Turkey Fajitas

Heads turn when a sizzling plate of fajitas makes its way across the dining room at a Mexican restaurant, as other diners consider whether they should hail their server and order a platter of deliciously charred vegetables and meat for themselves. Our turkey fajitas aim to replicate that feeling at home, and you don’t need to plan much in advance, as the entire recipe takes 30 minutes from start to finish.

Lean, tender and juicy turkey breast is cooked along with pungent onions and a colorful trio of bell peppers. The spices create a harmony of flavors, minced garlic adds its beloved pungency, and ground cumin imparts its earthy flavor. You even get a kick of spice thanks to the cayenne pepper, and the lime juice and cilantro come through at the end to liven things up with acidity and herby notes.

Add this one to your roster of easy weeknight dinners, and you’ll be turning out restaurant-quality fare from your own kitchen. Or, double it up and take it the next time you’re asked to share a dish—this is the recipe that will make you the queen of the potluck.

Ingredients for Turkey Fajitas

• Canola oil
• Boneless turkey breast tenderloins
• Green, sweet red and yellow peppers
• Onion
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Ground cumin
• Pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime juice
• Flour tortillas

Directions

Step 1: Cook the turkey

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the turkey, and cook and stir for two minutes.

Editor’s Tip: Use a cast-iron skillet if you have one. Since it gets really hot, a cast-iron skillet gives the meat and vegetables that signature fajita char.

Step 2: Add the vegetables and spices

Add the three peppers, the onion, garlic, salt, cumin, pepper and cayenne. Cook and stir for five minutes or until the turkey is no longer pink and the peppers are crisp-tender.

Editor’s Tip: You can add shredded cheese at this point too, if desired. That’ll give it time to melt and become gooey, wrapping all the ingredients into one cheese blanket.

Step 3: Assemble the fajitas

Stir in the cilantro and lime juice, and cook for one minute longer. Wrap the turkey mixture in the tortillas.

Editor’s Tip: For a better overall result, heat the tortillas to make them more pliable.

How to Store Turkey Fajitas

Store the turkey and vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last up to four days. Store the tortillas separately at room temperature or according to their package instructions. When you’re ready to eat, heat the fajita mix in the microwave or on the stovetop and serve it with warmed tortillas.

Turkey Fajita Tips

What is the best cheese for fajitas?

For fajitas, choose one of the best melting cheeses, like cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack or pepper jack. We also recommend crumbling some Cotija or queso fresco for its saltiness and creamy texture. You can even mix multiple cheeses together and create your perfect blend. Just remember that all cheeses will impart distinct flavors to the fajitas.

What should I serve with turkey fajitas?

You can pair your turkey fajitas with fresh pico de gallo, smoked salsa (or habanero salsa for a spicy kick), guacamole or even a light, vibrant garden salad. If you’re looking to make a full meal, serve the fajitas with Mexican rice, refried beans or even esquites.

How can I make my fajitas taste even better?

Marinating your meat is a great way to ensure that your fajitas really shine. When the meat sits in lime juice and a ton of spices, not only does it absorb the flavors and become seasoned from the inside but it also becomes more tender. That results in juicier meat once it’s cooked. But before you start cooking, take note of the meat marinating mistakes you’ll want to avoid.