef rub: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix espresso granules, cocoa powder, dark brown sugar, ground ancho chili, cayenne pepper, granulated garlic, and salt to create the dry rub.
  2. Rub the beef: Rinse and pat the beef dry. Massage the spice rub evenly over the meat. Let it rest at room temperature for about one hour to absorb the flavors.
  3. Marinate the veggies: Cut onions, poblanos, and sweet peppers into chunks. In a bowl, combine the citrus juices, crushed garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss the veggies in this marinade until well coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  4. Slice the beef: Just before cooking, slice the beef on the diagonal and against the grain into ½ inch thick slices to ensure tenderness.
  5. Cook the veggies: Heat a heavy cast iron skillet or fajita pan over medium-high heat. Add a suitable high smoke point oil such as peanut or canola. When hot, add the marinated veggies. Allow them to cook for 5 to 6 minutes, letting them develop a slight char before turning. Avoid overcooking. Once done, remove the veggies and set aside.
  6. Cook the beef: Increase heat to high. Add a small amount of oil to the hot pan. Place the beef slices in the pan, allowing them to sear and char on one side for a couple of minutes before turning. Cook until desired doneness, preferably medium rare to medium for the chosen cuts.
  7. Combine and finish: Once the beef is cooked, add the cooked veggies back into the pan. Stir to combine and warm through briefly.
  8. Serve: Serve the fajitas sizzling hot right in the skillet. Accompany with warm tortillas, fresh lime wedges for squeezing, sour cream or Mexican crema, avocado slices, and your favorite salsa.

Notes

  • Use high smoke point oils like peanut or canola for frying the veggies and beef to prevent burning; avoid olive oil for high-heat frying.
  • For optimal tenderness, slice beef against the grain and cook to medium rare or medium.
  • The espresso-cocoa rub adds depth and subtle smoky bitterness that pairs well with the spicy and citrusy elements.
  • Feel free to customize the heat by adjusting the cayenne pepper and ancho chili powder amounts.
  • Serve immediately while sizzling for the best presentation and flavor.
  • The recipe can be paired excellently with warm tortillas and traditional Mexican sides like Dee’s Easy Mexican Style Pinto Beans.

Keywords: fajitas, beef fajitas, espresso rub, cocoa rub, Mexican cuisine, cast iron skillet, marinated vegetables, spicy beef, quick dinner

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/dees-original-fajitas-with-espresso-cocoa-rub-recipe/