Steak quesadillas are a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack. This hearty dish features the perfect combination of juicy, tender steak, melted cheese, and a crispy tortilla, making it a popular choice for Mexican food enthusiasts.
The following recipe will provide you with easy-to-follow steps on how to create a mouthwatering steak quesadilla at home. From selecting the best cut of beef, marinating and cooking the steak, to assembling and grilling the quesadilla, this guide will help you achieve optimal flavors and textures in your dish.
Ingredients
For this Steak Quesadilla recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
8-10 oz skirt steak, thinly sliced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese
4 flour tortillas (preferably 8-10 inches in diameter)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Additionally, you may want to prepare and serve your Steak Quesadilla with some optional accompaniments:
Guacamole
Sour cream
Salsa or pico de gallo
Chopped cilantro
To enhance the flavors, you can also include a simple marinade for the steak before cooking it. For the marinade, you will need:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Preparation
Begin by prepping the ingredients for the steak quesadilla. Thinly slice the steak and season with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices. Set the steak aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
In the meantime, prepare the other filling components. Dice the onions and bell peppers, and grate the cheese. You can use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a perfect blend of flavors.
Once the steak has marinated, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little drizzle of oil. Add the steak to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and slice it into bite-sized pieces.
In the same skillet, add the onions and bell peppers, and sauté until they are softened and slightly caramelized. This will take around 5-7 minutes.
Now, it’s time to assemble the quesadillas. Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface, and spread a layer of cheese on half of the tortilla. Add a layer of cooked steak and vegetables, and then top with another layer of cheese. Fold the tortilla over to close the quesadilla.
Heat a flat griddle or a large, clean skillet over medium heat. Cook the assembled quesadillas for 3-4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and the cheese has melted. Once cooked, remove the quesadillas from the heat and cut them into wedges.
Cooking Instructions
Begin by preparing all the necessary ingredients. You will need:
8-inch flour tortillas
Cooked steak, sliced thinly
Shredded cheese (preferably a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack)
Diced bell pepper
Chopped red onion
Cooking oil or spray
Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of cooking oil or spray, followed by the sliced steak, diced bell pepper, and chopped red onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables are softened and the steak is heated through. Set aside.
Warm another non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese on half of it. Then, add a portion of the cooked steak and vegetable mixture on top of the cheese.
Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling, creating a semi-circle shape. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even distribution of the filling. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bottom of the tortilla is golden brown. Carefully flip the quesadilla over and cook for another 2-3 minutes or until both sides are crispy and the cheese is melted.
Once cooked, transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and let it rest for 1-2 minutes. Then, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into wedges. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas, cheese, and filling. Serve the quesadilla warm with your choice of salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Serving Suggestions
A steak quesadilla is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with various sides and accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more delicious:
Fresh salsa: A homemade tomato, onion, and cilantro salsa can add a burst of flavor to your quesadilla. You can also try a fruit-based salsa like a mango or pineapple salsa for a touch of sweetness.
Guacamole: Creamy guacamole made from ripe avocados is a classic pairing with quesadillas. Include chopped tomatoes, onion, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing accompaniment that complements the cheesy filling.
Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds coolness and creaminess to balance the bold flavors of the steak and cheese. You can also use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative.
Grilled vegetables: For an extra serving of vegetables, consider grilling bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to serve alongside your steak quesadilla.
Refried beans: A side of refried beans can make your meal more hearty and filling. You can choose from traditional, pinto, or even black bean variations.
In addition to the side dishes, you can also customize your steak quesadilla with different types of cheese, toppings, or seasonings. Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own.
Variations and Tips
Steak quesadillas are versatile and can be customized to suit individual preferences. Here are some variations and tips to enhance your recipe:
Cheese: Try different types of cheese like pepper jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend for varied flavor profiles.
Veggies: Feel free to add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Alternative protein: If you prefer, substitute the steak with chicken, turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a different taste.
To create the best steak quesadilla experience, follow these useful tips:
Marinade:
Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours to achieve a tender and flavorful result.
Cooking:
Cook the steak to your desired doneness, typically medium-rare (130-135°F) to medium (140-145°F) for the best texture and flavor.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
