A Texas fajita quesadilla is a delicious Tex-Mex dish that combines two classic Tex-Mex favorites – fajitas and quesadillas. It typically consists of seasoned and grilled steak or chicken fajita meat wrapped inside a flour tortilla with cheese. This cheesy, meaty, and flavorful quesadilla is then often served with common fajita sides like sautéed peppers and onions, guacamole, pico de gallo, and sour cream.
What are the origins of the Texas fajita quesadilla?
The origins of the Texas fajita quesadilla likely lie in Tex-Mex restaurants experimenting with different ways to enjoy fajita meat. While fajitas are traditionally served on a sizzling platter alongside warm tortillas, cheese, and fixings for diners to assemble their own tacos or fajita rolls, wrapping the meat and cheese in a tortilla to make a quesadilla form was a natural evolution.
Both fajitas and quesadillas originated in Texas and northern Mexico, so combining them into one dish made sense. Fajitas were first created by Mexican cowboys (vaqueros) in south and central Texas who would cook skirt steak over campfires, season it with simple spices, and eat it off their riding gear. This then evolved into fajita dishes cooked on grills and served at Tex-Mex restaurants.
Quesadillas also have their roots in Mexico, where they originated as a simple snack or meal of a tortilla filled with cheese and toasted on a comal. They became popular menu items at Tex-Mex restaurants in Texas and the southwest US. So putting fajita meat inside a quesadilla brought together two iconic Tex-Mex traditions into one tasty package.
What are the typical ingredients in a Texas fajita quesadilla?
The typical ingredients in a Texas fajita quesadilla include:
- Flour tortilla – The soft, pliable flour tortilla acts as the wrapper to envelop all the fillings.
- Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese – Melty cheese is essential for binding together all the ingredients.
- Fajita meat – Usually marinated and grilled skirt steak or chicken breast.
- Onions and bell peppers – Sautéed onions and peppers add texture and flavor.
- Oil or butter – A small amount of oil or butter is used to cook and lightly crisp the tortilla.
Additional ingredients like guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or jalapeños can also be added on top or on the side.
Meats
The most common meats used for fajita quesadillas are:
- Skirt steak – The traditional cut used for fajitas. It’s flavorful and becomes tender when marinated and grilled.
- Chicken breast – Lean and absorbs the fajita seasonings well. Often sliced or shredded after cooking.
- Shrimp – Brings a lighter, seafood flavor.
Cheese
Good melty cheeses include:
- Monterey Jack – The classic Tex-Mex cheese, Monterey Jack has just the right melting properties.
- Cheddar – Both white and yellow cheddar add great flavor.
- Asadero – A Mexican cheese similar to Monterey Jack.
- Oaxaca – A stringy Mexican cheese.
Vegetables
In addition to the cheese and meat, fajita quesadillas often contain:
- Onions – Thinly sliced onions caramelize when sautéed adding sweetness.
- Bell peppers – Most commonly green, red, or yellow bell peppers.
- Jalapeños – Diced or sliced jalapeños bring heat.
How do you make a Texas fajita quesadilla?
Making a fajita quesadilla at home is easy to do with just a few steps:
- Season and cook the fajita meat – The steak or chicken is marinated then grilled or sautéed. Onions and peppers are sautéed.
- Lightly oil or butter a flour tortilla – Just a small amount spread evenly to help lightly crisp the tortilla.
- Layer the fillings on half the tortilla – Cheese first, then meat, veggies, etc.
- Fold the tortilla over the filling – Create a half moon shape.
- Cook on both sides until crispy and the cheese melts – Either pan fry, grill, or bake in the oven a few minutes per side.
- Slice into wedges and serve – Top with guacamole, salsa, etc. if desired.
Marinating and Cooking the Meat
The fajita meat can be cooked either on an outdoor grill or stoveop skillet. Marinating it first adds lots of flavor:
- For steak – marinate several hours with oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder.
- For chicken – marinate up to a day with oil, lime, garlic, chili powder, cumin.
Cook over high heat until done, let rest, then slice thinly against the grain.
Sautéing the Vegetables
The onions and peppers can be quickly sautéed in a hot skillet with some oil until softened and lightly charred in spots. Make sure to season them well with salt and pepper.
What are some popular ways to customize a fajita quesadilla?
There are many tasty ways to customize your fajita quesadilla:
- Add different vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or roasted corn
- Use additional cheeses like pepper jack, Oaxaca, or queso fresco
- Top with avocado, guacamole, or mashed black beans
- Include salsas – tomatillo salsa, salsa verde, salsa roja
- Mix up the protein – try shrimp, pork carnitas, grilled fish
- Add spice with jalapeños, serranos, or habaneros
Get creative with sauces too. Drizzle over flavorful chimichurri, cilantro crema, chipotle aioli, or ancho chile sauce.
What are some ways to serve a Texas fajita quesadilla?
There are many classic Tex-Mex sides that pair perfectly with a fajita quesadilla:
- Guacamole – Cool, creamy guacamole balances the richness.
- Pico de gallo – Fresh tomato salsa adds texture.
- Sour cream – Drizzle on top for a cooling tang.
- Refried beans – Warm, creamy beans.
- Mexican rice – Rice simmered with tomatoes and spices.
- Sautéed peppers and onions – For extra vegetables.
You can also serve fajita quesadillas with typical Tex-Mex condiments on the side like jalapeños, shredded lettuce, limes, hot sauce, and tortilla chips for scooping up any toppings.
Other Serving Ideas
In addition to the classic sides, fajita quesadillas pair well with:
- Corn on the cob
- Refried black beans
- Skillet potatoes or fries
- Charro beans
- Mexican street corn salad
For a complete Tex-Mex meal, add Spanish rice, chips and salsa, and sopapillas for dessert.
What drinks pair well with a fajita quesadilla?
Here are some excellent drinks to enjoy with a Texas fajita quesadilla:
Non-Alcoholic Drink Pairings
- Mexican Coke or Jarritos
- Horchata
- Jamaica (hibiscus flower) agua fresca
- Margaritas or mojitos made with non-alcoholic mixes
- Mexican hot chocolate
- Fresh limeade
Beer and Cocktail Pairings
- Mexican lager like Corona or Modelo
- Michelada – beer mixed with lime juice, hot sauce, etc.
- Classic frozen or on the rocks margarita
- Mexican mule – tequila, ginger beer, lime
- Paloma – tequila, grapefruit soda, lime
- Sangria
The lime, spice, and acidity in these drinks helps cut through the richness of the quesadilla for the perfect pairing.
Where can you find the best Texas fajita quesadillas?
Here are some top spots in Texas that are known for their excellent fajita quesadillas:
Austin
- Curra’s Grill
- Torchy’s Tacos
- Maudie’s Tex-Mex
Dallas / Fort Worth
- Ojeda’s Mexican Restaurant
- Unos Tacos Lounge
- Primo’s MX Kitchen and Lounge
Houston
- The Original Ninfa’s
- El Tiempo Cantina
- Pappasito’s Cantina
San Antonio
- Los Barrios
- Barbaro
- Ray’s Drive Inn
At these spots and other great Texas Tex-Mex joints, you can expect fresh, house-made tortillas, high quality fajita meats, and flavorful salsas and sauces that really make their fajita quesadillas stand out.
Conclusion
A Texas fajita quesadilla brings together two Tex-Mex favorites into one easy, handheld meal. Seasoned grilled steak or chicken and melted cheese get wrapped in a tortilla and loaded with classic taco toppings. This flavor-packed quesadilla can be customized in endless ways and served with typical Tex-Mex sides for a hearty yet fun dinner or appetizer. Tex-Mex restaurants across Texas do fantastic versions, using fresh house-made tortillas and high quality ingredients. Making fajita quesadillas at home is also easy and a great way to enjoy the classic taste of Tex-Mex cuisine.