gf steak fajitas

Gluten-Free Steak Fajitas

If you’re anything like me, you miss the days of casually ordering steak fajitas at a Mexican restaurant—watching that sizzling cast iron skillet come toward your table with the smokey aroma of seasoned beef and onions wafting through the air. But with celiac disease, trusting restaurant kitchens becomes a calculated risk, even at a cuisine that is seemingly easy to do gluten free. That’s why I love making these gluten-free steak fajitas at home. They’re quick, customizable, packed with flavor, and (best of all) safe.

These fajitas are restaurant-quality with minimal effort, made entirely with naturally gluten-free ingredients (just be sure your tortillas are certified GF—more on that below!). The marinade alone makes this a must-make meal.

Why You’ll Love These Gluten-Free Steak Fajitas

• 🌮 Naturally gluten-free: No weird substitutes, no bland flavors—just real ingredients that are safe for celiac eaters.

• 🔥 Restaurant flavor, home-cooked safety: Forget cross-contact concerns; this tastes just like your favorite Tex-Mex spot but made in your own kitchen.

• ⏱ Quick to prep: You can whip this up on a weeknight or prep the marinade in advance for an even faster meal.

• 🥗 Customizable: Load it up with grilled veggies, top with avocado or dairy-free cheese, and make it your own.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make gluten-free steak fajitas:

For the Steak and Marinade:

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lime juice - I used fresh and it came out to approx. 1/2 a lime

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp chili powder

• A hint of cayenne pepper

• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1 1/2 pounds flank steak (or skirt steak), sliced

• Chopped fresh cilantro to taste(optional if you’re not a fan)

For the Fajita Veggies:

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

Optional, for Serving:

• Certified gluten-free corn tortillas (I love the hard shell tacos from Siete!!!)

• Guacamole or sliced avocado

• Salsa or pico de gallo

• Dairy-free sour cream or shredded cheese

• Fresh lime wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Marinade

In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the olive oil, limes, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.

Set this marinade aside—you’ll use it in three parts: for the steak, for the veggies, and to finish the dish.

2. Prep the Steak

Slice your flank or skirt steak against the grain into thin strips (this helps keep the steak tender). Transfer the steak to a shallow bowl or resealable bag and pour 1/3 of the marinade over the steak. Toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.

3. Prep the Veggies

Slice your bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Toss them in a large bowl with another 1/3 of the marinade, making sure everything is evenly coated.

4. Sauté the Veggies

Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated veggies and sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until they’re tender and slightly charred. Transfer to a clean plate and set aside.

5. Cook the Steak

In the same pan, add a little olive oil if needed, then add your marinated steak slices in an even layer. Cook for 4–6 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the steak is cooked through and slightly seared.

Once the steak is done, add the cooked veggies back to the pan, pour in the remaining 1/3 of the marinade, and stir everything together for another minute or two. This brings all the flavors together and gives the dish a final punch of freshness and acidity.

5. Assemble the Fajitas

Warm your gluten-free tortillas in a dry pan or wrap them in foil and stick them in the oven for a few minutes.

Add a few slices of steak, a generous helping of the sautéed veggies, and any toppings you like—guacamole, salsa, dairy-free sour cream, cilantro, or lime juice. Serve hot!

Celiac-Safe Tips

Here’s how I ensure these steak fajitas stay 100% gluten-free and safe for anyone with celiac disease:

• ✅ Tortillas: Double-check that your tortillas are certified gluten-free. Many corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free but can be made in shared facilities. I am obsessed with Siete tortillas!

• ✅ Spices: Pure spices are usually gluten-free, but pre-mixed spice blends can sometimes include anti-caking agents or gluten-containing fillers. When in doubt, make your own (like in this recipe).

• ✅ Cross-contact: If you’re sharing a kitchen with non-GF eaters, prep your food on a clean, designated surface with dedicated utensils.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Marinade Ahead: You can marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance—just keep it refrigerated.

• Meal Prep: Store cooked steak and veggies in separate airtight containers. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the meat.

• Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the marinated raw steak in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed as usual.

What to Serve with Steak Fajitas

Here are some gluten-free sides that pair beautifully with these fajitas:

• Cilantro lime rice

• Mexican street corn (elote) – made with mayo and cotija cheese

• Black beans or refried beans (double-check labels!)

• Chips and fresh guac

• Tortilla chips with homemade salsa (double-check labels!)

Final Thoughts

These gluten-free steak fajitas are everything I miss about ordering out—without the worry. They’re bold, juicy, and sizzling with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual taco night, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Even my gluten-eating boyfriend asks for these on repeat, which is always the ultimate sign of a keeper!

So grab your gluten-free tortillas and fire up the skillet—these steak fajitas are about to become a weekly staple. 🌶️🌮🥩