How Long to Grill Beef Fajitas for Perfectly Cooked, Flavorful Results

Beef fajitas are a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine – strips of marinated, grilled skirt or flank steak wrapped up with sauteed peppers and onions in a warm tortilla. When done right, they are full of smoky, charred flavors with a tender but still toothsome texture. However, getting beef fajitas just right off the grill requires knowing exactly how long to cook them. Undercook them and they will be tough and flabby; overcook them and they will be dry and chewy. So what is the ideal grilling time for beef fajitas? Follow this guide to learn how to achieve perfectly cooked beef fajitas every time.

Factors that Affect Beef Fajita Grilling Times

Several key factors impact just how long you need to grill beef fajitas

• Cut of beef – Traditional fajita cuts like skirt steak and flank steak are thin, so they cook faster than fattier cuts like ribeye or NY strip. Allow 4-8 minutes per side for skirt or flank steak.

• Thickness – Thicker cuts take longer to cook through to the center. Thinner fajita cuts need less time on the grill.

• Marinating time – Longer marination tenderizes meat so it grills faster. Marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

• Desired doneness – Rare fajitas cook faster than medium-well or well-done.

• Grill temperature – Hotter grills cook faster Maintain a medium-high heat between 400-450°F

• Cook by temperature – Use an instant-read thermometer to gauge doneness instead of just cooking time.

Step-by-Step Grilling Times for Perfect Beef Fajitas

Follow these simple steps for flawlessly grilled beef fajitas every time:

1. Select Cut and Prepare Meat

• Choose flank or skirt steak 1⁄2-1 inch thick. Slice across the grain into long, thin strips.

• Place strips in a gallon zip-top bag.

• Pour in 1⁄2 cup lime juice, 1⁄4 cup oil, and 3 cloves minced garlic.

• Refrigerate 1-24 hours to marinate.

2. Preheat Grill

• For gas, heat to 400-450°F (medium-high) with lid closed for 10-15 minutes.

• For charcoal, ignite a full chimney of coals.

• Leave all vents fully open.

3. Grill Fajita Meat

• Place marinated strips directly over heat.

• Sear untouched for 2 minutes to get grill marks.

• Flip and sear other side for 2 more minutes.

• Keep flipping and moving every 2 minutes until done.

• Total cooking time:

  • Flank steak (1⁄2 inch thick): 8-10 minutes
  • Skirt steak: 6-8 minutes
  • 1 inch thick flank steak: 10-12 minutes

4. Test for Doneness

• Instant-read thermometer should read:
  • Rare: 125°F
  • Medium rare: 135°F
  • Medium: 145°F
  • Medium well: 155°F
  • Well done: 165°F

5. Let Rest and Slice

• Remove meat from grill and let rest 5 minutes.

• Slice across the grain into thin strips.

• Serve immediately with warmed tortillas and toppings.

Grilling Tips for Perfectly Cooked Beef Fajitas

• Bring meat to room temp before grilling for more even cooking.

• Use tongs for turning instead of piercing meat which releases juices.

• Close grill lid between flipping to maximize heat and smoky flavors.

• Add peppers, onions, pineapple chunks during last 10 minutes to char.

• Rest before slicing so juices redistribute evenly.

• Slice across the grain of the meat for tenderest texture.

• Serve with tomato salsa, guacamole, sour cream, cheese, lettuce.

Common Beef Fajita Grilling Problems and Solutions

Problem: Fajitas are undercooked and chewy.

Solution: Allow more grilling time based on thickness, or increase grill heat. Check internal temp.

Problem: Fajitas are overcooked and dry.

Solution: Watch closely for doneness cues. Slice thinner pieces. Remove from grill sooner.

Problem: Fajitas stick to the grill grates.

Solution: Ensure grill is hot enough before adding meat. Use a light coating of oil on clean grates.

Problem: Fajitas lack char or grill marks.

Solution: Do not move the meat after placing on grill. Let sear 2 minutes before flipping.

Problem: Fajitas are unevenly cooked.

Solution: Ensure meat is patted dry so it cooks evenly. Cut strips to a uniform thickness.

Mastering the ideal grilling times for beef fajitas may take some trial and error, but the rewards are well worth it. Perfectly charred, juicy, and flavorful beef fajitas cooked just right in a matter of minutes are the hallmark of a grill master. Follow these guidelines for grilling times and temperatures, test for doneness, and adjust your methods as needed. In no time, you will be serving up restaurant-worthy fajitas right off your own grill. ¡Buen provecho!